Hope Cancer Resources

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

2012-01-30T16:12:00.002-06:00

The Arkansas Department of Health recently published their annual report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It states that cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The overall estimated cost of cancer in the U.S. in 2010 was $263.8 billion, with the highest costs being assocated with breast, colorectal, lymphoma, lung and prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts about 577,190 people will die of cancer in the U.S. this year. That averages out to approximately 1,500 each day. What are you doing to reduce your risk?

Cancers caused by environmental exposures are modifiable and can be prevented. The American Cancer Society estimates that in this country in 2010 approximately 171,000 cancer deaths were related to tobacco use and one-third of the 569,490 deaths were related to obesity and physical inactivity. Deaths from cancers caused by infectious agents, such as Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) etc. could have been prevented through behavioral changes, vaccinations and antibiotics.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so in our weekly posts we'll be taking a closer look at a few specific ways to prevent cancer in yourself and your loved-ones. To get us started, here's a list created by the Mayo Clinic:

1. Don't Use Tobacco

Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney — and chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of lung cancer.

Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. If you need help quitting tobacco, our Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Casey Shelor, can help. Contact her by email or at 479-361-5847 for a confidential appointment.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, a diet heavy in fats and processed foods has been linked to several types of cancer. Consider these guidelines:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight & Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Maintaining a healthy weight may lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better. Try a fitness class, rediscover a favorite sport or meet a friend for daily brisk walks.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get Immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.(We covered this subject in detail in our recent post about HPV vaccines.)

6. Avoid Risky Behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take Early Detection Seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

If you have any questions about these tips, you can contact one of our Certified Health Education Specialists at 479-361-5847.

More Than a Mission Statement

2012-01-23T17:08:00.003-06:00

When we created our mission statement back in 2009 we thought we covered the bases pretty well. But a mission statement is really just "the big picture" of the organization it represents. For those individuals fortunate enough to have never watched a loved one endure a battle with cancer, or gone through one themselves, it's hard to imagine exactly what "cancer support" can entail.

Our social workers work with patients to determine their immediate needs, as well as needs that may arise in the future as they are going through treatment. Since we meet with patients on their very first visit to the oncology clinic, it's common to hear "I'm fine, I won't be needing any help." But we still share our services and programs... just in case. And many times, we hear from them later when the reality sets in. Cancer treatment is extremely difficult - physically and emotionally. On both fronts, we meet patients' needs.

Here's a list of the opportunities for giving support that we encounter every day with the patients and families we serve:

Financial Assistance

Prescription Assistance: Hope Cancer Resources assists with the purchase of cancer-related prescriptions and will help find long-term drug assistance whenever possible. The medications used to treat cancer are not like those used to treat a case of strep-throat or a stomach bug. And you don't have to be uninsured to find yourself facing a financial struggle when diagnosed with cancer. When medical insurance covers a percentage of your prescription medications and your chemotherapy drug is $2000 for a 30-day supply, you could end up writing a check for $500. And that's just for one medication. In 2011, we purchased 981 individual prescriptions for patients at a total value of $45,035. In addition, we assisted in matching patients with pharmaceutical company programs that provided $173,414 in prescriptions to patients in Northwest Arkansas.

Emergency Financial Assistance: We provide direct, temporary assistance to cancer patients who are struggling financially due to their treatment, including payments for housing and/or transportation needs as well as dental needs associated with their cancer diagnosis. Just as with prescription medication costs, a cancer-related financial crisis can be completely unexpected. A patient undergoing cancer treatment may be forced to take time off work or incur travel expenses, or just have more medical bills than usual. We help alleviate the stress associated with making sure that bills are paid while medical necessities are provided. Last year, we provided $188,380 in emergency financial assistance and $56,175 in gasoline cards to help patients get through their treatment.

Emotional Assistance

Our services compliment each other in every way. Every time we interact with a cancer patient or their family members there is an opportunity to provide emotional support. Even the smallest thing - like providing a brochure - can reduce a patient's stress level. Licensed social workers help patients and caregivers cope with emotional distress through counseling, education and information on support groups offered in our community, including those facilitated by our staff. In 2011, we served 2,337 patients with 9,348 hours of emotional support through support groups, counseling, and intensive emotional support.

Spanish Interpretation

Imagine being faced with a diagnosis of cancer and not being able to speak the same language as the medical staff providing your treatment. Our Spanish interpreter is available to assist patients during appointments as requested by patients and their caregivers. Last year, our interpreter provided 599 hours of assistance to patients in need.

Tobacco Cessation
Every list ever published telling us how to be healthier and reduce our risk of cancer puts stopping smoking at the top. We all know it's a deadly habit, but it's a terrible one to try to quit on your own. Our Certified Health Education Specialists will meet one-on-one with patients to talk about strategies and resources to help you quit using tobacco products. In 2011, we provided smoking cessation counseling to 94 individuals who made the decision to quit.

Transportation
Sometimes a patient's biggest obstacle when trying to survive a cancer diagnosis is just getting to treatment. Some types of cancer or medications cause patients to be unable to drive for their own safety. Some patients simply don't have adequate transportation or anyone who can get them to and from their appointments. We provide rides to and from treatment and other cancer-related medical appointments when a patient has no other options available to them. Last year, our drivers made 2,299 trips totaling 129,043 miles to guarantee every patient had an equal shot at recovery.

Please visit the Hope Cancer Resources website for more on our services and contact information.

HPV Vaccines - Who Needs Them?

2012-01-16T12:40:00.000-06:00

You may have heard about the HPV Vaccine, but do you know what HPV is? Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 150 related viruses. They get their name because certain types may cause warts, or papillomas, which are non-cancerous growths.Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs are the primary cause of cervical and anal cancers. Genital HPV infection also causes some cancers of the vulva, vagina, and penis, as well as some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue and tonsils.)

The FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent HPV infection - Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections with the strains of HPV that cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Garadsil also prevents infection with the types which cause 90% of genital warts, a non-cancerous sexually transmitted infection.

Gardasil is approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is recommended that the vaccine be given routinely to girls at age 11 to 12 years old, although doctors may choose to vaccinate girls as young as 9. It requires three doses spread over several months. The vaccine can also be given to girls and women 13 to 26 who did not receive the vaccine at the recommended ages. However, if a girl or woman is already infected with HPV, the vaccine will not prevent that strain of HPV from causing disease. It will protect against new infections with other strains of HPV included in the vaccine.

The vaccine is also being studied in males, and was recently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in men ages 11 to 21. Men can get HPV infections and pass the virus along to their sexual partners. HPV has caused genital warts and is associated with rare cases of cancer of the penis. It is also linked to anal cancers, primarily in homosexual men.

For more information on HPV vaccines or cervical cancer, contact Casey Shelor, one of our Certified Health Education Specialists, by email or by phone at 479-361-5847. Information for this article was gathered from WebMD and the National Cancer Institute.

When You Can't Afford the Test

2012-01-04T14:34:00.001-06:00

You may have read recently that the American Cancer Society is reporting a decline in cancer deaths over the last two decades. Unfortunately, while many of the more common types of cancer are declining, some of the less-common types are actually on the rise. Many types of cancer can be found in early stages with screenings and tests that are prescribed by a physician, making successful treatment and recovery more likely. And, if a patient has health insurance coverage with a decent preventative component, chances are they won't pay anything for the procedure. Unfortunately, too many Americans have no access to health coverage that will pay for these tests. Even a co-pay or deductible for one of these tests can cost hundreds of dollars, making them impossible for many people to afford. This can lead to delayed care and late-stage, more deadly, diagnoses.

Hope Cancer Resources provides a program as a local resource in Northwest Arkansas for patients who need costly tests done, but who are under- or uninsured and unable to pay for them out-of-pocket. Our Save-A-Life program requires a simple financial application, and, if the applicant qualifies, a staff member will coordinate with a medical provider who will perform the screening and send the bill to us. In 2011 we paid for 503 screenings valued at $318,301. That's certainly an impressive number, but value aside...the reality is that many of the patients we assisted would not have had the screenings done at all if the Save-A-Life program had not been available, putting them at an increased risk for a late-stage (and more deadly) cancer diagnosis.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Many woman have a screening for cervical cancer every time they visit their gynecologist, called a Pap test. The pap test is the initial test for cancer screening, but an abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. There are other causes of abnormal pap tests; however, your doctor may feel that a colposcopy is needed to rule out cancer. During the colposcopy,which is done in a gynecologist's office, the doctor will take a small tissue sample for biopsy. Based on the results of the biopsy, another procedure may be needed, or the doctor may choose to do more frequent pap tests for a period of time to assure that the abnormal cells are clearing.

"Mary" was a patient who contacted our office because she could not afford a pap test. Upon questioning, we learned that she did not have a primary care physician because she could not afford to see one. She was referred to an area community clinic that charges on a sliding scale according to income. Mary was established at the clinic with a primary care provider who performed a pap test. The results of the test were “abnormal” and the provider determined that she needed a colposcopy. Because she could not pay, the community clinic referred her to Save-A-Life. After determining that Mary was eligible, our Save-A-Life coordinator set up an appointment with a participating gynecologist and faxed a voucher stating that we would cover the cost of the colposcopy. The biopsy results revealed a low-grade level of abnormality and it was determined that she did not need further treatment at that time, but needed another pap test in six months. Because her financial situation was unchanged six months later, Save-A-Life paid for the follow-up pap test as well.

For many people in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding region, not having access to healthcare increases their chances of being diagnosed with a late-stage cancer. By providing prevention education and information about our programs like Save-A-Life, we are working to be part of the solution for that challenge.

What Do You Know About Cervical Cancer?

2012-01-03T07:30:00.001-06:00

The American Cancer Society estimated there would be over 12,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed in 2011. Between 1975 and 2003, incidences declined due to prevention efforts and early detection as a result of screening with the Pap test. However, since 2003 rates have been stable, and approximately 4,200 women were expected to die of the disease last year.

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix - the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Symptoms don't usually appear until abnormal cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom, including spotting between regular menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. Other possible signs are heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding, unusual pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and bleeding after menopause.

Are there symptoms?
Early-stage cervical cancer usually produces no signs or symptoms, making it important to get regular screenings to be able to catch any abnormalities early when the disease is more easily treated. The current recommendation is for every woman over the age of 21 to get a Pap screening every two years. After age 30, if you've had a normal result for three years in a row, you can ask your doctor about spacing them out to every three years. Beyond age 65, discuss your need for continued testing with your doctor.

Am I at risk?
There are a number of risk-factors involved with cervical cancer. The most common known risks are:

Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners - and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners - the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.
Early sexual activity. Having sex before age 18 increases your risk of HPV.
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have other STIs - such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV/AIDS - the greater your chance is of also having HPV.
A weak immune system. Most women who are infected with HPV never develop cervical cancer. However, if you have an HPV infection and your immune system is weakened by another health condition, you may be more likely to develop cervical cancer.
Cigarette smoking. Smoking and HPV infection may work together to cause cervical cancer.
Your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant.

As with any type of cancer, it is important to know your risks, be aware of the signs and symptoms, and speak to your doctor any time you have concerns or questions.

Information for this post was gathered from the Mayo Clinic and Women'sHealth.gov.

Defining "New Normal"

2011-12-26T07:30:00.004-06:00

This week we're sharing a piece written by one of Hope Cancer Resources' Oncology Social Workers, Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW.

The term "New Normal" has a special connotation for people undergoing treatment and/or survivors of cancer. Without their consent, they have been inducted into an intense and often baffling treatment regimen, one that changes their daily routines, expectations, interactions with others and ability to predict how they will fare during and after prescribed treatments. This is a daunting trajectory and one best faced in small doses.

As human beings we seek to predict, quantify and control. These instincts, while often previously successful, can be impediments to smoothly navigating the cancer treatment labyrinth. Oncologists, who the patient seeks to trust implicitly, are often the first to admit that treatment involves commonalities but that each individual tends to respond in a somewhat unique manner. The truth is that none of us working with cancer treatment have a crystal ball. That said, here are a few observations noted by this writer courtesy of cancer patient wisdom and research.

Undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation will test one’s metal. Chemo induces various side effects but the overwhelming one mentioned is fatigue. And a close second is chemo brain. The former is a bone weary fatigue and the latter is a passing state of impaired memory and clarity. It is essential that one lower his/her triathlon or quiz show expectations during these phases. There will be good days and not-so-good days. Learning to be gentle with oneself is as crucial as any pill one may swallow. It is an art to be cultivated along with a stalwart sense of humor.

One’s entire arsenal of healthy coping is there to be used. This may include but is not limited to eating well, exercise (physical, mental and spiritual), common sense, resourcefulness, courage, compassion (self first!), joyfulness, intelligence, mirth, humility, faith, hope and love. These are the aspects of you—unlike cells—that cancer cannot touch. Use them in large doses.

Priorities will change. Things that once seemed important are relegated to the back seat of the caboose. To quote Arthur Golden in Memoirs of a Geisha, “Adversity is a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” Most patients say that such experiences were the awakening of new strength and understanding.

Avoid the naysayers. Cancer, rather like pregnancy, invites unsolicited confidences from others. Some will be little gems to be treasured while other “stories” will be about fear, pain and darkness. You get to choose who you will listen to and who you will wish well and send on their merry way.

This disease touches everyone in contact with it: patient, family, friends, co-workers, medical staff, clergy, etc. For most of us this process is humbling and awe-inspiring. We strive to take something substantive from it, many of us again and again. There is one certainty - It will change us. Let your new normal reflect your hope and courage as we begin this 2012.

Our Mission in Northwest Arkansas

2011-12-19T17:17:00.000-06:00

We provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

While our mission statement does state exactly what we do, it doesn't provide much detail. So here is more information about the role we play in Northwest Arkansas in keeping our neighbors healthy and supporting those who need a little help as they battle a cancer diagnosis.

Health Education Services
On any given day it seems there is a story in the news about cancer research, new treatments or screenings, and new theories on how to prevent cancer by changing your lifestyle. It would be a challenge for any one person to keep up, so we provide the latest information through our Cancer Prevention & Education staff.

Hope Cancer Resources employs two Certified Health Education Specialists who provide cancer prevention education at no cost to employers, schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations in Northwest Arkansas. Prevention education can be tailored to the needs of the group requesting our services, and can include breast self-examination instruction, skin wellness, informational seminars on the basics of cancer and tobacco cessation. Our programs are designed to be age-appropriate for all groups from elementary schools to retirement communities. Individual tobacco cessation counseling is also available with our certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist in a six-week long one-on-one program. For more information or to set up a cancer education seminar or counseling session contact Casey Shelor, M.S., CHES, CTTS at 479-361-5847 or by email.

In addition to prevention education, our Save-A-Life program provides assistance to the underserved and uninsured (based on financial need) for screening and diagnostic tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers. Throughout the year, with the assistance of local physicians who volunteer their time, we also hold free prostate (September) and skin cancer (April) screenings and provide free colon/rectal screening kits (March). These programs provide access to early detection, thereby offering a better chance for successful treatment and recovery. For more information, contact Christina Bostian at 479-361-5847 or by email.
For some individuals with a family history of cancer, a hereditary risk consultation may be in their best interest. Consultation is available to discuss risk factors for pertinent cancers. For more information or to set up a personal and confidential appointment, contact Sandy Prince at 479-361-5847 or by email. Patient Support Services When a cancer patient visits their oncologist for the first time, the experience can be a welcome relief, but it can also be a source of great stress and anxiety. All too often, the physical effects of cancer are only a part of the whole picture. Worries about finances, family, side-effects of treatment, and even death can be overwhelming to the point that treatment may seem unbearable and recovery unreachable. Our licensed Social Workers meet with patients and their caregivers - usually on the patient's very first visit to the oncology clinic - to determine what challenges they might face during their treatments. They address those that can be lessened or avoided with our assistance and refer patients to other resources as necessary. Our social workers are allies who are available to be called on as often as necessary on the journey toward recovery. Some of the services we provide include: Transportation – Our drivers provide rides in Hope Cancer Resources' vehicles to and from treatment and other cancer-related medical appointments when a patient is unable to drive. Prescription Assistance – We assist with the purchase of cancer-related prescriptions and will help find long-term drug assistance through pharmaceutical company assistance programs whenever possible. Emergency Assistance – We provide direct, temporary assistance to cancer patients who are struggling financially due to their treatment, including payments for housing and/or transportation needs as well as dental needs associated with their cancer diagnosis. Emotional Assistance - Licensed social workers help patients and caregivers cope with emotional distress. We offer counseling, education and information on support groups offered in our community, including those facilitated by our staff. Spanish Interpretation - Our Spanish interpreter is available to assist patients during appointments as requested by patients and their caregivers. Contact Kathy Taylor at 479-361-5847 or by email. We are grateful for the support of our community and for our staff who provide such outstanding care. For more information on our services or how you can be involved, contact us at 479-361-5847.

Making an Impact

2011-12-12T16:00:00.002-06:00

In the busy world we live in it is often easy to ignore the possibility of a sudden onset of illness. It is easy to under-appreciate the job we go to Monday-Friday each week and our paycheck that may not provide us with a lot of luxuries, but at least pays the bills. It is easy to assume that you will continue to be able to walk out to your car, turn the key, and drive where ever you need to go. Until you are actually faced with a diagnosis of cancer, it is simply too easy to pretend that it will never happen to you or someone you love.

But for many cancer patients, their illness is almost all they can think about. The "normal" stuff of life like bills and groceries take a back seat at times. At Hope Cancer Resources, our mission is simple: We provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. Every day, we meet new patients at Highlands Oncology clinics in Washington and Benton counties. And every day someone finds out, after speaking to our staff, that a seemingly insurmountable obstacle might be smaller than they originally thought. We thought the holiday season would be a good time to share some of their stories.

E. is an fifty something breast cancer survivor. Over a period of about six years she has nursed two aging parents, lost one to illness, and experienced a double mastectomy herself as a result of her cancer diagnosis. Prior to her reconstructive surgery, E. experienced some not unexpected anxiety. As an independent and self-reliant woman, she was reluctant to share these feelings with friends. As her surgery drew near, she visited with one of our social workers and explored a number of the issues provoking her anxieties. According to her counselor, their sessions were tinged with poignant revelations and considerable humor. About two months after her surgery, E. made the following comment at the end of the session. “I like coming here. I’ve noticed that we don’t talk about my cancer anymore. We talk about life.” E. fully embraced all aspects of her life. Cancer was just one of them.

A 15-month-old child was diagnosed with cancer and the mother was required to take her child to Little Rock for treatments. One morning, when she was preparing to leave for Little Rock for an appointment, her car would not start. She quickly worked to find out if the car could be repaired and was told a part would have to be ordered. Desperate to get her baby to the appointment, she called us. We were able to help her rent a car for the trip and pay for fuel that day so the family could get to the appointment.

M. is a 45 year old woman that we met after her diagnosis of colon cancer. She had suffered a traumatic brain injury several years before and had been forced to go on disability as a result. Her husband was also out of work due to being laid off his job of many years. Due to the couple living on a very limited income they were concerned about the cost of driving the 100-mile round trip for the numerous doctor appointments, scans and chemo treatments that would be required for her treatment. Our social worker was able to provide the couple with fuel assistance to and from these appointments which helped ease the financial strain caused by the patient’s illness. The social worker continued to check in with the couple as they were suffering from emotional distress as well. The patient’s husband shared that his wife enjoyed these conversations and even looked forward to them as she was isolated due to her illness. After the patient finished her treatment the couple expressed their extreme gratitude not only for the financial support, but also the emotional support provided by the social worker and the entire Hope Cancer Resources team.

A 1-year-old boy diagnosed was with a fast-growing, highly malignant tumor. A social worker at Arkansas Children's Hospital gave our phone number to his grandparents - his legal guardians - as they were in need of financial assistance. The grandmother had recently lost her job due to the amount of time she needed to take off work to drive to Little Rock for her grandson's treatments. Recently, the grandfather was laid off and has been on unemployment looking for another job. They were starting to fall behind on bills and needed assistance. The grandfather told our social worker that the biggest needs were rent, car payment, utilities and food. We referred him to local food pantries for essential items, and we assisted with their rent, car payment, a water bill and gasoline to help them get the child to his medical appointments in Little Rock.

Gifts made to Hope Cancer Resources throughout the year - no matter the size - all contribute to the success of these patients and hundreds of others who turn to us when they need assistance as they undertake one of the most difficult journeys of their lives: the journey toward becoming a Cancer Survivor.

$10 pays for a necessary prescription. $25 provides a gasoline card to a patient who might not get to their treatment without it. $50 pays a water bill. $100 pays a gas bill. $250 provides a car payment. $500 pays a mortgage for a month. Every dollar of every gift is put directly to use in Northwest Arkansas, allowing us to assist patients and their families with our no-cost services throughout the year.

Since January of this year, we have made an impact on the financial and emotional well-being of over 2,000 individuals in our community.

Prescription assistance in the amount of $40,749 provided directly, with additional assistance valued at $156.244 offered through pharmaceutical companies.
Emergency financial assistance in the amount of $169,934 provided to patients to pay for utilities, rent/mortgages, and car payments.
$52,395 in gas cards distributed to patients to help with travel to and from appointments.
Our Save-A-Life program provided 503 cancer screenings valued at $318,301 to uninsured and under-insured patients whose physicians ordered procedures they could not afford.
537 hours of Spanish interpretation services were provided to Spanish-speaking patients at medical appointments related to their cancer diagnosis.
Our transportation service drove patients 119,608 miles to and from their appointments.

We hope that as you consider your charitable giving for 2012, you will put Hope Cancer Resources on your list. Whether it be a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, we - and the people we serve - are truly grateful for your generosity. We do what we do because of donors like you, and for patients like these:

“Hope Cancer Resources went above and beyond when helping me. I can’t think of a single thing you could have done to make me feel any more important, personal, loved and taken care of.”

Holiday Helpers

2011-12-05T14:07:00.000-06:00

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people who are facing an illness. Memories of past celebrations are bittersweet, and the future of long-held traditions may be uncertain. For people dealing with cancer, as well as their families, taking time to reflect and enjoy can be hard, but may be especially necessary.

There are many opportunities in Northwest Arkansas to enjoy the season, or at the very least, spend a few hours focused on something other than your diagnosis. As your health permits, add a few of these to your list of things to do this month:

Look out for holiday light displays and parades - always a great way to spend an evening.
If it's too cold out for you, rent some classic Christmas movies and stay in where it's warm.
Buy a few rolls of cookie dough and make cookies. If you won't eat them, your neighbors surely will.
Attend holiday concerts and look for festive shopping opportunities. Even if you spend a lot of time sitting on a bench at the mall watching others rush, the music and decorations might help you get into the holiday spirit.
Send holiday cards to your local nursing/rehab facility and ask that they deliver them to people without family close by.

If you or someone you love are currently going through cancer treatment in Northwest Arkansas, keep the following list in mind and reach out for support as necessary. (Note: you should confirm dates and locations of meetings this month as some may change to accomodate holiday schedules.)

A Place for Us: Caregiver Support Group

Caregivers of cancer patients are invited to attend this monthly group to find advice, support, and information to help them help their loved-ones. Contact: Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW – 479-361-5847

Art/Survivor’s Circle
Art therapy group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday every month at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: Susan Earnest, RN – 479-521-8024

Been There
Local network of cancer survivors who volunteer to provide one-on-one support for newly diagnosed patients. Contact: Christy Scarrow, LSW – 479-361-5847

Blood Cancers Group
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Hope Cancer Resources, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Contact: Meredith Kinsey, BSW – 479-361-5847

CLIMB – Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
For children ages 6-12 who have a parent or other adult loved one with cancer. Registration is required for this six week group. Contact: 479-361-5847 for more information.

Coping and Conversation
Anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregiver are welcome every Wednesday at noon at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends
Breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 479-756-1700 for location and more information.

Lung Cancer Group
Open to lung cancer patients and their caregivers. It meets the 3rd Thursday every month at Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Adela Martinez, LSW – 479-361-5847 or Lisa Russell, RN – 479-587-1700

Online Support Group

Online support for individuals affected by cancer is available 24 hours a day at your convenience. Membership is available to individuals 18 years old or over, and is free as well as confidential. Contact: Morgan Lauener-Cobb, LSW – 479-361-5847

Prostate Cancer Group
Supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. This group meets the 4th Tuesday every month at Community Church in Bella Vista. Contact: 479-855-1126 for more information.

SPOHNC – Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancers
This group meets the 3rd Saturday every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Cancer Support Home at Fayetteville. Contact: Jack or Temple Igleburger – 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807

Upbeats
Support group for women with cancer meeting the 1st Wednesday every month at Papa Mike’s in the Kingsdale Complex in Bella Vista. Contact: Karen Willis – 479-855-6575

Young Survivors
For young women coping with a cancer diagnosis. This group meets the last Thursday every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

Women with Cancer Group
Meets the 2nd Monday every month at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Contact: Susan Earnest, RN – 479-521-8024

Gifts for the Cancer Patient

2011-11-28T16:41:00.000-06:00

The countdown is on! December holidays are only weeks away, and the shopping frenzy has begun for most of us. Given that 1 in 2 American men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes it is not a stretch to assume that most of you have a friend or loved-one who is currently in treatment for cancer.

Before you start making your gift list, ask a few questions. Cancer patients can suffer from a number of strange and complex side-effects, depending on their diagnosis and treatment choices. Rather than try to cover all the possibilities for all the different types of cancer and treatments, we'll just suggest that you talk to your friend or loved-one's caregivers or family and in addition to asking about their favorite colors, you should ask the following questions:

Is the patient able to eat and swallow normally? A gift of fruit or baked goods would be a wonderful idea for many cancer patients, but those who are having trouble eating and swallowing because of radiation or surgery would probably not enjoy it as much as others. A good alternative would be gift certificates for a favorite frozen yogurt or ice cream shop. Not only are they easier to ingest, they also provide calories which many with eating challenges need in order to maintain their weight.

Is the patient experiencing any aversions to certain scents and smells? Some patients develop aversions to particular odors during treatment, making it hard to wear cologne and scented lotions or to have scented candles burning. Along the same lines, if you are thinking of making a meal or baking for the patient, it might be better to do so somewhere other than their own home.

How is the patient's cognitive ability? An assortment of books and puzzles are welcomed by many people who spend a lot of time in bed during an illness, but some cancer patients suffer from cognitive challenges due to radiation and even from chemotherapy treatments. These issues can turn things that were enjoyed before their treatment into new sources of frustration. CDs, iTunes gift cards or favorite movies on DVD may be a better choice.

For many cancer patients, what they really need is time and energy. The following ideas will provide one or the other - or both! - and certainly be meaningful for both of you. (Some even involve not making a purchase!)

Help them prepare for the holidays. Offer to help your friend address holiday cards, wrap gifts, run errands, or clean and prepare their home for holiday guests. Remember the hint we gave about odor-tolerance, and ask if there are certain cleaners that are better to use than others. Don't think you have to do it all yourself. You might be able to enlist your church's youth group or a local scout troop to help with some yard clean up, or to stop by and sing carols one evening.

Of course, some of us may have more money than time, so if you don't have the time to spend cleaning or running errands yourself, look for a local business that provides the services instead. Schedule a local company to come in and clean for your friend (maybe while you take them to a movie?) or order a holiday meal or some yummy desserts from a local caterer. Don't forget, little things can mean a lot: A drive through local neighborhoods to find holiday light displays could be a real treat for the patient who isn't able to get out in public often due to their treatments.

Provide a relaxing respite from their treatments. Studies have found that regular focus on relaxation techniques can be beneficial for cancer patients and survivors (and probably all of the rest of us!). Providing a gift certificate for a therapeutic massage, or some free Yoga classes might be exactly what your loved-one needs. Be sure to ask before you buy to see if the facility provides any classes specifically for people dealing with illness. If you live in Northwest Arkansas, there are massage therapists available to patients at Highlands Oncology Clinics in Fayetteville and Rogers.

Finally, if you are looking for a way to benefit many cancer patients this holiday season, consider making a memorial or honorarium gift. Memorials are a wonderful way to remember someone special while giving to others who need assistance during their time of need. Honorariums can be noted so that your loved-one receives a note stating that you gave a gift in their honor. More information on giving to Hope Cancer Resources is located on our website or by calling us at 479-361-5847.

Sometimes it's hard...

2011-11-21T17:05:00.000-06:00

The stress of undergoing cancer treatment can often be magnified during the holidays, simply due to the additional stress that comes along with travel, hosting family/friends, and making all those lists. Even seemingly simple traditions such as putting up holiday decorations or baking cookies can cause a cancer patients to find themselves wrapped in sadness rather than joy.

Sometimes the difficulty in coping is born out of sheer exhaustion - cancer treatment saps even the most physically fit person of their strength on normal days, let alone days with added tasks on the to-do list. Other times, there is an emotional component to the stress. A brave face may be hiding some fear in many patients (and caregivers), so remembering holidays past and thinking about those to come can be overwhelming.

Whether you are dealing with cancer yourself, know someone who is, or recently lost someone special, these tips (edited from Mayo Clinic) may be helpful as you prepare for the coming weeks. If you are a friend of a family dealing with cancer this year, consider what you can do to help lighten their burden.

Acknowledge your feelings. For people affected by cancer, the holidays can be bittersweet. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. Don't try to force a false happiness just because it's the holiday season. This advice is valid for caregivers as well... both you and the patient should be able to express whatever you may be feeling, regardless of "appearances".
Reach out. If you are unable to spend time with loved-ones this season and are feeling lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends. Many of them may want to help, but don't know what you need.
Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As circumstances change, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. You may find that new experiences can take your mind off of those things you may be missing this year.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't seem to be respecting your needs or understanding your limitations. If you're a caregiver, practice compassion if your loved-one gets upset or distressed when something goes awry. Remind them that you've never expected perfection, and this year is no different.
Plan ahead. Set aside specific blocks of time for shopping, baking, visiting or welcoming friends and other activities. Advance planning will help prevent overdoing things and help you spread out the activity, which will reduce stress and help keep you from becoming overly tired. Make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup (see #2).
Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed, and for cancer patients, it can have detrimental effects on your health. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. Your well-being is more important than that annual holiday cookie-exchange.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. When you're planning your activities, be sure to include some down-time. Remember, this is one of the only times since nursery school that no-one will question the idea of naps in the middle of the day! Take a walk or sit out on the patio in the evening to enjoy the night sky. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for more than a few weeks, don't hesitate to share them with your physician or a mental health professional.

Hope Cancer Resources' social workers and counselors are here when you need them. Make a confidential appointment to talk about your challenges and concerns this holiday season by calling 479-361-5847.

Cancer of the Pancreas

2011-11-14T16:25:00.004-06:00

We already shared information this month about the deadliest form of cancer that you may hear a lot about, Lung Cancer. But we're guessing you don't know much about the 4th leading cancer killer in the U.S., Pancreatic Cancer. An estimated 44,030 new cases of pancreatic cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, resulting in 37,660 deaths. That's a mortality rate of 86%. That number, coupled with the fact that incidence rate has been increasing every year since 1998, certainly make it a cancer worthy of some attention.

As with lung cancer, research has shown a strong connection between pancreatic cancer and tobacco use. In fact, it is the most important risk factor for this kind of cancer, with smokers being twice as likely to be diagnosed than individuals who have no history of smoking. A family history of pancreatic cancer and a personal history of pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity and alcohol consumption also contribute to an increased risk.

Other possible risk factors are currently being studied, including high-fat diets (especially animal fats) and heavy alcohol consumption. As with many forms of cancer, there are also studies being performed looking for a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Unfortunately, cancer of the pancreas does not exhibit many, if any, symptoms. In more advanced stages, the following symptoms are common for this disease:

Dark urine, pale stools, and yellow skin and eyes (known as jaundice);
Pain in the upper part of your belly;
Pain in the middle part of your back that doesn't go away when you shift your position;
Nausea and vomiting;
Stools that float in the toilet.

Also, very advanced pancreatic cancer may cause these general symptoms:

Weakness or exhaustion;
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly;
Unexpected weight loss when not trying.

Get Involved!

On November 20th, the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org) will be hosting a Purple Light Vigil for Hope to shed some light on the need for increased awareness, prevention practices, and funding for research for this disease. Dana Quinn, the NW Arkansas Community Representative for PanCan joins organizers all over the world who are bringing people together on November 20th to tell their stories and join the fight. Dana recently shared her own story with Celebrate Arkansas Magazine. You can see it here. For more information, and to register for the event, visit the website.

From the PanCan website: "Purple Light Vigil for Hope is a time to honor loved ones fighting pancreatic cancer and for those who have lost the fight. This is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends of those touched by pancreatic cancer to come together to gain both comfort and encouragement."

National Family Caregiver Month

2011-11-07T15:46:00.006-06:00

We all know a caregiver. Parents, grandparents, spouses, children, neighbors and friends are all caregivers for someone. At some point in our lives you may have been called into service to assist someone who needed additional help to get through a difficult time. The following definition makes it pretty clear that any of us, at any time, can be given the title.

care·giv·er (kârgvr)

n.
1. An individual, such as a physician, nurse, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or treatment of an illness or disability.
2. An individual, such as a parent, foster parent, or head of a household, who attends to the needs of a child or dependent adult.

For the approximately 1,600,000 individuals expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2011, there are immediately that many caregivers - in some cases, more, as families and friends divvy up the needs of the patient. Caregiving for a loved-one who is suffering from illness is often a job that is taken on out of necessity. The caregiver not only takes on many of the same stresses that the patient is enduring, but they also have separate responsibilities of their own that must be managed simultaneously. For many, the stress of caregiving can be overwhelming.

Although the cancer patient is the main focus of most oncologists and their staff, it is becoming more and more common to see materials and listings for support groups specifically designed with caregivers in mind available in clinics. With the needs of caregivers in mind, the National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving in 1994. As interest grew in family caregiving issues, the annual week of awareness turned into a month-long celebration. That first week of recognition in 1994 was declared by then-President Bill Clinton, and every President since has reinforced the importance of this kind of support and recognition for family caregivers.

This month, to coincide with National Family Caregiver Month, Hope Cancer Resources is hosting a mini-symposium especially for cancer caregivers. Emphasis will be placed on the special challenges associated with the upcoming holiday season. If you are currently acting as a caregiver for a cancer patient, we hope you will consider joining us for this informative program. Please find us on Facebook and RSVP to the event, and feel free to share it with others who may be needing this kind of support.

Lung Cancer is not just for Smokers

2011-10-31T17:02:00.001-05:00

We all know that smoking is known to cause lung cancer. The numbers are staggering: The American Cancer Society estimates that 221,130 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in this country during 2011. That is 14% of all cancer diagnoses expected this year. Of those, 156,940 people will die of the disease. Despite these numbers, and the widespread educational efforts showing Americans that smoking causes cancer, people continue to smoke.

Since 1987, more women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer. There are many reasons for this statistic, including the efforts made by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to increase the number of women doing self-checks and getting annual mammograms. Unfortunately, there are not many screenings that can be done to detect lung cancer in early stages. Certainly not any that are low cost and/or covered by a traditional medical insurance policy.

There are efforts currently being promoted at a legislative level to encourage insurance companies to cover screenings for those at high risk, but the argument being presented by those opposing the action is that lung cancer is primarily developed by people who choose to take up an optional habit. They claim that when a person starts smoking they know the risk, and it's their choice to light up. Admittedly, that is the case. But the problem is, smoking is not the only high-risk factor out there. According to the National Cancer Institute, the major risk factors for lung cancer are:

Smoking - cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are all carcinogenic;
Secondhand smoke;
Family history;
Environmental risks.

It's understood by most people that the risk factor in people who smoke is higher than those who do not. In fact, it is 20x higher. Smoking causes 9 of 10 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in men and 8 of 10 cases in women. Studies have also found that there is a relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked every day, the number of years you've smoked and your risk for lung cancer. But secondhand smoke is also deadly, and people who live with a smoker have no choice but to breathe the air that has been contaminated with carcinogenic compounds. Should they not have an opportunity to get screened?

A workplace can also be a source of cancer risk. Environmental exposures that cause a higher risk for cancer include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, tar and soot. A long list of industrial and labor jobs can involve exposure to these substances. Unfortunately, the people who work around these substances but who do not smoke are lumped into the same "you brought it on yourself" group that smokers are put in by those who don't understand the broad reach of this disease.

Until the negative stigma of lung cancer is reduced, there is little an at-risk individual can do except be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and their own risk. Stop smoking today or encourage your loved-ones to do so. We have certified tobacco counselors on staff who can help. Contact Casey Shelor for information at 479-361-5847. Some common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are:

A cough that doesn't go away;
Chest pains that get worse when breathing deep, laughing, or coughing;
Hoarseness;
Weight loss or loss of appetite;
Coughing up blood or rust colored spit or phlegm;
Shortness of breath;
Feeling tired or weak without exertion;
Recurring bronchitis; pneumonia, or other respiratory infections;
New onset of wheezing.

Did you know?? Northwest Arkansas is fortunate to have a Center for Chest Care available for anyone with known or suspected cancers of the lungs or chest. The Clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. They schedule biopsies, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopies, mediastinoscopies and also do CTscans, pet scans, MRI, ultrasounds and lab work to provide the best possible care for their particular diagnosis. The Chest clinic meets every Tuesday afternoon in the Highlands Oncology Group building at 3232 N. Northills Blvd. in Fayetteville. There is also a Lung Cancer Support Group that meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs breakroom of the same Highlands Oncology Group building.

On Tuesday, November 1st, Hope Cancer Resources will join over 75 other groups across the nation to host a Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil to raise awareness and support for those living with lung cancer and to remember those who have lost their battle. Stop by from 6:30 - 8:30p.m. for a very special evening that will include short presentations by Dr. James Counce of the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, Kathy Britt, a local survivor and Leigh Ann Walker, a Hope Cancer Resources board member who lost her mother to lung cancer.

The national organization sponsoring these vigils, the Lung Cancer Alliance, has created a website where you can register to attend and have your name put in the running for a trip to Washington D.C. We hope you'll join us!

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil

2011-10-24T17:28:00.000-05:00

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women in the U.S. It will claim the lives of approximately 156,940 people (27% of all deaths from cancer) this year.

On November 1st we will join other groups around the country to host a vigil to raise awareness and support for lung cancer. Attendees will hear from Dr. James Counce, a thoracic surgeon from the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, as well as Kathy Britt, a local lung cancer survivor and a volunteer for Hope Cancer Resources. They will tell us about their own experiences with this devastating disease.

The idea and inspiration for the National Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil originated in Boston under the leadership of Diane Legg, a lung cancer survivor and founder of Lung Cancer Alliance's Massachusetts Chapter. It began as a handful of volunteers on the steps of the capitol and quickly grew into an annual event with hundreds of participants lighting up the Prudential Building in downtown Boston.

Diane and another advocate, David Watson, envisioned a national program offering the millions of people touched by lung cancer a simple yet inspirational and effective way of raising awareness, honoring loved ones, and getting involved in the movement for change. Last year, 65 vigils took place nationwide with thousands in attendance and community-based media sharing the real stories and faces of lung cancer. Thanks to their vision and commitment, the vigil now aims to reach 100 communities nationwide representing all 50 states. The vigil also has international venues in Australia, an Army base in Afghanistan, and inquiries from several other countries.

We hope you'll join us for this very special evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at our office at 5835 W. Sunset Avenue in Springdale. For more information please contact Adela Martinez, LSW, at 479-361-5847.

Story of Hope - Kyle Slone

2011-10-17T15:00:00.001-05:00

When Natalie Slone walked through the front door of her new home in June of 2009, she was feeling good. As a single mom of four kids, she had worked hard to become a homeowner on one income. Her career as a photographer was going well, and she was feeling settled and optimistic.

Then, in October, Natalie's employer informed her through tears that he had to lay her off. She understood, but knew it was going to be tough. She started looking for a new job and relied on her savings and unemployment to pay the bills.

Fast-forward to a day in late December: Natalie's 14-year-old son, Kyle, complained of a mysterious pain. He was uncomfortable, but still managed to spend some time with friends that evening. The next day, he claimed the pain was so bad he couldn't get out of bed. Natalie's intuition told her something was really wrong. She picked him up after work and took him to the hospital, where the journey began.

Two days before Christmas, Kyle - an otherwise healthy, outgoing teenage boy - was diagnosed with cancer. The decision was made to manage the tumor with surgery and avoid chemo or radiation therapy. Natalie says she thought were "good to go." But, nine months later, a follow-up CT scan discovered activity in his lymph nodes as well. A course of chemotherapy was scheduled.

After two months of chemotherapy, the lymph nodes had not shrunk to the size the doctors were hoping for, and it was speculated that a risky surgical procedure might be necessary to remove the affected chemo-resistant nodes. In addition to the risk-factor of the surgery, it was not going to be covered by ARKids, the medical insurance coverage that Kyle had. Natalie had a lot to worry about.

Finally, after almost a year into the battle, the family saw a glimmer of hope. On the third visit to meet with surgeons, scans showed that the nodes in question had decreased in size and were no longer the threat they had been. The decision was made to continue to watch it closely but to cancel the surgery.

Enola Bunton, patient advocate at Hope Cancer Resources, introduced Natalie to our patient assistance programs and began the process of applying for emergency financial assistance. Enola kept in close contact with Natalie throughout the course of Kyle's treatment and recovery, and we were able to offer gas cards for travel as well as help with two mortgage payments. Natalie says "It was fantastic to have her call and check on things." Without the financial assistance we were able to provide, she thinks they would have lost their home.

Today, Kyle is a healthy 16-year-old. He has learned to drive, is growing back the hair he lost to chemotherapy, and making up for a missed semester of high school. He gets monthly CT scans for now, but will celebrate one year post-treatment in November.

And, every day, he gets to walk through the front door of the home his mom worked so hard to provide.

If you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatments and is having a hard time making ends meet, please contact us for more information on our patient assistance programs at 479-361-5847.

Walking the Runway for Cancer

2011-10-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, twelve local gentlemen took to the runway to raise money and awareness for Hope Cancer Resources. Our annual fundraiser, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction, is a combination fashion show, live auction, and award presentation. This year, by all accounts, the evening was a beautiful and moving testament to the work we do for cancer patients and the community of Northwest Arkansas.

The room was breathtaking, with elegant decor created by the team of Goddard Design Group and some awesome volunteers. We especially loved the entryway created with striking urns, birch trees, and dainty yellow orchids.

After our hosts, Jeff and Eloise Davis, said a few words and welcomed attendees, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and additional comments from Roger Collins, CEO & Chairman of the night's Presenting Sponsor - Harps Food Stores and Price Cutter, and Brian Holt, President & CEO of Hope Cancer Resources.

Baumans Fine Clothiers was our Fashion Sponsor again this year, and models were dressed in the latest looks from HUGO BOSS. Our models all made the most of their turns on the runway - some even inspired cheers and catcalls - and their fans waited along the way waving signs to make them feel like superstars.

After the show, our live auction kicked off with some amazing packages: Spa treatments at Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics, a trip to San Diego for four including a Photo Safari at the zoo, a David Yurman watch from Blakeman's Fine Jewelry, a customized dinner with Chef Antonio Avona, and a week in an Escapes! condominium were only a few of the ten packages that were auctioned. Our auctioneer, Richard Clifton, did a fantastic job making the auction exciting and fun for everyone.

Finally, we watched a video that brought the whole evening home and reminded us what the evening was really all about. Esther was helped by our patient assistance programs - specifically our social workers who offer individual, confidential counseling. She has quite a story to tell.

People like Esther are the reason we do what we do. But not only do we serve patients going through cancer treatment - we also work in the community through our health educators, bringing education and awareness to our community in an effort to reduce the incidence of cancer in Northwest Arkansas. To learn more about how you can support our programs, please visit our website.

To all those who attended, sponsored, donated, and volunteered... thank you for helping us provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

October Awareness

2011-10-03T16:50:00.004-05:00

This week we take note of two kinds of cancer that are being recognized during the month of October. One you may already know quite a bit about, but the other may be less familiar.

Breast Cancer

The number of breast cancer survivors has risen over the last couple of decades thanks in part to the efforts of national organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Under the umbrella of these organizations, thousands of small groups and local initiatives have been created with the mission of educating friends, neighbors, sisters and daughters about the need for routine exams and screenings in order to catch breast cancer in earlier and more effectively treated stages.

More people are surviving, but it's also good to know that incidences of breast cancer have been declining since 2000. This decrease (almost 7%, according to the American Cancer Society) can be attributed to reductions in the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The Women's Health Initiative produced a report in 2002 that found that the combination of estrogen plus progestin was associated with increased risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease. The report led to a reduction of therapies and birth control options combining both of those hormones.

At Hope Cancer Resources we approach breast cancer on many levels. We have certified health educators on staff who work in the community to spread information about early detection and screenings. Through our Save-A-Life program, we also help the under- and uninsured pay for their required mammograms. Finally, we share information about local support groups offered for women who are going through breast cancer treatment or who are survivors of the disease.

You can find breast cancer news and information at the following websites:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Young Survival Coalition

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is not common in the United States, with just over 26,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. That is about 2% of all new cancers expected to be diagnosed. In contrast, liver cancer accounts for up to half of all cancers in many underdeveloped countries, mainly because of the prevalence of hepatitis, caused by contagious viruses, that predisposes a person to liver cancer. In the U.S., new cases have been increasing by about 3.4% in men and 3% in women each year since 1992. Incidence rates are highest among Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics.

The liver can be affected by primary liver cancer, which begins in the liver, or by cancer which begins in other parts of the body and then spreads to the liver through the bloodstream. Most liver cancer is secondary or metastatic, meaning it started elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms for liver cancer include:

Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
General weakness and fatigue
An enlarged liver
Abdominal swelling
Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
White, chalky stools

More information on liver cancer can be found at the following websites:
Mayo Clinic
National Cancer Institute

One more for September - Thyroid Cancer

2011-09-28T10:58:00.001-05:00

September was busy for those of us who make an effort to educate people about cancer awareness. We've already covered childhood cancers, gynecological cancers, and blood cancers... finally we are sharing some information about Thyroid cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate for thyroid cancer has been increasing sharply since the mid-1990s, and it is the fastest-growing cancer in both men and women. Three out of four cases of thyroid cancer occur in women. This means that 36,015 of the 48,020 estimated diagnoses in 2011 will be in our sisters, mothers, daughters, and girlfriends. If you aren't concerned for yourself, we hope you'll read and share the following information for their sake.

The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump in the neck. This is why your doctor always feels your neck when you pay them your annual visit. Lymph nodes in your neck and your thyroid gland are good indicators when something is amiss that hasn't yet been detected through other physical signs. Other symptoms include:

tight or full feeling in the neck
difficulty breathing or swallowing
hoarseness and pain in the throat
neck that does not go away

Although most lumps in the thyroid gland are not cancerous, individuals who detect an abnormality should pay a visit to their doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of cancer.

There are a few risk factors associated with thyroid cancer, the most common of which include being female, a family history of thyroid cancer, history of goiter or other non-malignant thyroid condition, and radiation exposure related to medical treatment during childhood.

Our resource room at Highlands Oncology Group in Rogers stocks a great deal of materials about different types of cancer. Stop by, or contact one of our social workers to request more information.

Gynecological Cancers

2011-09-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

September is National Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month. We aren't going to list all the symptoms and treatment options for the six types of cancer listed, but there are links provided that will provide more information. There are a number of cancers that fall under the description of "gynecological":

Cervical - an estimated 12,710 new cases will be diagnosed in 2011. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer (over 99%) are caused by some strain of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus also causes some cancers of the vulva, vagina and penis. A vaccine is recommended for females between the ages of 9 and 26 which prevents the most common of the strains of HPV, which account for over 70% of the newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer.
Endometrial (Uterine Corpus) - The National Cancer Institute predicts 46,470 new cases will be diagnosed in 2011, with 8,120 women dying from the disease. It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, accounting for approximately 6 percent of all cancers in women in the United States.
Fallopian Tube - Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is one of the rarest gynecological cancers. Only about 1,500 to 2,000 cases have ever been reported in the United States. Secondary cancers due to metastasis from the ovaries, endometrium, gastrointestinal tract or breast are more common.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a set of diseases that arise from cells related to pregnancy that become cancerous. Hydatidiform moles occur in about 1 pregnancy out of 1,000 in the United States and Europe. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), is even less common, affecting approximately 1 pregnancy out of 40,000 in the United States.
Ovarian - An estimated 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. It will account for about 3% of all cancers among women. The good news is that we have seen a 9% decline in the incidence of ovarian cancer since 1992. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer. For this reason, ongoing research studies and awareness education are still vital.
Vulvar -Although this type of cancer is rare, the symptoms can be confused with those of sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes. It's important to communicate with your gynecologist if you are concerned about any of the symptoms listed for vulvar cancer since it may take a while for outward signs to develop.

As with all cancers, one of the best things an individual can do to manage their health is to have a good relationship with a physician. Scheduling annual exams, routine screenings according to medical guidelines, and quick attention to anything out of the ordinary are indispensable habits to develop when hoping to catch problems early and prevent them from becoming a more serious threat to one's health.

In addition to the screenings recommended, family history could indicate a need for closer attention being paid to certain potential issues. Many kinds of cancer have a genetic component, and may necessitate screenings earlier than the recommended age. Family history of illness should be discussed with your physician.

When the Patient is a Child

2011-09-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

It's estimated that just over 11,000 children between infancy and age 14 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Overall, cancer is rare in children (total cancer diagnoses predicted for this year is over 1.5 million), but incidence rates have been increasing slightly by 0.6% every year since 1975.

The good news is that while new cases are increasing, the mortality rate has been cut in half (53%) in that same time-period. This can be attributed to improvements in treatment and the high number of young patients who are participating in clinical trials.

But there is still reason for awareness and diligence in caring for our children's health. Though the mortality rate for childhood cancers is relatively small, only 1,300 children are expected to lose their battles with cancer compared to over 570,000 adults - it is still listed as the second-leading cause of death in children, surpassed only by accidents. One-third of the estimated deaths will be in children who are diagnosed with leukemia.

Early symptoms of cancer in children are usually non-specific. Children should be receiving regular medical checkups to help parents and doctors become familiar with what is "normal" for their health. Any unusual symptoms that persist can be investigated. If there is a suspicion of cancer, it's vital that it is caught early, avoiding a potentially health-threatening delay in diagnosis.

Some symptoms can include:

An unusual mass or swelling in any part of the body;
unexplained paleness and/or loss of energy;
Sudden tendency to bruise;
Persistent, localized pain;
Prolonged, unexplained fever or illness;
Frequent headaches, often with vomiting;
Sudden eye or vision changes; and
Excessive, rapid weight loss.

Major categories of childhood cancer and their respective symptoms can be found on the Ped-Onc Resource Center. As with any cancer, the best defense is a good offense. Know your children and their habits and health histories well, and visit with a doctor if you have concerns about their health.

If you need further information about specific cancers or would like to visit with a social worker about our patient support services, contact us at 479-361-5847. Most children in Northwest Arkansas who are diagnosed with cancer will travel out of our area for treatment. We can assist with travel expenses and help make arrangements in some cases. We can also help connect you with other agencies that can be of assistance. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions for our staff.

Cancers of the Blood

2011-09-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

Two different cancers are frequently lumped together when we're talking about "blood cancers". Leukemia and Lymphoma develop differently, and have different lists of symptoms, but both involve the blood.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 44,600 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in 2011. It's a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, and there are four groups based on cell type: acute lymphocytic (ALL), chronic lymphocytic (CLL), acute myeloid (AML), and chronic myeloid (CML). Three-quarters of children and adolescents diagnosed with leukemia have ALL. Although we tend to hear a lot about children with leukemia, 90% of leukemia cases are actually diagnosed in adults 20 years of age or older. For them, the most common diagnoses are AML and CLL.

Symptoms of leukemia include:

fatigue
paleness
weight loss
repeated infections
fever
bruising easily
nosebleeds or other hemorrhages

In acute leukemia, these symptoms may show up suddenly, while chronic leukemia may progress more slowly and show very few symptoms. It's often diagnosed with a routine blood test.

There are several risk factors known to cause higher incidences of leukemia. Medical radiation, such as that used in cancer treatment, and even some chemotherapy, have been linked to the disease. Genetic abnormalities such as those that cause Down syndrome have been found to increase risk as well. Some recent studies have suggested a link between leukemia and obesity. Family history remains one of the most significant risk factors for CLL, while cigarette smoking and exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene (found in gasoline and cigarette smoke) are risk factors for AML.

It is estimated that 75,190 new cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed this year. It's a cancer of the lymphocytes, or white blood cells. There are two types of lymphoma - Hodgkin (also called Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin (NHL) is the most common, with 66,630 predicted cases in 2011. Within NHL, there are a wide variety of subtypes.

Symptoms of lymphoma include:

swollen lymph nodes
itching
night sweats
fatigue
unexplained weight loss
intermittent fever

The risk of developing NHL increases with age, as does the risk of most cancers. The risk of developing Hodgkin, on the other hand, is highest in adolescents and young adults. The cause of lymphoma is unknown in most cases, although a few factors associated with altered immune function have been identified. People who receive organ transplants are at greater risk due to the required immune suppressing medications they have to take to prevent rejection of their transplant. Also, people with HIV and human T-cell leukemia virus type I have a higher risk factor. As with many other cancers, a family history of lymphoma carries a slightly higher risk, as do occupational and environmental exposures to certain chemicals.

Be aware of your risk, and discuss any unusual physical symptoms with your doctor. Since these cancers affect children, be sure to listen to any complaints your children share and don't hesitate to have them evaluated if you are concerned.

If you are currently fighting leukemia or lymphoma, or are a survivor or caregiver, you may be interested in a support group that meets at our office the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Meredith Kinsey, BSW at 361-5847.

Information Overload

2011-08-30T15:24:00.003-05:00

Meet Kay: She consulted with a physician at Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville when she was initially diagnosed with cancer. She did meet with one of our social workers, but was so overwhelmed by all the information she was receiving and the speed of her diagnosis, she didn't really enter into a discussion. Because the type of cancer Kay had was extremely rare, she was referred to a surgeon out-of-state where she was treated and will continue to receive follow up treatment for an undetermined amount of time.

Kay didn't need our services during her treatment, and was able to recover from surgery and get back to her life without much interruption, but she kept our social worker's card in her wallet. As she passed our building every day on the way to and from work, she began to feel compelled to contact us. She made an appointment to talk to a counselor to discuss her cancer journey so far, to vent, and talk about the road ahead. She just needed, as she put it, "an ear and a shoulder."

For most of the 20th century, information about cancer was not easy to get your hands on unless you were a physician. Patients relied on their family doctor or specialists, if they had access to them, to provide a diagnosis and discuss different procedures and methods of treatment. The doctor's word was usually the last word in cancer treatment for people in our grandparents time, and even in many of our parents' time.

Fast-forward to 2011: In today's "connected" society, we are likely to do some research (or a lot of research) ourselves via the internet. We will take the information we find online to our doctors' appointments. We will discuss the local oncologists and treatment options with support groups and friends who have fought cancer. We will be completely involved in the final decisions made about our treatment.

More information can be a great thing. In fact, information - "awareness", in particular - is a vital component to cancer prevention programs like those managed by Hope Cancer Resources. We promote making healthy choices regarding sun exposure, tobacco use, and the frequency of tests and screenings that are designed to catch cancer or pre-cancerous conditions early. But we also understand that the amount of information available to patients online and in the printed materials in our resource libraries, and even coming straight from the physicians, can be, as Kay said, overwhelming.

Our social workers are here to help. We are available to help you with emergency needs that might come up during treatment, and we're here to help point you to reliable sources of information if you are looking for places to do your own research. But we are also here to listen. Our confidential counseling sessions are available to patients before, during, or after treatment, and to caregivers in some circumstances as well. We are here to help you make sense of your diagnosis and the changes that occur in a body and a lifestyle that has been affected by cancer. We're here to let you cry, or laugh, or just be reminded that you're not alone. No matter when you think you need us - we're here.

From the Trenches

2011-08-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

It's all well and good for us to provide you with advice about things like cancer prevention, stress management, and caring for a loved one who's been diagnosed with cancer. Based on our experience with patients in the clinic and the information we gather from other sources, we feel comfortable acting as a kind of authority on these subjects. But sometimes the best advice comes from the people who have actually been through this fight - survivors.

CureToday.com recently asked this question on Facebook...

"If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice on the day you were diagnosed with cancer, what would it be?"

Some of the responses were very poignant and moving, others more practical. Some, like the ones that encourage lots of research vs. the ones that discourage looking at statistics, are even contradictory. We've chosen some to share and would love to know...what would your advice be?

"research, research, research"

"Try to remain as positive as possible."

"Don't make any decisions in haste. Take the time to process the choices and the outcomes."

"let people help"

"Costume wigs are cheaper and more fun."

"Take better notes. Never go to an appointment alone... Let people help you."

"Get the prescriptions for anti-nausea meds and take them before you need them."

"Remember to breathe."

"Tell people your situation."

"Take a family member/friend with you so you don't have to hear the news alone."

"Believe that God will get me through this ... Always get a second treatment opinion... Don't read statistics!"

"Stay calm, it's NOT a death sentence! :)"

"To remember that, in some ways, the diagnosis is a gift, even if it doesn't feel like one: I know how precious life is."

"Keep a journal. Jot down all subsequent doctor's visits, tests, etc."

"Educate yourself, ask questions, have your voice heard."

"Be comfortable with your choice of oncologist. If the doctor doesn't feel like a fit for you, find someone else BEFORE you start any chemotherapy and/or radiation."

"Don't let panic set in."

"Don't worry about things you cannot change. Be happy for each day no matter how mundane it may be."

"My husband would give himself the same piece of advice he has lived with since being diagnosed with brain cancer five years ago. Never let it win!!"

"Don't believe anyone who says a needle biopsy of any kind is just 'a little prick.'"

"Become selfish! No second chance."

Fatigue and Cancer Treatment

2011-08-15T16:59:00.001-05:00

We've probably all experienced the effect that a poor diet can have on our bodies and minds. We have stayed up late preparing for the big test drinking sodas and eating pizza. We have skipped breakfast when we're running late and lunch while on a deadline at work. We may have met the deadline and passed the test, but we probably didn't feel well for a couple of days afterward. Sacrifices like this are common among healthy people who don't think twice about sacrificing some level of health in order to get things done. But for someone going through cancer treatment, maintaining proper nutrition and getting enough rest becomes more than something they can put off on a whim.

Cancer treatment can affect different people in very different ways, but one of the most common side-effects is fatigue. Some patients will deal with it intermittently as they go through treatment - many chemotheraphy patients take to their beds for several days after every bi-weekly treatment. Others may feel it build and get harder to manage the longer their treatment lasts. This is a common concern among radiation patients. Their 5-7 week regimen may not seem like much at first, with the actual treatment taking less time than it took the patient to drive to the clinic, but radiation is very taxing on a body. The buildup of that exposure can lead to a variety of side-effects.

So, how do patients and their caregivers prepare for and manage the fatigue that accompanies cancer treatment? CureToday.com recently published a great article on the subject and offered the following tips:

• Conserve energy. Organize your day so you have enough energy to do what’s most important. Spread chores throughout the week and make rest part of your daily routine. This seems to be the hardest thing for many people who equate napping with being lazy. Just make sure they're short, too much sleep can actually backfire and contribute to more fatigue and the additional challenge of insomnia.

Don't forget to ask for help. If mowing the lawn, doing laundry or running errands are too tiring, enlist friends and family to help. (Most of them really want to, but don't know what to offer!) If a trip to the grocery store is necessary, most stores offer motorized carts for customers.

• Get moving. This may not make sense, but it's true that regular physical activity can help relieve symptoms of fatigue. Experts claim that patients can increase their energy by exercising at a slow and steady pace several times a week. Be sure to increase activity levels slowly (even after treatment has ended) and include your daily to-do list as part of your activity plan.

• Rearrange your environment. Simply picking up or putting away the things you use most can add up to sap your energy. So place things you use often within easy reach, whether it’s your favorite cooking pot or the shampoo in the shower.

• Improve sleep quality. Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, including weekends. Don’t exercise in the evening and avoid caffeinated drinks and foods. You may also consider creating a relaxing bedtime ritual that starts one hour before bedtime—and that means turning off the television. Listen to calming music or take a bath instead. If you're a caregiver, offer to give your patient a foot massage and help manage the room temperature to induce sleep. Do not drink alcohol or eat immediately before going to bed.

• Screen for and treat the possible underlying cause. Sometimes fatigue serves as a clue to another medical problem. If cancer treatment depletes a patient’s red blood cell count, for instance, the body’s tissues don’t get enough oxygen and fatigue sets in. Treat the anemia, and you’ll start to get your energy back. If blood is being drawn at each visit to the oncologist, keep tabs on what the blood counts are and ask what you can do to help build your blood iron level. Many foods offer a good serving of iron, and supplements are available as well (although food sources are usually easier on the digestive tract). Other side effects of treatment that can lead to fatigue include pain, depression, anxiety and nausea.

For local patients in Northwest Arkansas, our trained oncology social workers are available to help you manage the challenges you encounter during treatment and will be happy to talk to you about any depression or anxiety you may be experiencing. They can also provide materials from our resource library that may help you find foods that can boost your energy or helpful hints for managing your stresses. Contact us for more information or to set up a confidential visit with a social worker between 8am and 5pm, Monday - Friday at 479-361-5847.

Gentlemen of Distinction is coming!

2011-08-08T17:03:00.001-05:00

To say we're getting excited about this year's Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction gala is a bit of an understatement. We have thirteen great guys lined up to rock the runway in support of our mission in Northwest Arkansas, and for the second year in a row they'll be wearing the latest in men's fashion from HUGO BOSS via Bauman's Northwest.

So let's end the suspense, shall we? Our 2011 Distinguished Models are:

DENNIS BAKER–HARPS

ALAN COLE–Colliers International

JOE DiMAGGIO–Signature Bank

BRANT DOWSE–Superior Auto Group

WILLIAM EARL–Gorilla Salon

KENT EIKENBERRY–NWA Media

KRIS HANBY, MD–Ozark Orthopaedics

HANK HENDERSON–America’s Car-Mart

RANDY KOONTZ–Pinnacle Wealth Management

TJ LEFLER–Sage Partners

ERIC SCHAEFER, MD–Highlands Oncology Group

GREG SPRAGG–Lewis & Clark Outfitters

Save the date (October 7) and start rounding up your friends, this is a party that is too much fun to attend alone. Tickets and tables are on sale now through our website, and we'll be launching an event site in the next week or two. We are working on some fantastic live auction packages and we don't want you to miss out on the announcements... be sure to go follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest news!

We are very thankful to the event's founding sponsor, Jeannie Fleeman and her family. Without her vision and support this event wouldn't be possible, and we are pleased to be able to honor her late husband, Bill on this special night each year. While he was going through cancer treatment, Bill became aware of patients who were fighting the same disease, but whose financial situations put them at a disadvantage in some cases. His generosity to others during that difficult time was the seed from which this event grew. All proceeds from the evening's donations and auctions are used to support our cancer patient assistance and community education programs. Every dime stays here in Northwest Arkansas to meet the needs of our community.

Buy some groceries, change some lives.

2011-08-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Last week we shared some numbers with you that accumulated over the first half of 2011. The needs are great in Northwest Arkansas, and it's gratifying to know that we are doing so much to meet those needs. Our vision is to be recognized as the premier source for comprehensive cancer support services while enhancing quality of life, and we are making good headway.

But visions are successful only if they can be realized. We are no different from the vast majority of nonprofit organizations - we can't make our vision come to life without help. We have a fantastic staff who are committed to their work connecting cancer patients and their families with the support and resources they need throughout their cancer journey. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers who help us in the clinics, at fundraising events, and in the office. And we have wonderful donors and corporate partners in the community who support our programs and events, making the work we do everyday possible.

You are probably familiar with businesses supporting non-profits by providing cash or in-kind sponsorships for programs and events. But have you heard of a point-of-sale donation opportunity? A business asks their customers, usually while they are making a purchase, to join them in supporting a non-profit organization by making a donation. This kind of promotion is a win-win, as it provides a new audience for the non-profit while associating the business with a cause in the community that their customers may believe is important to support. We love these kinds of promotions because they raise awareness as well as dollars. We're grateful to Harps Food Stores for joining us in this kind of promotion for the third year in a row.

Between August 1st and 14th you can make a donation of any size to Hope Cancer Resources when you shop at any Harps Store in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties). When you are checking out, just tell the cashier - if they don't ask you first - that you'd like to make a donation to Hope Cancer Resources. It's that easy!!

We are promoting this mini-event on Facebook and we'd love for you to join us there and share it with your own friends. The more who know about us, the more people we can help. And that's what it's all about.

Mid-Year Update!

2011-07-26T14:14:00.001-05:00

It's easy to make goals for the coming year and start plugging away at our to-do lists and find, rather suddenly, that we're half-way through the year. For the staff of Hope Cancer Resources, the mid-year report is a good reminder of the impact that our programs are having on our friends and neighbors in Northwest Arkansas. These numbers remind us of the importance of our mission, and keep us fired up to do what we are lucky enough to do every day.

Take a look at what we've been up to since January...

provided over $20,000.00 in direct prescription assistance and helped patients receive over $79,000.00 in assistance from pharmaceutical companies;
provided $85,651.00 of financial assistance with a 13-month average of over $14,000.00 a month;
distributed over $24,000.00 in gasoline cards to patients who need help with transportation costs for travel to treatment;
assessed the needs of 749 newly-diagnosed cancer patients;
provided $70,500.00 worth of emotional support through various forms of counseling and support groups;
provided 256 hours of Spanish interpretation;
facilitated over 2,200 volunteer hours in local oncology clinics and at supporting events.

Last week, a new Highlands Oncology Group clinic was opened in Rogers. It's a beautiful building with additional exam rooms, an amazing chemotherapy suite, and other perks like a big resource room that will be maintained by our volunteers. Until now, we have only been able to meet one-on-one with new patients who were being treated at the Fayetteville facility, so we're excited to see what this new space will mean for our ability to reach more people who need us. We believe it will reinforce what we have known all along - we will be providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

"When will things be back to NORMAL?"

2011-07-15T17:06:00.001-05:00

Many cancer patients and their families find themselves asking this question. Sometimes it's one of the first questions asked by new patients of doctors, counselors, and friends who have experienced their own cancer journey. Many times the question is asked over and over throughout the battle, and the available answers are few or unsatisfactory.

The problem with looking for a "normal" life after cancer treatment is that each individual's experience can be vastly different from another individual's experience, even when those individuals received the same diagnosis. Differences in socioeconomic issues, support (or lack thereof) from family and friends, location of treatment facilities and whether or not one decides to enter a research trial... all of these things, and many more, can contribute to the length of time it takes for patients to get back to a "normal" way of life after battling cancer and what that life eventually looks like.

Cognitive
One of the most-discussed long-term effects of cancer treatment involves cognitive functioning. Commonly known as "Chemo Brain", these effects are frustrating enough to make them one of the first things survivors bring up to counselors who are working with them to smooth transition from patient to survivor. Some common complaints patients share include:

Forgetting things that they usually have no trouble recalling;
Trouble concentrating, inability to focus, or being easily distracted;
Trouble remembering details like names, dates, and sometimes larger events;
Trouble multi-tasking, like answering the phone while cooking, without losing track of one task;
Taking longer to finish things due to slower thinking & processing or disorganized thoughts;
Trouble remembering common words.

There has traditionally been no real help for these cognitive challenges, and in fact, there's not really any clear evidence that they're caused by chemotherapy. Some people who suffer from memory problems after cancer treatment still score well on cognitive testing, and many of the things mentioned by patients are not even noticed by most of their friends and family. Many doctors will only "diagnose" Chemo Brain if the symptoms don't go away over time, but the reality is that many patients do find a certain amount of memory loss and difficulty completing tasks or learning new skills to be part of life after cancer treatment.

Physical
Fatigue is another issue that many patients think will only be a short-term problem as they are undergoing their treatments. In reality, the speed at which our bodies recover from the onslaught of medications, surgeries and radiation treatments it has been put through over the course of several months also varies greatly from individual to individual. The one constant that most patients agree on is that the recovery doesn't happen fast enough! It's important for patients (and their loved ones) to recognize that support may be needed for many months after treatments end, and that it's okay to take it easy for as long as necessary. If there has been a need to take time off work, going back on a full-time schedule might need to be delayed or done a little at a time. A healthy diet and exercise routine will continue to be important, as well as getting plenty of rest. (i.e. don't do away with those naps just yet!)

For some survivors, there are also physical scars from surgery and radiation and/or long-term physical impairments and alterations made to their bodies. A former cancer patient may have to become comfortable with a new appearance or learn new ways of performing common daily functions the rest of us take for granted. These kinds of changes can be challenging at best, and their emotional toll can be heavier than the physical scars themselves.

Emotional
1 in 4 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2011 according to American Cancer Society estimates. That means it's highly likely that you or someone you know will hear the words, "You have cancer." this year. Nothing can prepare a person to receive a diagnosis that can be potentially fatal. And even when a patient has successfully made it through treatment and is declared "cancer free" there is still a tremendous amount of residual worry and frustration to deal with.

The fear of recurrence is also a very real emotional burden for every cancer survivor. Some cancer diagnoses, like bladder and some brain cancers, carry a high probability of recurrence. Others require regular follow-up for many years after treatment ends. Every single time that patient goes in for a follow-up, there is a worry that doctors could find something that will cause the patient to require another round of treatments. Even common aches and pains that have nothing to do with cancer can bring on fearful speculation and worry.

So, how can a patient find their way to their own "new normal"?
It's important from the very start to have a strong support network. Friends, family, church groups, or even followers of a blog or Facebook page can be a tremendous source of strength, advice, and "good vibes" during cancer treatment and beyond. Support groups are a great place to start building some of these helpful relationships if a patient doesn't already have them in place. If you're in Northwest Arkansas, our social workers are tremendous resources. We also provide a list a local support groups on our website. National organizations such as StupidCancer.com and LiveStrong.org have navigation and support services available if you're unable to find a group close to you.

As a patient becomes a survivor, the support doesn't have to end. Many groups are populated by survivors who are willing to provide the encouragement and advice a newly diagnosed patient needs. A person living with regular follow-up appointments can find a great deal of comfort in that kind of group as well, as they continue to deal with the "new normal". Perhaps one of the most important things a cancer survivor can do is give them selves time to redefine themselves. Time may not really heal all wounds, as the old adage says, but it does provide a good lens with which to examine what life should look like in the wake of cancer treatment.

Small, but never Trivial

2011-07-11T14:30:00.004-05:00

There are a few cancer diagnoses that seem to hog all the limelight and garner the majority of attention. Breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, anything that deals with children... and while those cancers are all potentially deadly and should get your attention and provide opportunities for prevention education, there are a number of "smaller" cancers that are not diagnosed as often that you should also be aware of.

Bladder cancer is one of those cancers that has a pretty low level of awareness in the public eye. It is not as deadly as some (14,680 estimated deaths in 2010) but 70,530 new cases (also estimated here) are not to be dismissed completely. Some of the most common symptoms can be attributed to other things, and the true cause of a patient's discomfort can be unknown for a while. Symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Painful urination
Urinary tract infection
Abdominal pain
Back pain
Blood in urine (hematuria) — urine may appear dark yellow, bright red or cola colored; or urine may appear normal, but blood may be detected in a microscopic examination of the urine.

As you can see from that last one - the most obvious clue to a serious problem might not even occur in every patient. Bladder cancer is also one of the many, many cancers that have shown a link to smoking. In fact, smoking is the number one risk factor for bladder cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes may increase your risk of bladder cancer by causing harmful chemicals to accumulate in your urine. When you smoke, your body processes the chemicals in the smoke and excretes some of them in your urine. These harmful chemicals may damage the lining of your bladder, which can increase your risk of cancer.

Most cases of bladder cancer are found in white males over the age of 40, but as with all other cancers - there are exceptions. Don't hesitate to visit with your doctor if you are experiencing unusual symptoms like those listed above - especially if they continue after being treated for an initial diagnosis.

Bladder cancer has the dubious honor of being number one in recurrence rate after initial treatment and remission. For that reason, there will be follow up visits and screenings for many years for victims of the disease.

More information about bladder can be found at MayoClinic.com and the National Cancer Institute website. If you live in Northwest Arkansas and need help quitting your tobacco habit, contact us to speak to someone about our one-on-one smoking cessation counseling services that are provided at no charge. If you live outside Northwest Arkansas, the SmokeFree.gov website has lots of great information that can help you be smoke-free and lower your risk of cancer (and that of your loved-ones) significantly.

Happenings on the Horizon!

2011-07-05T13:53:00.005-05:00

We take our mission statement very seriously. When we pledge to "provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow" we're not just saying a bunch of words. Call us dreamers, but we truly do want to reach every person in Benton, Carroll, Madison & Washington counties with the education they need to live healthier lives and prevent a cancer diagnosis. FACT: Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of the 571,950 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2011 could be prevented! We also want to provide every person in our area who is being treated for cancer with the support they need to get through the treatment successfully.

In order to provide the "education" component of our mission we have to reach as many people as we can. We do that by purchasing space on bill boards, running ads in local media outlets, visiting with leaders in the community about our organization, and by posting regularly in social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. To fund the "support" component we reach out to our friends and neighbors to ask for support. We write grants, we solicit sponsors for our programs and events, and we welcome individual donations.

Sometimes we find ways to cover both of these bases - outreach and fundraising - with one project. We hope you can join us for a couple of the following opportunities and help us make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and in the health of our community.

Throughout the month of July Cafe Delta Soul will host Hope Cancer Resources. Every Tuesday night they will donate 10% of the night's proceeds to support our patient assistance and community education programs benefiting Northwest Arkansas. Great food, the friendliest waitstaff in town, drinks in mason jars... what more could you ask??? Grab some friends and help us do what we love doing by doing what you love doing. Eat great food!

Continuing through the summer months we have little boxes on the counters of most of the NWA (and River Valley!) Eureka Pizza locations. Each box lists our social network contact information and our website address. Next time you're getting a great deal on three pizzas (for the price of one!) from Eureka, please drop a little change in the boxes. A little goes a long way for our patients.

For two weeks in August (August 1-14), Harps Food Stores will be partnering with us for their 3rd annual in-store promotion benefiting our patient services and education programs. When you shop at Harps, your cashier will offer you the opportunity to donate to Hope Cancer Resources by purchasing a little postcard in memory or honor of someone you know who has battled cancer. Harps is a long-time supporter of our work in Northwest Arkansas. Be sure to thank them for supporting our vital services and education programs.

Thank you, Northwest Arkansas, for your past and continued support. We can't do it without you!

Poverty as Carcinogen?

2011-06-28T15:52:00.001-05:00

The American Cancer Society released a report earlier this month that covers, among other things, the role of socioeconomic disparities in cancer mortality rates. It's a companion to their annual report called Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It names the well-documented contributors to individual cancer risk like smoking and obesity that we've all heard about, but it also outlines the link between socioeconomic status and cancer deaths.

The good news is that the report shows a decrease in the rate of cancer deaths between 1990 and 2007; 22% in men and 14% in women. This means that over that 17 year span 898,000 people didn't die of cancer that would have in years prior.

The bad news, however, is how that survival is spread across the population. Or, more accurately, how it is not. According to the report, death rates in persons with lower socioeconomic status (defined by education, occupation or residence) showed little or no decrease. In fact, there were increases in their cancer deaths in some instances. The evidence shows a continually widening gap in mortality rates between advantaged and disadvantaged segments of the US population. For example: in 1993, in men aged 25-64 (both black and white populations), the cancer death rate was twice as high as the least educated compared to the most educated. By 2007, this disparity had increased to a nearly three-fold difference.

So, what does this mean?? The good news of lower rates of cancer deaths overall shows that research being done every day to find better treatment options is proving successful in the fight against the disease. There is also a direct link to the community education being provided across the country by organizations like Hope Cancer Resources. More screenings are being done, more preventative measures are being taken, and more cancers are being caught in earlier stages. But, the numbers show (on page 25 of the report) that those preventative measures and screenings are being utilized primarily among the educated and those residing in the higher levels of economic comfort.

According to the US Census Bureau, more than 50.7 million Americans were uninsured in 2009. Those people have limited access to health care, and that limited access affects every part of the cancer contiuum: prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. If there is a cancer diagnosis, it is more likely to be made in an advanced stage of the disease and the patient is less likely to have been partaking of healthy lifestyle habits prior to their diagnosis. Consider the observation that there are usually more fast-food restaurants and fewer safe public parks and walking trails in communities that are economically challenged than in those with higher per-capita incomes.

To bear this point out, a study done by the American Cancer Society showed that uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients diagnosed with early state colorectal cancer were less likely to survive five years than privately insured patients diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the disease. This disparity likely reflects the unequal treatment that results from living with limited healthcare access, generally poorer underlying health (also associated with lack of preventative care and absence of healthy activity and food choices), and physical barriers to care, such as transportation to health facilities, that are commonly experienced by non-privately insured patients.

Over the past 30 years, the American Cancer Society has issued a number of special reports on cancer disparities which concluded that poverty is the primary contributing factor to cancer disparities between racial and ethnic groups... and that people living in poverty lack access to health care and endure greater pain and suffering from cancer.

At Hope Cancer Resources we are not able to affect a cure for cancer, nor do we lobby for better healthcare coverage for Americans. But we do provide the community education and free screenings that are so desperately needed if we are to keep seeing a reduction of mortality rates. We provide financial assistance through our Save-A-Life program to people needing tests and procedures they can't afford and we don't offer. We also help reduce obstacles encountered by many of our neighbors by providing financial assistance when a household income is severely affected by a cancer diagnosis, or when transportation to and from treatments is needed. Our mission, to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow holds true for everyone in our community, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

We are on the front lines of the battle against cancer in Northwest Arkansas, and we always welcome the support of additional warriors! Join us as a volunteer, or make a donation today.

Your support makes a difference, and we can't do it without you.

Couple of Things

2011-06-20T17:04:00.001-05:00

Part of our planning for the year involves finding new ways to raise awareness and donations. We love receiving financial gifts from new and repeat donors, as every non-profit organization does, but the focus we place on our mission and vision means that making people aware of our organziation and the services we provide is just as important. Indeed, it is more so.

We are doing a few things this summer to try to accomplish both of these goals...

Earlier this month we placed clear acrylic boxes in Eureka Pizza locations around Northwest Arkansas and in Fort Smith. The boxes don't feature a lot of information specifically describing our services due to space restrictions, but our website and social media links are listed. We hope to see an upswing in the visits to our site over the next few months as a result. The more people who visit our site, the more people we are potentially helping with our programs or information on cancer prevention. Of course, receiving some small donations would be wonderful too.

Throughout the month of July we will be hosted by Cafe Delta Soul as they partner with us for a promotion. Every Tuesday night they will donate 10% of their dinner sales and allow us to share a little information with their patrons. If you haven't visited Cafe Delta Soul yet, this is the perfect opportunity! They serve down-home-delicious Southern cooking like you wish your momma used to make. Catfish, ribs, creole specialties... all washed down with drinks in mason jars and served by some of the friendliest staff in town. Come see us and bring your friends!

Finally, we want to send out a big THANK YOU to J.B. Hunt Transportation for the "Jeans Day" fundraiser they organized for us! One of the ways we're trying to get our name and list of services out there is to partner with companies to do fundraisers or educational programs with their employees. We have two certified health educators on our staff who can bring information on a wide range of topics relating to cancer prevention and visit with
staff to let them know what they can do to be healthy and informed. In addition, we have information available about screening programs we hold throughout the year, local support groups and our patient assistance programs. We also have a Spanish interpreter on staff to assist with communication with Spanish-speaking employees. If your company would be interested in finding out more about these educational programs please contact Sandy Prince, MS, CHES, our V.P. of Cancer Education and Prevention or Casey Shelor, MS, CHES, our Cancer Education Coordinator.

Thank you, Northwest Arkansas, for everything you are doing to support us. We hope to see you soon!!

What is a Sarcoma?

2011-06-13T15:48:00.001-05:00

A sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, like bone or muscle. There are 2 main types of sarcomas: bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop from soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. Although they can be found in any part of the body, most of them - about 60 percent - develop in the arms, hands, feet or legs. They can also be found in the trunk, head and neck area, internal organs, and the area in back of the abdominal cavity. Sarcomas are not common tumors. Only about 10,000 soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed annually in the United States.

On the American Cancer Society's webpage about sarcomas there are no fewer than forty kinds of sarcomas listed. For that reason, we will not try to list them all here, but instead suggest that if you are truly interested in that many different kinds of sarcomas, you can take a look at their list. We don't mind.

A soft tissue sarcoma usually produces no signs and symptoms in its early stages. As the tumor grows, it may cause:

A noticeable lump or swelling
Pain, if it presses on nerves or muscles
A blockage in the stomach or intestines or gastrointestinal bleeding if the tumor is located in the abdomen or digestive tract

Generally, the cause of most soft tissue sarcomas is unknown. One of the few soft tissue sarcomas that has a known cause is Kaposi's sarcoma. It occurs in people with defective immune systems and is caused by a virus known as human herpes virus 8 (HHV8). Some types of sarcomas are believed to be hereditary. You can see this list here.

Talk to your doctor if you discover a lump that persists or if you notice signs or symptoms that may indicate a soft tissue sarcoma, such as worsening abdominal pain or blood in your stool.

Information for this post was gathered from the Mayo Clinic website and the American Cancer Society's page about sarcoma.

Cancer Survivorship

2011-06-06T17:01:00.001-05:00

As we keep an eye on the information being disseminated on the web and in the news about cancer and its associated topics, a thread we see often implies that not enough money is being spent to "cure cancer". There are so many fundraising runs, bike rides, walks, vigils, restaurant promotions, etc... but people are still dying. When you are watching your loved ones battle cancer, it's hard to understand the progress that has been made. But there has been progress.

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the number of cancer survivors in the United States increased to 11.7 million in 2007. To put that in perspective - consider the fact that there were 3 million cancer survivors in 1971 and 9.8 million in 2001. Great news! Regardless of whether or not a cure has been found, the numbers tell us that the treatments that are being tested in clinical trials around the world are finding drugs and therapies that are saving lives.

More good news that accompanies those numbers... Study findings indicate:

Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors (22 percent), followed by prostate cancer survivors (19 percent) and colorectal cancer survivors (10 percent).
Among all survivors, 4.7 million received their diagnosis 10 or more years earlier.

What this information tells us is that those screenings we keep encouraging you to have are working. And not only are people surviving - they're surviving longer. We've said it all along - but that's the proof in black and white. Screenings save lives.

Of course, more survivors mean an increasing need for support for after the battle. Survivors often deal with long-lasting effects of their treatments that can be uncomfortable, annoying, or down-right debilitating. When a patient and their family is in the middle of their treatment, it's hard to think past what they are doing right then, so the work that comes after - staying healthy, recovering and maintaining pre-cancer activity levels, and learning to accept the limitations that they may have to live with - is often nothing they want to discuss or even consider.

Support groups and information focused on survivorship are in demand more and more by patients and their families. We work to meet that demand in the support groups we facilitate and also with our licensed Social Workers on staff. They work with individuals to determine specific emotional needs, and find sources of information and support to make sure that transitioning into the new life post-cancer treatment is as smooth as possible. If you or someone you know needs some assistance and information about being a cancer survivor please contact us at 479-361-5847.

More information about cancer survivorship can be found on these websites:
Support groups in Northwest Arkansas can be found on our website here.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information, podcasts, and even the ability to send an e-card here.
The National Cancer Institute lots of information grouped by survivorship topic here and a long list of publications and resources here.

Some of the information in this posting was found in this press release on the National Cancer Institute website.

What's Up, June!?

2011-05-31T16:01:00.002-05:00

If you live near Northwest Arkansas we hope you will put some big gold stars on your calendar on June 23-25th. Those are the dates of the annual Cancer Challenge events, and we know you'll find something that you will enjoy going to support their mission.

Check out this great line-up of activities:

06/23

12 noon Jr. Tennis Clinic & Tourney

5:00 pm Trap Shoot Practice & Social

06/24 Adult Tennis Tourney

Golf Tourney

Trap Shoot

6:00 pm Social Event & Auction

06/25

8:00 am Run Walk

Adult Tennis Tourney

Golf Tourney

See? We told you there was something for everyone!

The Cancer Challenge is an organization that raises money in Northwest Arkansas to support other organizations that provide cancer support and education services in our area. Well, let's just let them tell you in their own words...

MISSION:
We are passionate, visionary and tenacious volunteers dedicated to the Cancer Challenge mission; to advocate and support world-class cancer care in Northwest Arkansas. We are committed to cancer prevention & education; early detection & treatment, navigation and support; and survivorship initiatives. We are a non-profit organization who has been caring for the community of Northwest Arkansas for over 18 years.

Our Vision: A community that ... provides world-class cancer care for all people; believes in prevention and promotes healthy lifestyles; supports research in the hope for a cure; and offers cancer survivors encouragement and support.

The Cancer Challenge was founded in 1994 and in its first year raised $100,000. Since then the event has grown in size and impact on Northwest Arkansas and strives to raise $750,000 in 2011. To date, over $8.3 million dollars have been gifted back to our community to support much needed cancer services and programs.

Even if you can't make it to one of the sporting events (of if you're just not feeling terribly athletic this month) you can still join us for the gala and auction. The Cancer Challenge silent auction is unbelievable, and they're bringing the Evasons back this year to entertain. Hope to see you there!

A Gray Kind of Day.

2011-05-24T09:39:00.001-05:00

As storms are devastating parts of the mid-west this week, it seems oddly appropriate that we should share information about a kind of cancer that is also devastating to those who are diagnosed with it. And, the awareness ribbon for it is gray just like the skies we're seeing outside the window.

Approximately 40,000 brain tumors are diagnosed each year in the United States, with about 15,000 of those being the most malignant type, known as glioblastoma. Nobody knows what causes brain tumors, even though a fair amount of research has been done in this area. It is generally known that radiation can cause them, but beyond that, other causes are unknown. You may have heard about theories showing a link between brain tumors and cell phones, head injuries, occupational hazards and electromagnetic waves, but none of those have ever been shown to cause brain tumors in studies.

Even though we don't know why brain tumors occur, research has made advances in treatment options. Since the 1980s, MRI has been used as the standard imaging technology in identifying brain tumors. A newer technology called "functional MRI" can even measure changes in blood flow that accompany brain activity. This can help determine how well different regions of the brain are working, and therefore how they are being affected by a tumor. Intraoperative MRI machines can be used to monitor the extent of tumor removal during surgery.

Another advance has been in the use of chemotherapy. Early chemotherapy drugs were not used as standard treatments for brain tumors, because most of them could not cross the "blood-brain barrier". Today, the orally administered drug Temozolomide (Temodar), which first became available in the U.S. in 1999, can prolong the survival of patients with glioma when combined with radiation therapy. High-dose chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of some types of childhood brain tumors can delay the need for radiation therapy, possibly reducing harm to the developing brain.

Although they can also be attributed to other problems, these are the most common symptoms of a brain tumor listed on the American Brain Tumor Association site. REMEMBER: If you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, or anything you read here, we encourage you to consult your doctor. Share your concerns. The listed symptoms can have many different causes; your doctor can listen to your medical history and make suggestions to help find the cause for your symptoms.

HeadachesHeadaches are a common initial symptom. Typical "brain tumor headaches" are often described as worse in the morning, with improvement gradually during the day. They may rouse the person from sleep. Sometimes, upon awakening, the person vomits then feels better. These headaches may worsen with coughing, exercise, or with a change in position such as bending or kneeling. They also do not typically respond to the usual headache remedies.

Seizures
About one-third of people diagnosed with a brain tumor are not aware they have a tumor until they have a seizure. Seizures are a common symptom of a brain tumor. Seizures are caused by a disruption in the normal flow of electricity in the brain. Those sudden bursts of electricity may cause convulsions, unusual sensations, and loss of consciousness. Focal seizures -- such as muscle twitching or jerking of an arm or leg, abnormal smells or tastes, problems with speech or numbness and tingling -- may also occur.

Mental and/or Personality Changes
These can range from problems with memory (especially short-term memory), speech, communication and/or concentration changes to severe intellectual problems and confusion. Changes in behavior, temperament and personality may also occur, depending where the tumor is located. These changes can be caused by the tumor itself, by increased pressure within the skull caused by the presence of the tumor, or by involvement of the parts of the brain that control personality.

Mass effect
Mass effect is due to increased intracranial pressure, also called IICP. This increased pressure in the brain may be caused by a tumor growing within the tight confines of the skull, or by hydrocephalus - the blockage of the fluid that flows around and through the brain, and/or by edema - swelling of the brain around the tumor due to an accumulation of fluid. Mass effect can cause damage by compressing and displacing the delicate brain tissue. The symptoms caused by IICP include nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, vision problems such as blurred or double vision or loss of peripheral vision, and the headaches and mental changes already mentioned. A swollen optic nerve (papilledema) is a clear sign of IICP. It can be observed by your eye doctor when he examines your eyes. This sign is common in young children, in persons with slow growing tumors, with tumors in the posterior fossa, and in older patients.

Focal, or Localized, Symptoms
In addition to the common, but non-specific symptoms listed above, other more specific symptoms frequently occur. These "focal symptoms" can help identify the location of the tumor. Focal symptoms include: hearing problems such as ringing or buzzing sounds or hearing loss, decreased muscle control, lack of coordination, decreased sensation, weakness or paralysis, difficulty with walking or speech, balance problems, or double vision.

Portions of this post were created from Coping with Cancer articles here and here. Symptom information was found at the ABTA website linked above.

What about the Caregivers?

2011-05-16T15:35:00.001-05:00

There is plenty of information out there about dealing with cancer as a patient. Magazines such as Cure and Coping with Cancer, and their accompanying websites, provide wonderful support to patients about the reality of life with cancer and follow them into recovery and survivorhood. There are support groups for different kinds of cancer diagnoses (see ours here), books to read, and products aimed at making a cancer patient more comfortable and better prepared to cope with their journey.

But what about the caregivers? Very often, cancer patients are dependent on spouses, siblings, children, or just close friends. Patients need help navigating the sometimes overwhelming array of new physicians and medications and the added scheduling burden of frequent visits to different doctors and medical clinics. Functions that used to be managed easily by the patient like doing laundry and mowing the lawn become highly scheduled and doled out to volunteers pulled from family members and friends. Behind all of this scheduling and dietary monitoring and pill-sorting and equipment renting is usually one specific person who takes on the bulk of the burden.

Caregiving can exhaust even the strongest individual very quickly. But the physical tasks that are required are not the only causes of fatigue. The emotional burden of maintaining a positive outlook around your loved ones or just having to be the "keeper of the information" can also be extremely tiring. If you are a caregiver don't forget to consider your own needs for down-time.

Take advantage of all those offers of help and be specific. Now is not the time to say "Oh, we're fine... thanks for your offer." If someone asks what they can do - give them a short list. Ask "What are you willing to do?" In some cases, leaving the house for anything other than a medical appointment can be daunting or even impossible depending on a patient's condition. Would they mind going to the grocery store with a shopping list for you? How about picking up your dry-cleaning and running a package by the post office? If they are offering to help - let them.

Something that often comes as a surprise to caregivers is the range of emotions that accompany the journey. It's not just the patient who has to deal with these feelings, but sometimes the caregiver has a harder time showing them. There is a mis-conception that a caregiver needs to remain strong and not let their emotions get the best of them. Here is some info from the National Cancer Institute that deals with this subject:

It's common to feel stressed and overwhelmed at this time. Like your loved one, you may feel angry, sad, or worried. Try to share your feelings with others who can help you. It can help to talk about how you feel. You could even talk to a counselor or social worker.

You probably have many feelings as you take care of your loved one. There is no right way for you to feel. Each person is different. The first step to understanding your feelings is to know that they're normal. Give yourself some time to think through them. Some feelings that may come and go are:

Sadness. It's okay to feel sad. But if it lasts for more than 2 weeks, and it keeps you from doing what you need to do, you may be depressed.
Anger. You may be angry at yourself or family members. You may be angry at the person you're caring for. Or you may be angry that your loved one has cancer. Sometimes anger comes from fear, panic, or stress. If you are angry, try to think of what makes you feel this way. Knowing the cause may help.
Grief. You may be feeling a loss of what you value most. This may be your loved one's health. Or it may be the loss of the day-to-day life you had before the cancer was found. Let yourself grieve these losses.
Guilt. Feeling guilty is common, too. You may think you aren't helping enough. Or you may feel guilty that you are healthy.
Loneliness. You can feel lonely, even with lots of people around you. You may feel that no one understands your problems. You may also be spending less time with others.
Talk with someone if your feelings get in the way of daily life. Maybe you have a family member, friend, priest, pastor, or spiritual leader to talk to. Your doctor may also be able to help.
Here are some other things that may help you:
Know that we all make mistakes whenever we have a lot on our minds. No one is perfect.
Cry or express your feelings. You don't have to pretend to be cheerful. It's okay to show that you are sad or upset.
Focus on things that are worth your time and energy. Let small things go for now. For example, don't fold clothes if you are tired.
Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.
Spend time alone to think about your feelings.

At Hope Cancer Resources, our licensed social workers and counselors are able to schedule individual appointments with you and/or your loved one to help you cope with the varied physical and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Don't hesitate to reach out to those around you. We're here to help.

Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap!

2011-05-09T16:22:00.000-05:00

It's easy to get complacent about being outside in the sunshine - especially during the cooler seasons and in the early part of summer when the sun's rays aren't especially hot. But you can get a sunburn any time of the year, and therefore set yourself up for a potential skin cancer diagnosis in the future.

Sometimes it's assumed that a lot of exposure all at once is the most dangerous thing for you. While it's true that spending several unprotected hours in the sun can result in a red, stinging burn, lots of short periods of exposure can cause just as much damage even if your skin doesn't burn. The American Cancer Society has come up with a catch phrase we use in schools when we're providing sun-safety education: "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!"

Slip on a shirt.
Slop on sunscreen.
Slap on a hat.
Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.

SLIP:
When it comes to clothes, longer is better. Longer sleeves and longer pants or skirts protect more of your skin from the sun. That may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised to learn that darker colors offer more protection than light ones. It's often thought that lighter colors are better because they will reflect the sunlight - but light reflection doesn't keep you from getting hit with those burning UV rays. This goes for other shade-providing items such as sun canopies and umbrellas as well. Don't assume that shade = sunburn protection! Pay attention to the weave of fabrics - the tighter the weave, the better protected you are. And while a t-shirt over your swimsuit may cover a few things you'd like to hide, it won't hide you from the sun! Wet fabric offers less protection than dry.

SLOP:
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing sunscreen. In fact, it can be confusing at times and you can end up being less protected than you thought. Many groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen – a higher number means more protection. That said, the percentage of increased protection changes only 2% between SPF 30 and SPF 100. (97% vs. 99%) so if you're looking at a big price difference, it's fine to stay with the 30.

When using an SPF 30 sunscreen and applying it thickly, you can count one minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So, one hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending two minutes totally unprotected. However, many people do not apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen, so the actual protection they get is less. Lay it on thick, and try to do so at least 30 minutes before actually going out in the sun to let the product soak in well before you start to sweat or get it wet. To be sure you use the right amount, fill your palm to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult.

Pay special attention to areas on your body that are not protected by clothing: the backs of hands, ears, face and legs. Don't forget the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals! For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are "water resistant" may protect for only 40 minutes. And drying off with a towel will probably rub it off, so be sure to reapply after you take a dip.

SLAP:
All hats are not created equal when it comes to sun protection. A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp that are often exposed to intense sun. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap but has fabric draping down the sides and back) is also a good choice, and will provide more protection for the neck.A traditional baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not as protective as hats made of tightly woven fabric.

WRAP:
UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing eye disease.

The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to check the label before you purchase. Labels that say "UV absorption up to 400 nm" or "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection.
Just as with the light vs. dark fabric surprise, you may be surprised to know that darker glasses are not necessarily better. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label.

Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles and therefore protect the skin and your eye itself better. Don't forget the kids! Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses – not toy sunglasses.They are more expensive, but they're worth it.

All this information and more can be found at the American Cancer Society's website. Including a Sun Safety Quiz to let you test what you've learned. Skin cancer is definitely preventable. Stay safe this summer and have fun for many years to come!

Cancer Screenings for Everyone!

2011-05-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

We know you'd probably rather have ice cream for everyone. Or, a half-day off on Fridays. But today we're going to tell you how important it is to do the work on your end to prevent cancer, or at least detect it in early stages. The earlier it's diagnosed, the better the chance for survival.

For people having periodic health examinations, a cancer related checkup, beginning at age 20, should include health counseling and, depending on a person's age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, and ovaries or testes as well as for some non-malignant diseases. Cancer Screening Guidelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society as outlined:

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below. The tests that are designed to find both early cancer and polyps are preferred if these tests are available to you. Talk to your doctor about which test is best for you.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
Colonoscopy every 10 years
Double contrast barium enema every 5 years*
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year*,**
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**
Stool DNA test (sDNA) interval uncertain*

*Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive.
**For FOBT or FIT used as a screening test, the take-home multiple sample method should be used. A FOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam in the doctor's office is not adequate for screening.

Breast Cancer Screening

Age 20-39:
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by a healthcare professional every three years.
Breast Self-Exam (BSE) monthly.

Age 40 and Over:
Yearly Mammogram and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by a healthcare professional, near the time of the mammogram.
Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse.

Women at High Risk:
Talk with your doctor about starting earlier, and about the possible benefit of breast MRI or ultrasound in addition to mammograms and CBE.

Cervical Cancer Screening:

Yearly PAP test to begin about 3 years after you first have sex, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
PAP test should be done annually.

Skin Cancer Screening:
Become familiar with any moles, freckles or other spots on your skin. Use mirrors or have a family member or close friend look at areas you can't see (ears, scalp, lower back).
Check on skin changes once a month.
Show any suspicious or changing areas to your doctor.
Have a healthcare professional perform a skin cancer screening every three years for ages 20-39 and every year for ages 40 and over.

Prostate Cancer Screening:
Men with an average risk of prostate cancer should be offered prostate screening tests - the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE) - beginning at age 50.
For men with a higher than average risk of prostate cancer, screening is recommended starting at age 45. This includes African-American men and men with at least one first-degree relative with prostate cancer that was diganosed before age 65. (First-degree relatives include fathers, brothers, and sons.)
For men with markedly higher risk of prostate cancer, screening is recommended starting at age 40. "Markedly higher risk" means that several first-degree relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer early in life.

These cancer screening guildelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society for those people at average risk for cancer (unless otherwise specified) and without any specific symptoms.

For more information, call Sandy Prince, Certified Health Education Specialist, at 479-361-5847.

Small, but Growing.

2011-04-25T16:48:00.001-05:00

In 2010, an estimated 16,640 adults in the United States were expected to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer. A huge portion of that projected number (13,130 to be exact) was attributed to males. This makes esophageal cancer the 7th most common cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S.

While those kinds of numbers don't qualify it for a "common" status in our country, esophageal cancer has become the fastest-increasing cancer diagnosis in the U.S., up more than 400 percent in the past two decades, according to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS of esophageal cancer include:

Difficulty swallowing
Losing weight without trying
Chest pain
Fatigue

Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs or symptoms. If you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases your risk of esophageal cancer, ask your doctor what signs and symptoms to watch for that may signal that your condition is worsening. Also ask what screening tests you should consider.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States.
Squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the middle of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.

RISK FACTORS: It's thought that chronic irritation of your esophagus may contribute to the DNA changes that cause esophageal cancer. Factors that cause irritation in the cells of your esophagus and increase your risk of esophageal cancer include:

Alcohol
Bile reflux
Chewing tobacco
Difficulty swallowing caused by an esophageal sphincter that won't relax (achalasia)
Drinking very hot liquids
Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables
Eating foods preserved in lye
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Obesity
Precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)
Radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen
Smoking

As with any type of cancer - know your risks, know the symptoms, and talk to your physician if you are concerned.

Information for this post was gathered from the following websites:

Mayo Clinic
The Baltimore Sun
Esophageal Cancer Action Network

Recognizing our Volunteers

2011-04-18T15:49:00.001-05:00

On April 11 we celebrated our amazing volunteer "All Stars" and the work they do to help us accomplish our mission of providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Region today and tomorrow. We served hot dogs and hamburgers and fixin's provided by Arvest Bank, a "home run" of a cake made by Rick's Bakery in Fayetteville, and handed out some certificates and cooler bags as tokens of our HUGE appreciation for all the support they have given us over the past year.

We have 212 volunteers in our program who, together over the last 12 months, have provided 4,398 hours

of service to our patients and staff at a value of $138,118.00.

That is a ridiculous number of hours! It adds up to just under 37 weeks of volunteer time!! Wow. We are so humbled by that kind of dedication. And we are immensely grateful for all that our volunteers do... they make our events more exciting, our patients feel a little more comfortable and cared for, and our work more efficient. In short, they support us... so that we can make a difference in the lives of as many people in Northwest Arkansas as possible.

We can't do what we do without them.

More Reasons Not to Smoke

2011-04-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

If you ask the average person what one of the biggest health risks is for smokers (and those living with smokers), they would probably say lung cancer. And they would be right! Smoking affects many parts of a body, but the lungs definitely suffer the largest percentage of damage from the use of inhaled tobacco products. Odds are that the average person asked about smoking risks would probably not give the answer that we are focusing on today - head and neck cancer.

Most head and neck cancers begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and neck area, e.g., mouth, nose, and throat. Mucosal surfaces are moist tissues lining hollow organs and cavities of the body open to the environment. Normal mucosal cells look like scales (squamous) under the microscope, so head and neck cancers are often referred to as squamous cell carcinomas. Some head and neck cancers begin in other types of cells.

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco, sometimes called “chewing tobacco” or “snuff”) and alcohol use are the most important risk factors for head and neck cancers, particularly those of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States. These cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. It is estimated that about 12,000 men and 9,000 women will develop these cancers each year. If you are a smoker, or know someone who is, it's important that you are aware of the following symptoms and visit your physician as soon as you see any of them develop.

Symptoms of several head and neck cancer sites include a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. Other symptoms may include the following:

Oral cavity. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth; a swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.
Nasal cavity and sinuses. Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear, chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics, bleeding through the nose, frequent headaches, swelling or other trouble with the eyes, pain in the upper teeth, or problems with dentures.
Salivary glands. Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone; numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face; or pain that does not go away in the face, chin, or neck.
Oropharynx and hypopharynx. Ear pain.
Nasopharynx. Trouble breathing or speaking, frequent headaches, pain or ringing in the ears, or trouble hearing.
Larynx. Pain when swallowing, or ear pain.
Metastatic squamous neck cancer. Pain in the neck or throat that does not go away.

This information and more is available on the National Cancer Institute's website. As always - know your risk, practice prevention, and see your doctor if you think you are experiencing any of the problems listed here.

Gentlemen, pay attention!

2011-04-04T15:55:00.001-05:00

April is not off the hook. Even with all of its promise of warmer days and spring awakening and new life it is also a month that we recognize a type of cancer and work to raise awareness. In fact, there are three kinds on the board this month, but this week we'll share some information about testicular cancer.

Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare - which is a great thing! According to the National Cancer Institute, 8,480 new cases were estimated to be diagnosed last year. That said, testicular cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. The good news is that is highly treatable! Of those diagnosed last year, there were 350 deaths. That is good news - but in our opinion even a small mortality rate warrants the need for being informed and knowing when to see a doctor.

The most common symptoms as listed by the Mayo Clinic are as follows:

A lump or enlargement in either testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well

Cancer usually affects only one testicle, which should make it easier to detect an abnormality. See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks. Make an appointment with your doctor even if a lump in your testicle isn't painful, as only a small percentage of testicular cancers are painful from the outset.

Get ready to RUN!

2011-03-28T16:48:00.001-05:00

Or walk, if that's your preference... we don't really mind. We just want you to JOIN US for the 7th Annual Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope coming up May 7th! We'll be raising awareness of the need for early detection and regular screening for colorectal cancer, and raising funds for the patient services and community education programs of Hope Cancer Resources. Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S., and one of the most preventable - but unfortunately it is too often detected in later stages. Approximately 49,380 people will die from colorectal cancer this year. Help us get the word out! Read our previous post about the disease and share it with everyone you know!

We know there are a lot of races and walks and other outdoor events going on this time of year in Northwest Arkansas. We also know there are a lot of charities and non-profits that are asking you to join them to support their particular cause. But we hope you will give us one Saturday morning in May. Let us share a little story to demonstrate what happens to the money we raise...

Last year we received a call from a single mother of a 15 month old baby. The baby had been diagnosed with cancer and the mother had been taking her to Little Rock for treatments. The day that she called us she had been preparing to leave for an appointment when she discovered her car would not start. She quickly contacted a repair shop and was told that they could fix the problem, but the part would have to be ordered. Desperate to get her baby to her appointment, she called us. We helped the mother rent a car for the trip to Little Rock, and paid for fuel as well.

A few weeks later the mother called again to ask for assistance paying a utility bill. Because of the time she had taken off work to care for her daughter she had lost wages and was having trouble paying all of her bills that month. We helped her with the utility bill, and helped this mother get her child a little bit closer to recovery.

Sometimes the assistance required by a patient is complicated and time-consuming. Other times, it's as simple as handing them a card with our contact information on it. But no matter the level of assistance we are providing, we know that our patients are thankful that they found us. Odds are you have had some kind of experience with cancer. Either you've been a patient, or someone you care about has been. For those people, and even for those you don't know personally, we hope you'll join us to walk or run to help provide cancer assistance and education in our communities. Perhaps Mr. Smith said it best when he told our social worker "You guys have given me hope."

Help us give hope to cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas.

Here Comes the Sun!!

2011-03-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's not too early to talk about sun safety, especially since we've seen a few pink arms and faces around the office today after a sunny weekend. Additionally, there was this news today about a higher rate of melanoma being diagnosed in "wealthy white women". Obviously, the people who need to hear our message of sunscreen, hats and shade most are not hearing it - or they're ignoring it. We still have work to do in that area.

But this week we're more interested in being aware of signs of past sun transgressions. Most of us already know that too much sun can damage our skin. In fact, any amount of sun causes damage, with the level and severity increasing over time. Tanning (whether by the pool or in a bed) is, technically, an intentional cooking of one's outer layers of skin. Now that you know that, we are confident you will remember to use more sunscreen in the future. But what about all those unprotected days you've already spent acquiring a "healthy glow"?

Many skin cancers start out as a weird-looking mole or patch of skin that itches or bleeds and doesn't heal properly. But there are a myriad of other skin anomalies that a dermatologist checks for during a screening for skin damage. Most people don't go see a dermatologist on their own unless they have a diagnosis that requires it - eczema for example, or rosacea. Several reasons might be offered for not getting regular check ups: lack of time, the high cost of a specialist that's not covered under your health insurance plan, or just no clue how to choose one out of the long list of clinics in Northwest Arkansas.

Have we got a deal for you!!! Mark your calendar for our upcoming skin cancer screening clinic that will be held April 2nd at our office. All that is required of you is that you call to set an appointment. Easy! We will bring seven local dermatologists to you to check moles, freckles, and that funny little patch on your forehead that flakes and itches. And all that special attention is absolutely free of charge!!

Take a minute and schedule an appointment - call 479-361-5847 and we'll get you set up. After you've made your own appointment, call or email all your friends and family in NWA and challenge them to do the same. It's a quick visit, doesn't cost a thing, and could be the key to preventing a loved one from having to deal with Melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer that killed almost 9,000 people in the U.S. last year. Help us help reduce that number this year by scheduling your screening today.

Prevention and Early Detection Save Lives!!

2011-03-14T15:54:00.005-05:00

We've been talking a lot lately about prevention and early detection being important keys to reducing your risk for cancers of any type, but this month we're backing up that talk with action! We are providing free colon cancer screening kits to anyone in Northwest Arkansas who asks for one, so come by to pick one up! In fact, be a true friend and get one for everyone you know. Sure, that sounds a little weird, if not downright awkward... handing out colon screening kits isn't something you usually do after a great session of Zumba with the girls or a couple of rounds of golf with the guys. But we're talking about a cancer that kills approximately 50,000 Americans each year.

Here are a few myths from the American Cancer Society about colorectal cancer that might make it easier to consider a screening:

Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.

Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. - number 3 on the lists for both men and women.

Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.

Truth: In many cases colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
Be physically active.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

Myth: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.

Truth: African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other U.S. racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.

Myth: It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.

Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it is found and treated early (while it is small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.

The screening kits we have available are easy to use, and did we mention they're FREE??

And just as a reminder, here's where we talk about signs and symptoms of colon cancer. No matter your age, if you are experiencing any of these please talk to your doctor and get screened. Younger people are often diagnosed in later stages of the disease just because their symptoms were mis-diagnosed. You owe it to yourself and the people who love you to do what you can to prevent cancer.

Another "Know your Cancer" Moment

2011-03-07T16:53:00.000-06:00

As we told you last week, March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. But there is another type of cancer recognized this month that doesn't get as much attention - cancer of the kidneys. As with all types of cancer, it's important to know signs & symptoms and risk factors.

Unfortunately, kidney cancer does not have a lot of symptoms in early stages. In later stages, symptoms that might be experienced include:

Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
Back pain just below the ribs that doesn't go away
Weight loss
Fatigue
Intermittent fever

The back pain and fever can also be a sign of a simple kidney infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. But if that is the original diagnosis and your symptoms are not completely eradicated after treatment, don't waste any time letting your doctor know you suspect there is still something wrong and ask for further testing.

There are a number of risk factors associated with cancer of the kidneys. Several of them are also risk factors for many kinds of cancer - smoking, aging, heredity, and obesity. But there are others that are unique to this type of cancer:

Being male. Men are more likely to develop kidney cancer.
High blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases your risk of kidney cancer, but it isn't clear why.
Chemicals in your workplace. Workers who are exposed to certain chemicals on the job may have a higher risk of kidney cancer. People who work with chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium may have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Treatment for kidney failure. People who receive long-term dialysis to treat chronic kidney failure have a greater risk of developing kidney cancer.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease. People with this inherited disorder are likely to develop several kinds of tumors, including, in some cases, kidney cancer.
Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma. Having this inherited condition makes it more likely you'll develop one or more kidney cancers.

As always - know your risk factors, and be familiar with symptoms. Prevention and early detection are proven life-savers when dealing with any kind of cancer diagnosis.

For more information on kidney, colon and other types of cancer, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website. For more specific information on kidney cancer and downloadable materials check out the Kidney Cancer Association website.

It's March - Do you know if your colon is healthy?

2011-03-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

Probably one of the last things anyone wants to talk about is bowel habits. It's not a subject that comes up in conversation often unless we're talking about new babies or ill-mannered pets. But March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month so that means we're going to drag it out of the (water) closet and give you a few things to think about.

Typically, when a person passes their fiftieth birthday their doctor will begin recommending a yearly colonoscopy to evaluate their colon health. This stems from the fact that most colon cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of fifty. Since most cases of colo-rectal cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps, and since early stages of colon cancer can be symptom-free, it's just a good idea to have someone actually take a look. As with most types of cancer, the earlier this disease is found, the more likely it is that the patient will make a full recovery. Waiting until you actually have symptoms can reduce your odds of beating it.

SYMPTOMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED AT ANY AGE:

A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

Colo-rectal cancer in younger people is often misdiagnosed because of its tendency to be thought of as an older-person's disease. Since the symptoms listed above can also be signs of other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac's disease, iron deficiency, or peritonitis, it's not uncommon for doctors to attempt to treat one of those in younger people before ordering invasive tests. If your doctor is treating you for one of these or another disorder and your symptoms are not improving, don't be afraid to get a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion.

Get the facts about colo-rectal cancer, know your risks and the symptoms to watch for, and find out if your colon is as healthy as you think it is!

Cancer Screening is Key!

2011-02-23T08:42:00.000-06:00

This month we're talking about cancer prevention and things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. One of the most important components to any prevention regimen is knowing your risk level based on your own habits and family history and if you have an increased level of risk, getting screened regularly.

It's widely known that catching any kind of cancer in earlier stages usually provides a patient with a better prognosis, but for some types of cancer research shows that conducting certain screening tests regularly can actually reduce deaths from that cancer. These types are breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. This is why regular gynecological exams for women, mammograms for women over 40 and colonoscopies for anyone over the age of 50 are recommended by physicians. But know the symptoms of breast and colorectal cancers and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them, regardless of your age.

For other types of cancer, screenings are being used, but the effect on the number of deaths is still being studied. However, even without a definitive study result, screenings for these kinds of cancers are recommended. These types include lung and prostate cancer, and many skin cancers. More information on screening methods for these cancers and others can be found at the National Cancer Institute website.

At Hope Cancer Resources we strive to make cancer education a priority in our community. We have professionals on our staff who manage prevention and screening programs and work to get the information that can save lives into the hands of people who need it. Our Save-A-Life program provides financial assistance for screening and diagnostic tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers, providing access to early detection and offering a better chance for a cure. We also conduct free screenings several times a year. To find out more about the screenings we provide and the schedule for 2011, contact our Healthcare Navigator, Chuck Parker.

Your risk for contracting some types of cancer can depend heavily on your hereditary risk. If a close family member was diagnosed with one of these types, your risk could be increased. Fortunately, thanks to decades of research being conducted around the world, there are now tests available to measure this risk linked to heredity. Consultation is available with our Cancer Education Specialist, Sandy Prince, to discuss hereditary risk factors for pertinent cancers.

The bottom line is KNOW YOUR RISK. Just as the Boyscouts have said for generations - Be Prepared. If you know your own risk for particular kinds of cancer, change the habits that could increase that risk, and get regular screenings and health check ups, you will be doing a lot to reduce your odds for developing cancer. Right now, 2 out of 3 adults will deal with some kind of cancer in their lifetime - let's change that together.

"In Sickness and In Health"

2011-02-14T16:27:00.000-06:00

In the days leading up to Valentine's Day we are bombarded with images of hearts and flowers, aisles crammed with candy and cards and love-themed gifts intended to prove the devotion of the giver. It's a time to intensify already growing feelings, or to reinforce those feelings that have already been there for a time... It's a time to sell a lot of candy and cards!

But sometimes the feelings that send people scrambling to the local Hallmark store the week before February 14th can be at risk of faltering in the face of illness. The mental and physical fatigue that can result from stress and tasks added to the "to-do" list of a caregiver is potentially devastating to even the strongest relationships. At the very least, it can put the caregiver at risk for needing their own mental health support, and they shouldn't be afraid to ask for it.

We're all capable of imagining the emotions a cancer patient might experience as they embark on their journey of treatment and recovery, but a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and reported on Newsmax.com explored the stress levels of caregivers and found them at risk for their own emotional challenges. Thirteen percent (13%) of the people in the study acknowledged feelings that signaled problems such as anxiety disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's easy for the outside world to focus on helping the patient as they fight the disease and not realize that a very intense battle is going on in the head and heart of the caregiver as well. Caregivers deal with a multitude of feelings, including:

fear - of losing their loved one;
anger - about their loved-one's diagnosis and/or for the added burden they they are being required to bear;
inadequacy - at not being able to do enough to help, or not doing it all well enough;
grief - for the loss of the "normal" life they were living before the diagnosis;
guilt - that they are healthy, or they they are feeling some of the feelings listed above.

The best thing friends and family can do is offer to relieve the caregiver on occasion to allow them some time away from the stress of their duties. For some, it will hard to even admit that they need this help, but it's vital that the caregiver be allowed to need support as well as the patient. It may help to attend a support group for caregivers or to speak to a counselor one-on-one to share fears and frustrations. A good counselor will help them recognize that their needs are important, and that caring for their loved-one is a demanding task - one that requires someone who is also taking care of themselves.

If you are a caregiver and would like information on support groups in your area, check with your oncology clinic staff. Seek out the services of a licensed social worker or counselor to discuss your options for self-care. If you are in Northwest Arkansas you can contact us for assistance. Our licensed social workers are here to help you through this very difficult time - you might meet with them once and feel better equipped for your journey, or you may need someone to offer support on a long-term basis. Either way, we're here to help.

Remember that your love will help your loved-one see light at the end of the tunnel on some very difficult days, but it's okay if it's not enough to keep you from becoming exhausted. Taking care of you will help you take care of them.

Helping through the Hard Times

2011-02-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

Have you ever taken one of those surveys that measures your level of stress? They ask questions like "Have you recently lost someone close to you?", "Have you recently become unemployed?", and "Are you recently divorced?". We use a similar assessment tool to measure the level of stress that new cancer patients are dealing with as they enter treatment. The tool helps our social workers understand what is going on with the patients and their families that could potentially impact their ability to get to their treatments, pay for their medications, and successfully maneuver through cancer treatment to get to the other side and become survivors.

One of the things we ask patients is what kind of support they have from family and friends. A patient has a much better chance of completing their treatment plan and getting to the recovery phase if they are supported by others. This support can be as simple as people sending them notes to remind them they are being thought of, or as involved as a neighbor cleaning their house from top to bottom once a week. There are, of course, a lot of "somewhere in between" options as well. We've scoured the internet and compiled a list of ideas to get you started. Please feel free to share it with others!

Buy or make a small arsenal of cards and send one regularly. Make sure the messages are upbeat and no so sympathetic that they make your friend focus on their illness. A little humor goes a long way.
Often the patient feels guilty about making their loved ones go through their difficult situation with them, so reassure them you love them anyway - and do it often.
Buy them a subscription to their favorite magazines. A Netflix subscription is also a great idea because they can pick up movies and videos right in their mail box.
Create a "Box of Smiles". Include silly gifts and items that will make the person smile. Favorite snacks, silly tee shirts, humorous books, aromatherapy candles, scented soaps, stuffed animals, tacky celebrity magazines - whatever they would find comforting and fun.
If the person is bed-bound or in the hospital for a while, send or drop off some fuzzy slippers or socks, high thread-count pillowcases (be sure to label them if they're in the hospital!), lavender scented linen spray, cozy pajamas, or massage lotions to make them feel pampered.
Spread gifts and visits out over time, especially if the person is chronically ill or will be hospitalized for an extended period. Give them something to look forward to as they make their journey.
If other family members are on site with the ill person they are probably feeling drained emotionally and physically, too. Include them when you can with a special treat, card, etc.. this is an especially good idea when there are children involved.
Offer to help with day-to-day needs like providing meals (they don't have to be home-cooked!), doing yard work, walking the dog, or driving the patient to an appointment. Recruit other friends or family members to form a team of support, with all of you joining forces to bring the person's spirits up. You can do this easily on LostaHelpingHands or CaringBridge websites. These sites also provide a place to update all the followers and schedule meals and volunteers to help.
Make yourself familiar with the patient's treatment schedule and time your assistance around it. For example, the first few days after chemo treatments can be physically difficult and might be the perfect time to drop off a meal, but not to stop by for a visit.
Take the kids out for a few hours. Many patients don't have the energy to do as much as they did before their illness, so let the patient (and caregiver) have a little time to themselves to relax at home while the kids explore the zoo or the local library.
Be specific with your offers of assistance. Don't tell the patient "Call me if you need anything." Instead, suggest specific things you can do for them, and ask what days of the week would work best. Check in once a week to see what's going on in coming days that you can help with.
Listen openly. It is important for a patient to be able to tell others how they are feeling without fear of negative reactions. Friends who can listen and not feel sorry for the patient or make them feel like their feelings are "wrong" are truly appreciated.

Prevention is key!

2011-01-31T16:50:00.000-06:00

At Hope Cancer Resources we are "providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education to the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow." A major part of what we do encompasses the "cancer support" component of our mission. We provide a number of services and assistance offerings typically needed by cancer patients and their families while undergoing treatments. We are dedicated to helping patients get through treatment successfully so that they can begin managing their recovery and become survivors.

The other part of our mission is the education component. We hope to be put out of business someday by the reduction of cancer diagnoses, but the reality is that 1 of 3 American adults are expected to have to deal with cancer in their lifetimes. In an effort to reduce that number locally, we offer screenings and educational programs intended to reach as many of our neighbors in Northwest Arkansas as possible. Prevention is a vital part of the puzzle that works together with clinical research programs to reduce the number of new cases diagnosed each year.

Our staff will be happy to provide information to your school, business or civic organization - contact Casey Shelor or Sandy Prince for more information.

For more general prevention information, take a look at this list created by the Mayo Clinic:

1. Don't use tobacco

Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney — and chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don't use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke may increase your risk of lung cancer.

Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. It's also an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, it may help reduce your risk. Consider these guidelines:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly.

3. Maintain a healthy weight and include physical activity in your daily routine

4. Protect yourself from the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get immunized

Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.(We cover this more in detail in our post about cervical cancer.)

6. Avoid risky behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take early detection seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.
Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.

Kids need information too.

2011-01-24T16:21:00.003-06:00

Many of us grew up in households where children were not involved in discussions involving money, politics or illness. Today, children are much more involved in the plans and activities of their households, but one thing has remained fairly constant. It's still difficult to know what or how much to tell children if one of their close family members, especially a parent, is ill.

There seems to be a general idea that children don't "need" to know things that might be scary or uncertain. We often err on the side of caution when we don't want to upset children with bad news. But what if, in the attempt to save them from being worried or afraid, we are only putting off an inevitable conversation that may not be any easier later? It doesn't take long for a child to figure out something is wrong when someone they love is spending a lot of time in bed and suffering the effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Keeping a child uninformed may work temporarily, but it can create a lot of added stress in the home.

At Hope Cancer Resources we have materials available that can help parents talk to their children about their cancer diagnosis. They offer potential questions children may ask and provide words that can be used to let children know what to expect throughout treatment and recovery. The bottom line is that it's okay for a child to be fearful, and to ask questions. It should be okay for them to be angry as well... just as their parents may be. It's how those emotions are handled that is important.

If parents are afraid to have these discussions alone our social workers can help facilitate those potentially emotional conversations. There is strength in knowledge, and children can be a parent's greatest source of encouragement and hope. Even if the prognosis isn't good, honesty can create an environment that is uplifting and healing for everyone involved.

In addition to the one-on-one support and printed materials we have available, we also sponsor a support group that meets for six weeks at a time called Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB). It meets a couple of times a year when there are enough interested families signed up. At the sessions, children meet as a group with a social worker. They are allowed to speak freely about their fears and ask as many questions as they like - or just sit quietly and listen if that's their preference. At the same time, parents are in a separate room learning how to help their children deal with the new priorities that may be taking over the family schedule. They are also given suggestions about dealing with their own emotions while remaining open to their childrens' questions. It's a time for everyone involved to become empowered and learn some techniques for stress management.

The next CLIMB session is being planned now for March-April. If you are interested in getting on the list, contact one of our social workers at 479-361-5847. In the meantime, we'll be happy to provide those materials mentioned above... feel free to ask.

Cost of Cancer is on the Rise

2011-01-17T16:30:00.002-06:00

Portions of the following post were pulled from an article on Scientific American online.

There's been a new report released by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute that says that the cost of cancer care in our country is not going to be decreasing anytime soon. According to the report, published online January 12th, the financial burden of cancer is expected to rise precipitously in the next 10 years—despite decreasing incidence numbers.

"Rising health-care costs represent a central challenge for both the federal government and the private sector," wrote the study authors, led by Angela Mariotto of the Surveillance Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. Overall 2009 healthcare costs in the U.S. were about $2.5 trillion, and spending is expected to increase to some $4.6 trillion by 2019. Based on Medicare data and other sources, the new analysis shows that in 2010, cancer care for 16 common types of cancers in U.S. women and 13 common types of cancers in U.S. men tallied up to $124.6 billion.

Those are some BIG numbers. And it's not even taking in ALL cancers... only 16 common types.

As you can imagine, Northwest Arkansas is not immune to the effect of rising costs for cancer care. In 2010 Hope Cancer Resources provided services and financial assistance valued at $687,690.00 to 1,489 cancer patients and their families. These were services that would have been paid for out of people's pockets if we were not here to provide them.

Or not...

One of the main reasons we do what we do is because local oncologists were seeing too many of their patients not showing up for appointments or taking the medications that were prescribed for them. Once the physician creates a treatment plan, that patient has to be able to follow that plan in order for the treatment to be successful. If a patient can't pay for gasoline, or loses their car to repossession, all the treatment plans in the world won't help that patient get to their radiation or chemotherapy appointments.

Similarly, if an individualized cocktail of medications is prescribed to manage symptoms and begin fighting the disease, but a patient is forced to choose to pay for those drugs or pay the mortgage - which do you think they will choose? Cancer treatment doesn't have to last more than a few months - it depends on the type and treatment - but sometimes those few months are all it takes to put a family into financial crisis.

That's what we're here for. We provide temporary support to cancer patients and their families during those crucial few months - or longer if that's what it takes - to help them get out of treatment and into the "recovery" stage. At times, there are continued needs from an emotional standpoint, but the financial crisis that can be crippling is usually over by that time, and patients and families are better able to look forward with hope.

We anticipate a growing number of patients needing our services in 2011. Not only because, as the articles predict, the costs will continue to increase, but also because more people are going to be treated in Northwest Arkansas when a new Highlands Oncology Group clinic opens in Rogers. Expanded patient care means expanded expenses. We would love for you to join us in making cancer treatment a little less stressful for your friends and neighbors... Consider making a gift today - it could change someone's life tomorrow.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

2011-01-10T17:06:00.002-06:00

While great strides have been made in reducing the number of deaths from cervical cancer over the last 50 years, it is still one of the most common cancers affecting female reproductive organs. Most women show no symptoms of cervical cancer until the disease is in an advanced stage, which is why routine gynecological exams are vital in order to catch it early. It is imperative that women know what they can do to help prevent cervical cancer, what their risk factors are, and see their doctor immediately if they notice any signs or symptoms of advanced cervical cancer:

Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause;
Watery bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor;
Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

Several of the most common strains of Human Papillomavirus (or HPV) have been found to play a major role in the onset of cervical cancer in women as well as other forms of cancer in both men and women. For this reason, two vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, have been developed. The vaccines are administered to young women in three doses between the ages of 9 and 26, preferably before the onset of sexual activity. Please note: while these vaccines help prevent the most commonly occurring strains of sexually transmitted HPV, they do not prevent all forms of HPV and traditional forms of protection should continue to be used to guard against this and other sexually transmitted diseases.

All of this information and more can be found at Mayo Clinic's website.

If you or anyone you know living in Northwest Arkansas is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and needs emotional support or financial assistance, please contact Hope Cancer Resources to find out what services we have to offer. Call (479) 361-5847.

2010: Year in Review

2011-01-03T15:58:00.001-06:00

2010 was quite a year for Hope Cancer Resources. In a social service and health-oriented agency exceeding goals can be both good and bad. While we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to serve as many cancer patients and families as we did last year - it is what we're here for afterall - the downside is that our higher numbers mean there are more people in our community who are challenged by a diagnosis of cancer and need our help. We look forward to the day when our services are no longer necessary, but until that happens we will continue to meet the needs of community.

So, what exactly are we doing in Northwest Arkansas? We'll let our 2010 year-end numbers speak for themselves:

2,131 trips were made by our drivers to deliver patients in need of transportation to medical appointments associated with their cancer diagnosis. That is a total of 123,498 miles driven!

538 hours of interpretation services were provided. This is a vital service for our Spanish-speaking neighbors. Cancer is bad enough without the additional challenge of not understanding what is wrong or what to expect.

1,898 patients were provided with emotional support in the form of face-to-face visits and phone calls. We strive to meet with every new patient at Highlands Oncology Group, and provide follow-up as requested to make sure that patients' needs are met by us or other resources in our community.

572 patients were provided with $183,314 in direct financial and prescription assistance to help alleviate the devastating strain on family budgets that a cancer diagnosis can create.

$32,025 was given out in the form of gasoline cards to help patients who are required to make frequent and/or long-distance trips to the clinic for their treatments. Gas cards are also given to patients who need to travel out of Northwest Arkansas to receive treatment.

$687,690 in total support value was given to patients in Northwest Arkansas in 2010. This includes the value of interpretation, transportation and psychosocial services provided by our staff. Our services are all provided completely free-of charge to patients, so they have the benefit of working with our professional staff without the worry of how to pay for the support they need.

In addition to helping people who need support as they fight cancer, we are also increasing the number of people in Northwest Arkansas who receive prevention information and education. Our programs are being shared with students in primary and secondary schools as well as college campuses, we are distributing information at health fairs and employee health seminars, and we are in the community at local cancer fundraising events. We truly are providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region!

It has been a pleasure serving our neighbors in 2010, and we look forward to the year ahead.

Holiday Travels

2010-12-20T16:05:00.001-06:00

For many cancer patients, the holidays will be coming to them. Friends and family will do the traveling to get to where they are in order to celebrate, and the patient can stay home where they are comfortable and get the rest they need. But for some, especially those for whom their treatments have ended or are not physically debilitating, there may some car or air travel in store. Two of the biggest challenges for a cancer patient who is traveling are comfort and energy. Both can be managed fairly well with a little advance planning.

If you're flying, be aware that you will be required to remove any hats you are wearing at the security check point in the airport. If you normally wear one due to hair loss, you might want to put a scarf on under it. If you are uncomfortable removing your hat at all, explain that you are undergoing cancer treatments and ask the security personnel if you can step behind a wall to remove your cap.

One common issue that accompanies many cancer treatments is lymphedema or edema. This can be very uncomfortable on a normal day, but when riding in a car for long distances or flying at high altitudes, it becomes even more painful. If you're flying, purchase your ticket by phone rather than buying tickets online and request a seat with more leg room. Many jets have a row of seats at the front of the coach cabin that provides a little more space for this kind of adjustment. In a car, scoot the front seat back as far as it will go and ride with your feet up on a pillow or bag in the floor. Plan to stop every couple of hours to take a short walk and get the circulation flowing again.

Many airlines do not provide pillows or blankets anymore, so be sure to pack a lightweight fleece in your carry on luggage that you can get to easily. If you can't carry an actual pillow with you, pack an inflatable bath pillow in your bag that can be blown up once you're on the flight to help you with lower back or neck pain.

Long-lasting energy is key during a long trip, and calories and protein are the best way to go. Peanut butter sandwiches, a bag of nuts or trail mix, and string cheese are easily packed and carried. Remember that you can't carry drinks into the airport, but it might be a good idea to purchase a big bottle of water once you're through security to help you stay hydrated on the trip.

Many people undergoing chemotherapy can have compromised immune systems. If you are not sure what your white blood count is, check with your oncologist's office to find out if they think it's safe for you to be in public spaces like airports and airplanes before you make your travel plans. At the very least, carry hand sanitizer and use it often as you encounter public restrooms and other areas that could hide some nasty germs (those plastic security bins at the airport, rental cars, etc...).

Always check with your oncologist before planning travel when you're undergoing cancer treatment. While we can provide a few tips, they know your specific situation and physical condition and may have other concerns than what we have touched on here.

We at Hope Cancer Resources wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year in 2011!

Another year...

2010-12-13T15:32:00.002-06:00

Anticipating the end of the calendar year tends to make people look back and count their blessings. Some are thankful to be moving forward into another year riding high on their successes. Others may be grateful to be leaving a tough year behind and getting a fresh start. For us here at Hope Cancer Resources we hope that we have given some relief to our patients, helped them get a little bit further down the road to recovery, and - as our tagline states - provided "support for the journey, education for life."

After the holidays we will give a final update of the statistics for 2010, but here's a quick sneak peek at last month's numbers:

In November 2010...

We provided transportation to medical-related appointments totaling 13,551 miles for cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas;

We distributed $16,081.38 in emergency assistance to patients in need of help paying rent/mortgage, utility bills, and transportation costs because of their medical treatment expenses;

We processed 33 new patient applications for emotional and/or financial assistance;

We provided just over a week's worth of interpretation assistance for Spanish-speaking patients.

Our staff works hard every day to fulfill our mission of providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education to Northwest Arkansas today and tomorrow. We do it because it's our passion, but we will be thrilled to see the day come when our services are no longer needed because cancer has gone the way of the plague.

Until then, notes like these from patients and their families remind us how vital our work is to our communities:

"I just wanted to say thank you to Hope Cancer Resources for all the help I've been given during my time of need. This has been the most difficult and scariest time of my life and I'm truly touched and overwhelmed by the support I've received."

"Just a card to let you know how much I appreciated your help with my prescription medicines for my chemo treatments."

"You have been so kind and helpful. Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do for the afflicted with such an insidious disease."

"Thank you so much for the help you gave me last month. I hope I don't have to come to you again, but it sure is good to know there is HOPE!!"

"We wanted to thank you so much for helping with our vehicle payment and the gas card you helped us with to get our daughter back to Arkansas Children's Hospital."

"I wanted to thank you for all the help over the weeks with gas cards. I live an hour away from Highlands Oncology and the gas cost quickly added up. It was a tremendous blessing and one major area not to have to worry over."

"If not for your financial assistance I, more than likely, would not have been able to receive the treatment I needed. Your help is so very much appreciated."

"Thank you again for your caring and understanding during our time of stress and confusion. Without your caring we would have had a much harder time."

"Thank you to all the staff at Hope Cancer Resources for your help and support during this time. I so appreciate the financial assistance, your ease of accessibility, and the compassionate manner in which you offer your services."

If you would like to know more about our services, volunteer opportunties, or how to support us with a donation, please visit our website or contact us at 479-361-5847.

You don't have to go it alone!

2010-12-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

This month we are focusing on things that you as a cancer patient or caregiver can do to relieve some of the stress and pressure and emotional pain that can accompany the holidays. If you are located near us in lovely Northwest Arkansas, here's a great selection of groups that might be helpful to you as you look for some support for your journey:

Blood Cancers Support Group meets at our office in Springdale the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Contact Jessica Minton, LCSW at 479-361-5847.

Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville the 2nd Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Contact Susan Earnest, RN at 479-521-8024.

Coping and Conversation is for anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers. They meet at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville every Wednesday at noon. Call 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends is a breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Contact Dee Williams at 479-756-9172.

Lung Cancer Group is open to patients with lung cancer and their caregivers. It meets the third Thursday of each month at Highlands Oncology Group at 5:00 p.m. Contact us at 479-361-5847 or Lisa at Highlands Oncology Group at 479-587-1700.

Prostate Cancer Support Group supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. They meet at the Community Church in Bella Vista the 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Contact Dianne Krolikowski at 479-855-1126.

Reach to Recovery is a program administered by the American Cancer Society. They offer assistance to women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Contact Martha Green at 479-750-2493.

SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancer) This non-profit organization is dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. They meet the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Fayetteville Cancer Support Home. Contact Jack Igleburger at 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807.

A vicious cycle.

2010-11-29T16:21:00.000-06:00

When a cancer patient is enduring radiation and chemo treatments for cancer they enter a seemingly endless cycle that causes them to need nourishment and healthy food options just at the time that the last thing they want to think about is putting food in their mouths. Most cancer patients lose not only the appetite for food, but the ability to taste what they are taking in. Sometimes, the mere texture or smell of whatever is on their plate is enough to make them nauseous.

This aversion (both mental and physical) to eating can cause serious stress to the patient and their caregivers as they try to keep up their calories and protein in order to be as healthy as they can be to help their bodies tolerate their treatments.

A healthy diet helps a body keep up its strength, prevent tissue breakdown, rebuild damaged tissue, and maintain its defenses against infection. It can also help a patient cope more successfully with side effects. Some cancer treatments are even more effective in people who are well-nourished and getting enough calories and protein. Growing numbers of research studies are being done to understand the relationship between good nutrition and cancer survivorship.

Here are some tips to help patients and caregivers plan for and manage cancer treatment and make successful outcomes more likely:

Plan ahead.

Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods to cut down on shopping trips. Now is not the time to worry about calories, so don't bother with low- and no-fat varieties!

Cook in advance and freeze foods in meal-sized portions. This is a great thing to ask friends to do when they offer to help out. They can kill two birds with one stone by whipping up a few things while they are visiting for an afternoon.

Snack time is ALL the time!

You may need to make a few changes in your regular meal-time routine. Try eating small meals all day long, and having healthy snacks available whenever you feel like you can keep a few bites down. A handful of nuts or peanut butter on crackers can be easy protein-builders. They can also easily be thrown in a bag for car trips. There are some great protein bars on the market now as well... try a few and see which ones you like best, then keep a stash with you all the time and eat anytime you're watching t.v., reading a book, or waiting for an appointment. Other great (easy) options are yogurt, cereal and milk, half a sandwich, and cheese and crackers.

You should, of course, keep your own challenges in mind. Avoid snacks that could make your treatment-related side effects worse. Some patients suffer from diarrhea, so they would want to avoid popcorn and raw fruits and veggies. Radiation can cause "road rash" on the tongue and throat's tender tissues, so you might have to avoid dry, coarse snacks and acidic foods.

Throw out the rules.

If fried eggs and bacon sound good at 7pm, eat them! If you think some leftover chicken casserole would be perfect for breakfast, don't let anyone tell you different. Right now is not the time to worry about the "normal" ways to plan your meals - if you need to eat, and it sounds good, it's right for you. That said - be careful about taking in a too many empty calories. For example, ice cream is not bad for you, but if you're making a meal of it, you're missing out on some nutrients you really need.

Don't wait until you're hungry to eat, because you may actually lose your appetite and never feel hungry. Eat every few hours just because you know you need to fuel your body. Just as your automobile can only go so many miles on a tank of gas, your body can only be up and active so long before needing a meal.

Examples of high protein foods:

Milk products -
Add cheese to baked potatoes, soups, noodles, meat and fruit for added protein. Use milk for cooking in place of water for cereal and cream soups. Ladle some cream sauces on your veggies and pasta. Add powdered milk to cream soups, mashed potatoes and pudding.

Eggs -
Keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick snack. Eat them alone or chop and add to salads, casseroles and soups.

Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds -
There are great options on the nut aisle of the stores! Lots of individual packets and flavored coatings to enhance their taste. You can sprinkle sunflower seeds in salads and on veggies and casseroles, add peanut butter to a milkshake or make a peanut butter and banana sandwich with whole grain bread. Add beans to soups, salads and casseroles. Simple bean burritos are quick and easy to make - use mashed pinto or black beans, and sprinkle a little cheese in for good measure.

Examples of high calorie foods:

Butter and margarine -
Now's your chance to live like Paula Deen and put butter on everything! Potatoes, rice, pasta, and veggies are a good start. Stir it into soups and casseroles and spread it on bread before adding sandwich meats and cheeses. Remember grilled cheese sandwiches? Now's your chance to pretend you're a kid again.

Milk products -
Add whipped cream to your desserts, pancakes, waffles, fruit and hot chocolate. Fold it into soups and casseroles and puddings. Add sour cream to potatoes and veggies and the aforementioned bean burrito.

Salad dressings -
Use regular, not low-fat or diet varieties. Put mayo on your sandwiches and make dips for fresh veggies and fruit.

Some information used in this post was pulled from the American Cancer Society's booklet "Nutrition for the Person with Cancer during Treatment".