Do you know?

Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the prostate usually requires androgen hormones for growth. This includes the hormone, testosterone. The suppression of these hormones is called androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT. ADT is sometimes used to decrease the size of a prostate cancer prior to treatment, such as radiation, or in male patients with advanced prostate cancer.

The Role of Exercise in Treating Prostate Cancer

A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014 (J.R Gardner and others), suggests that resistance training and aerobic exercise may improve muscle mass and strength, decrease cardiac risk, and decrease weight gain, which can be side effects of ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). Upper and lower body strength is improved. Improvement in endurance and perhaps, quality of life, is also possible. The exercise does not have to be vigorous or exhausting. A monitored exercise program may provide significant benefit to men with carcinoma the prostate – especially those with widespread disease.

When a Humidifier Helps

In patients undergoing head and neck cancer radiation, using a humidifier may decrease the symptoms of mucous membrane inflammation in the mouth and throat. Head and neck radiation can result in pain, difficulty with swallowing, fatigue, and intolerance of foods with gagging. Use of a humidifier four hours daily seems to provide significant relief.

International Journal Radiation Oncology Biology Physics 2014, A. Macann and others

Vitamin D Might Matter

Here is an interesting piece of information: It would seem that a vitamin D deficiency with a recent diagnosis of carcinoma of the colon can result in a decrease in survival.*

Does this mean vitamin D supplements will help in the long-term survival of colon cancer? That is yet to be decided. Caution: At present, there is no evidence vitamin D supplements have any significant ability to prevent cancer or improve the prognosis associated with cancer of the colon.

If you take vitamin D as a supplement, be careful. An overdose could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – even severe depression and irreversible kidney damage.

*L. Zgaga and others in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014

When Radiation Meets Small Cell Carcinoma ...

If you or someone in your family has locally extensive small cell carcinoma of the lung, here’s something to discuss with your treating physician:

Small cell carcinoma of the lung continues to have a poor long-term survival. There are now some convincing studies that demonstrate delivering radiation after excellent response to chemotherapy provides benefit to patients with “extensive small cell lung cancer”. (‘Extensive’ can be defined as small cell carcinoma of the lung that is beyond the boundaries of traditional radiation fields of treatment.)

Slotman, et al.: Lancet; September 14, 2014

Pain Management

Cancer pain can be challenging for both the patient and the physician. There are many who believe they will become “addicted” to pain medications. Let’s first define what is meant by “addicted.”

Addiction is “illegal drug seeking.” You are not a “drug addict” if you are having cancer pain that requires narcotic management. Narcotic addiction, however, is a real concern of both the treating physician and the patient. Patients who have had a previous drug addiction or alcoholic history are certainly at risk for an addiction problem with cancer pain management. Both the patient and the treating physician should discuss the risks versus the benefit of narcotic management.

My approach to pain management is as follows:

  • Identify the source of the pain. Is it organ related? That is to say, could something else be causing the pain?  I remember once seeing a patient who had excruciating abdominal pain. The pain was not consistent with the cancer related organ of involvement. In fact, further workup correctly diagnosed source of the problem as appendicitis!

  • Is it possible the pain may be secondary to nerve transmission or nerve damage? The treatment may be non-narcotic, for example, a nerve block.

  • Is it possible that the pain is secondary to the treatment? Again, non-narcotic management may be possible.

  • Is it possible the pain may be secondary to nerve transmission or nerve damage? The treatment may be non-narcotic, for example, a nerve block.

  • Is it possible the pain is secondary to the treatment? Again, non-narcotic management may be possible.

Not everyone who has cancer has the same intensity pain. The key to pain management is to identify the source of the pain and then individualize the pain management treatment.

Saw Palmetto – Does It Work?

Saw palmetto extract is taken in the hope that it will prevent/relieve symptoms of an enlarging prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Some people believe it can also be part of the therapeutic approach with prostatic cancer.

Here’s the good news: If you wish to take saw palmetto fruit extract, it will not create a falsely low PSA that could affect treatment or diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Here’s the bad news: Saw palmetto fruit extract has absolutely no effect on the prostate. The CAMUS Trial (Complementary and Alternative Medicines for Urologic Symptoms) clearly demonstrates that the fruit extract of palmetto has no effect on the PSA.

Please, understand that I am not critical of alternative medicine. In fact, a “Do You Know?” review of alternative medicines would be interesting. If you think it’s worth pursuing, let me know.

The Cost of Cancer Care

Is it appropriate to ask for an estimate of what the cost of my cancer care will be?

Absolutely.  The National Institute of Health estimated the cost of cancer care in 2010 was $125 billion.  By 2020, the estimate will be $200 billion.  $20.5 billion will be spent on breast cancer care alone.

An estimate of out-of-pocket cost is not an unreasonable request.  (It is important to understand that no oncology department or oncologist can give an accurate dollar figure.  Side effects, complications or changes in treatment can all affect cost.)

Is it appropriate to ask my physician or health care professional for a financial disclosure? Does the health care professional receive any financial support for the medication or treatment prescribed? 

It is an appropriate question.  Most recently, a physician at Columbia Medical Center was involved, indirectly, in a financial scandal.  He was referring to others, in return for a $500,000 donation to his cancer research.  His research center has been closed by the Columbia Medical Center, once they became aware of this.

This is an unusual situation.  Just because a physician is receiving grant money for research, it does not mean there is anything underhanded.  In fact, almost all research is supported by some sort of grant money.  All protocol studies and research studies demand a full disclosure.  The concern I have always had is in regards to non-protocol or research type treatment.

The risk of developing cancer in my lifetime is less now than it was in the past, right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t true.  The risk of developing cancer for men born in 1930 in Great Britain was 35% versus 54% of men born in 1960. Men born in 1930 had a 37% risk of developing cancer versus 48% in 1960.  It may well be that because people today live longer than they did in 1930, they have a greater chance of developing a cancer in their lifetime.  Also, cigarette smoking doesn’t help!  (Change in diet may also be significant.)

Ahmad et al. British Journal of Medicine, 2015

You might have read that Medicare now pays for lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scan.  The basic eligibility guidelines are as follows:

High risk: People 55-74 years of age with a greater than 30-year history of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day (or a greater than 30-pack-year history of cigarette smoking who stopped smoking less than 15 years ago).  Those also of “high risk” are people 50 years of age with at least a 20-pack-year history of cigarette smoking and an additional risk factor (documented radon exposure, occupational exposure, cystic cancer history, family history of lung cancer, disease history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis).

If there are symptoms or signs of lung cancer, a lung cancer workup is required and low-dose CT scan screening is contraindicated.

Wow! It is even more complicated than that!  If you have any specific questions about low-dose cancer screening, please email me at info@oncologyconsultingservices.com.

What exactly is low-dose CT scan? 

This CT scanner takes several 3-D scans of the lung.  It is a lower radiation exposure than a traditional CT scan; however, it is a “screening” scan only.  A traditional CT scan has much better resolution.

The National Lung Screening Trial estimates that 8,100 lung cancer deaths can be prevented.  At a cost of $240,000 per death prevented, the price tag will be of $1.3–$2 billion dollars.

Male Breast Cancer

Guys, if you feel a lump or mass in your breast, it’s important to consider medical follow-up.  That’s because approximately 6 out of every 1,000 breast cancers occur in men.  Those cancers tend to present themselves in a more advanced stage then female breast cancers.  This is, most likely, because men have less breast tissue than women and fixation to the chest would be more frequent. The small breast size in men also makes the lymphatics and lymph nodes more readily accessible.  Since men do not have routine mammograms, it can be difficult to identify either early breast cancers or precancerous areas.

Early breast cancers have the same cure rate in men as in women.  The same is true for more advanced stages of breast cancer.

Human Papilloma Virus

Many of you have heard about human papilloma virus (HPV) causing cancer.  There are at least 170 different types of HPV.  Types 16 and 18 seem to cause most of the HPV-related cancers.

The HPV virus enters the outer lining cells, called epithelial cells.  The virus then makes proteins that interact with the cells, so that the cells do not die and can rapidly grow.  The infected cells can then undergo further changes and develop into cancer.  It can take at least 10 years after an HPV infection for a cancer to develop.

Carcinoma of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina and vulva, as well as some cancers of the head and neck area, can be caused by a HPV infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend HPV vaccination for both boys and girls age 11 or 12.  Young women can get the HPV vaccine through age 26 and young men through age 21.

This can be a touchy subject, but most HPV infections occur under the age of 25.  It is estimated there will be a decrease in 75%–90% of cervical, vaginal and vulvar, anal and penile cancers.  The same is probably true for cancers of the tongue, tonsil and palate for those who do not smoke and are not alcohol abusers.

Why take a chance? If you are eligible to have the vaccine, get it.

DNA Testing for Human Papilloma Virus as a Predictor of Developing Cervical Cancer

The PAP smear as a screening tool for cervical cancer since 1946 is being replaced with a DNA analysis. In a study reported in 2012 (Castle et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, pgs. 3044–3050), over 19,500 women were evaluated by DNA testing.  All women were at least 16 years of age.  The DNA testing revealed that 14% were HPV positive.  Of this group, 5% had a positive PAP smear. Most of the women who were positive for both PAP smear and HPV were less than 35 years of age.

In another study called ATHENA, 47,208 women were evaluated. It showed that HPV/DNA testing was accurate and may be a better predictor in the development of cervical cancer than a PAP smear.

 In 2014 the FDA approved the use of the cobas HPV test for cervical cancer screening in women 25 years or older without a PAP smear. The test screens for high risk HPV/DNA infections, such as HPV 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancers.

If either a HPV 16 or 18 infection is present, a colposcopy should be done. (A colposcope is an instrument that magnifies and illuminates the cervix and vagina. This can result in more accurate biopsies.)

Physician and Hospital Selection

“How do I know that the doctors and hospital I select for my cancer treatment are good choices?”

Good question.  Don’t go by their advertisements.  Most cancer marketing will talk about their equipment and the treatments available.  Only 20% of them, however, mention cancer screening programs available in their institution.  Even fewer promote other cancers services, such as a smoking cessation program or support groups.

Advertisements can appeal on an emotional level. Beware of claims such as “Miraculous!”, “Amazing!”, “The other hospital told me my case was hopeless.”, etc.

You get the picture.

If you have had a positive experience from a previous hospital admission–that certainly is a good sign the hospital may be right for you.  You may also have a friend who was treated in a particular hospital and was well satisfied with treatment and the physician.

Ask questions, like: Is the physician compassionate?  Does the physician listen to his or her patients? Does the physician and staff answer questions appropriately?  Will I receive the physician’s attention? (There should be no interruptions during your consult time, unless there is an issue with another patient that needs to be immediately addressed.)

Treatment recommendations, treatment outcome, treatment side effects and complications, length of treatment, and costs are all of concern and need to be addressed.

A word of caution: Some of these questions might not be able to be answered until a further workup is accomplished.  If that is so, discuss them at that time, so you have a good understanding of what studies need to be undertaken.

“Will it hurt?” is not a dumb question. In fact, there is no such thing as a dumb question. Cancer treatments can be physically demanding. A rapport between the doctor and the patient is most important.  It is all about trust, isn’t it?

No, it is not.  It is also about the skill and professionalism of the physician and the hospital.  Competency is key.

Here are some tips for finding the wheat and avoiding the chaff:

The cancer unit should be accredited by the Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons.  There are over 1,400 hospitals in the United States with such accreditation.  To be accredited and stay accredited, all levels of competency are carefully reviewed by the American College of Surgeons.  The review and onsite exam covers every detail of the cancer program.  The cost to the hospital for this review is approximately $50,000.  To read more about this process, do an internet search for “ACOS accreditation of the hospital”.

My personal opinion is that if the hospital is not certified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, that hospital has no business treating cancer.

The American Cancer Society has excellent worksheets I urge you to read and use.  They can be found on the American Cancer Society website under “Finding Cancer Treatment Centers”.

Do your homework.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and contact me if you need further help.

The State of Cancer Care in 2015

In 2014 the FDA gave a “break through therapy” designation to 13 anticancer medications.  This fast track is to allow these medicines to be available as quickly as possible.  This is because they have a “high likelihood” of being “life extending”.

At present, two-thirds of individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer live beyond 5 years.  In 1975, 49% of individuals with cancer lived beyond 5 years.  The total amount of American’s living with cancer is 14,500,000.

But cancer still accounts for one-fourth of all deaths in this country.

The average monthly cost of active cancer treatment is in excess of $10,000. There are some cancer treatments that average in excess of $40,000 per month.  Eight of the ten most expensive drugs in this country are cancer drugs. $37.2 billion is spent on cancer drugs in the United States.  This is 40% of the world’s total expenditure.

Ironically, the price of a cancer drug seems to have little relation to its overall effectiveness.  The initial treatment (“first line of treatment”) is the most effective.  The second or third lines of treatment, after progression of disease, may not improve survival.

There are 5 million cancer related hospitalizations every year in the United States.  The cost of this is approximately $20 billion.  It is estimated that 20% of these may not be required, since pain management and hospice care would be most appropriate.

Palliative care will be discussed in a separate “Do You Know?”

Gene Mutation in Breast Cancer--BRCA1, BRCA2

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that make proteins that repair damaged DNA or destroy cells that cannot be repaired.  If these genes mutate and become abnormal, it could lead to a breast cancer.

When a BRCA1 gene mutates in a female, there is a 60% increased lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 39% lifetime increase in ovarian cancer.  That’s because the mutated BRCA1 gene makes proteins that do not function properly and cannot fix the DNA damage. Accumulation of these mutations can result in breast cancer.  There is also a correlation between the mutated BRCA1 gene and prostate or fallopian tube cancer.

In a female with mutated BRCA2 gene, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 45% and 15% for ovarian cancer.  For both women and men, there is also a correlation between prostate, pancreas or malignant melanoma and the mutated BRCA2 gene.

Bilateral breast removal seems to improve overall survival by 9%. A decrease in mortality rate secondary to breast cancer may be as high as 31%.

It is recommended that if a woman has a mutated BRCA gene, removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries should be undertaken at 35 years of age or younger.  This is because at age 40, there is a 4% risk of developing ovarian cancer. At 50 years of age, it increases to a 14.2% risk.

The recommendations of BRCA 1 and 2 testing are complex and can be pretty scary. If you need help, I am here for you and available for a consult.

Electronic Cigarettes--An Addictive Health Hazard

There are 30 major medical health organizations that have petitioned President Obama to regulate electronic cigarettes.

At present, there are over 7000 different flavors of nicotine in electronic cigarettes.  Many of these flavors, such as cotton candy and gummy bears, are used to attract young people.  The use of electronic cigarettes among high school students has gone from 14.5% in 2013-13.4% in 2014.  The use in middle school students has jumped from 1.1% to 3.9% from 2013-2014.

Nicotine is an addictive drug that can be life threatening.  It alters brain metabolism.  This results in a mood elevation with a pleasurable effect.  The metabolic mechanism is the same as that in heroin and cocaine.

According to the United States Department of Health And Human Services (publication number CDC–88–8406), “Nicotine is a potent and potential lethal poison.”  Medical emergencies in children, due to nicotine toxicity, have increased 1300% since 2011.  Over half of these children were under the age of 6.  At present, the Food and Drug Administration cannot regulate manufacturers to childproof liquid nicotine containers.

Nicotine can cause:

1.  Life threatening hypertension

2.  Coronary artery disease

3.  Life threatening cardiac arrhythmias

4.  Stroke

5.  Promotion of cancer growth

6. Reproductive disorders, such as lack of ability to conceive, increase in newborn mortality, and withdrawal symptoms in mothers who are heavy smokers

7. Peptic ulcers and reflux disorders

8. Nicotine addiction

If that doesn’t make you stop and think, maybe this will:

After World War II, nicotine was used as an insecticide.

Nicotine is an addictive poison, an insecticide, and a potentially lethal unregulated drug.  The same can be said for electronic cigarettes.

Second Opinion--Is The Diagnosis Correct?

It is within the right of a cancer patient to request a second opinion from pathology.  There are also times when the pathologist will request a second opinion because of a difficult diagnosis.  It is my opinion that when the pathologist requests a second opinion, the patient should be informed.

Dr. Khoury suggests that second opinions be undertaken at another institution by a pathology specialist (The Breast Journal; April 10, 2015).  With difficult pathology interpretations, 20% had a change in the pathologic interpretation and 8% required a change in the treatment approach.

This does not mean that every cancer requires a second opinion from a pathologist.

If you are concerned about your particular cancer diagnosis, I can help. Please contact me to schedule a private consultation.

Alternative Medicine and Complementary Medicine

There was an excellent article in the Journal of Current Practice (Stern, The Growth of Complex Cancer Care; January, 2015) regarding alternative “therapy” and complementary medicine.

Less than 4% of individuals with cancer choose “alternative therapy” for the “treatment” of their cancer.  (Alternative therapy can be defined therapy that is outside the boundaries of safe medical practice.)  A 2006 report in the American Journal of Surgery shows that a delay or refusal of cancer surgery results in a 91% chance of progression of their cancer that would result in an inoperable malignancy.  If there is refusal for either chemotherapy or radiation, the risk of death increases by 47%.  There is no acceptable “alternative medicine”.  In oncology, management can be lethal.

The combination of complementary and traditional medicine is now called integrative medicine.  There are many cancer facilities that offer complementary medicine as part of the oncology therapy.

Complementary medicine can include diet, nutritional supplements, medication, acupuncture and exercise.

Diet and nutritional supplements do not “guarantee” success.  Good nutrition and satisfactory caloric intake is important.  If taken in excessive doses, some nutritional or vitamin supplements can result in profound complications.  Other supplements, such as antioxidants, can result in tumor growth.  Other supplements can interfere with chemotherapy.  The treating oncologist should be aware of any complementary approach that is taken.

Acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain relief, as well as nausea and vomiting.  It does not improve survival and is not curative.

Exercise, even light exercise, may improve cancer control as well as have an in impact on survival.  There is a considerable amount of data about exercise decreasing the risk of developing cancer; however, this does continue to be somewhat controversial.

The oncologist team should be an active participant in the integrative medicine program.

If all this appears a little overwhelming to you, I am here to help. Please contact me to set up a private consultation.

Fish Oil and Chemotherapy Resistance

Dr. Voest (Journal of American Medical Association Oncology, April 2, 2015) demonstrated experimentally that fatty acids in fish oil induced resistance to some types of chemotherapy. “I would not take fish oil products surrounding my active chemotherapy, ” Voest says.

He recommends not to eat fish or take fish oil the day before chemotherapy, the days of chemotherapy, or the day after chemotherapy.

Looking forward to any comments about this.

When Patients and Doctors Disagree

Whenever there is a disagreement between a doctor and patient regarding treatment approach, a second opinion can always be requested.  You might be experiencing fear, apprehension and vulnerability at the time that can contribute to a lack of understanding of terminology or treatment approach.

Sometimes, there are disputes among treating physicians. In an article in Medscape Oncology (May, 2015), Dr. Caplan states that disagreements should not “seep through”. Having cancer is difficult enough.  One does not have to be in a “crossfire” between treating physicians.  If you do not agree with the treatment approach, or if you are not comfortable with the treating oncologist, a second opinion should be considered.

The most common questions I hear when giving a second opinion are, “What is happening to me?” “What is going to happen to me?”  Many patients have told me that they feel panic, because they are “out of control”.

It is important that you feel empowered, so ask questions. Get a second opinion. After all…it is your body and your life.

Carbohydrates and Lung Cancer

A study done at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reviewed 1,905 lung cancer cases.  The study seems to indicate that diets high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of lung cancer, while increased consumption of red meat, saturated fats and some dairy products seem to increase lung cancer risks.  This seemed to be most significant in non-smokers.

Obesity is also significant in the development of cancer.  Approximately 80,000 cancer patients diagnosed every year are directly related to obesity.  (A simple way of determining obesity is the waistline.  For men, a waistline greater than 40 inches and greater than 35 inches for women indicates obesity.)

It is yet to be determined whether diet or obesity or both results in an increase in lung cancer in non-smokers.  Regardless, good diet and weight management are both important for our health.

Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Centers

Cancer centers with the most experience and higher volume of treatment of prostate cancer have the best results with treatment of that disease.  A study done by Dr. Chen and others published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics reviewed a total of 19,565 patients.  The conclusion was that “higher prostate cancer radiation case volume is associated with improved overall survival”.  This means that cancer treatment centers with more experience treating prostate cancer have the best results.

With that said… here are the questions you should ask:

1.  Is the cancer treatment facility approved by the American College of Surgeons?

2.  Don’t be afraid ask the physician(s) how much experience they have treating prostate cancer, as well as how many prostate cancers were treated there in the past year?  The answers can also be found out by searching the Tumor Board records of the hospital.

3.  If you are unsure, a second opinion might be worthwhile.

I am here to help, if you need me.

Carcinoma of The Pancreas

My patient’s family member was concerned about the increased risk of cancer of the pancreas, since it seemed to run in her family.

A recent article in the journal, Pancreas, revealed that gallstones and removal of the gallbladder, diabetes, obesity and smoking seem to increase the risk for carcinoma of the pancreas.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer could be unexplained weight loss, painless jaundice, persistent nausea and vomiting, severe mid-abdominal or low back pain.

Pancreatic cancer can also run in some families.  People with 2 first-degree relatives (mother, father, brother or sister) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have almost double the risk of pancreatic cancer.  The familial breast cancer gene (BRCA2) can cause as many as 10% of pancreatic cancers.

Now, this does not mean if you have any of these risk factors, you are going to develop carcinoma of the pancreas. Some of these factors can be resolved, like diabetes control, obesity control, and no smoking. In fact, resolving them  is strongly recommended.

Coronary Artery Disease and Cancer

A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology studied 36,232 patients who were diagnosed with cancer at age 40 or older.  It was found that individuals who had adult–onset multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, carcinoma of lung or breast cancer had increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease later in life.  It was also noted that individuals with a history of cancer, who were overweight (obese) and had a history of smoking, were at the highest risk for cardiovascular disease.

If you have a history of cancer…

For goodness sake! Watch your weight and don’t smoke!

The “Value” of the Cancer Treatment

“The higher the cost of the cancer treatment…the better the treatment,” is not an accurate statement.  The American Society of Clinical Oncology has created a “Value Framework”.  This requires a discussion with the physician(s) regarding any and all available cancer treatments.  This dialogue would include benefit of treatment, cost of treatment, side effects of treatment and complications.  The highest “Value Framework” would be a treatment with good clinical results, acceptable side effects, acceptable complications and affordability.

Insurance companies also evaluate the “Value Framework”. Before they will pay, the companies seriously consider the cost, length and appropriateness of the treatment.

Before you and your physician decide on a treatment, make sure your insurance company has approved it.

Guidelines for Diet and Exercise

The American Cancer Society recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.  This does not mean vigorous exercise.

It means, “Don’t be a ‘couch potato’.”

The ACS also recommend less than 1 alcohol drink per day.

For every 10 pounds of weight gain, there is a relative 7-11% increase risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, kidney and prostate cancer.

Red Meat and Cancer: The Ongoing Debate

Red meat may not be as bad a cancer risk as we have thought,  but processed meat may cause an increased cancer risk.  There have now been some studies that show for every 2 ounces of processed meat eaten on a daily basis, there is an increased cancer risk.

No more fried baloney sandwiches for me.

Cancer Diagnosis: Is Genetic Testing the Wave of the Future?

For the last 25 years or so, we have known cancers shed “cell free nucleic acids” into the blood stream.  These are small packets of nucleic acids from DNA and RNA and can identify cancers in their earliest stage.  This may be of greater importance for so-called “silent” cancers, such as in the pancreas and ovary.

This has been of great interest over the last decade.  At present cell free nucleic acid testing is in its infancy; however, in my opinion, it will result in earlier diagnosis of cancer.

Recently, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, there was an editorial co-authored by the President, future President and past President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.  They stated that, “The sequencing and mapping of the human genome–one of science’s greatest moderate defeats–has long-standing age of tremendous discovery in the hope in the fight against cancer.”

Pomegranate Juice and Cancer Prevention

I was recently asked about the validity of pomegranate juice as a preventative for cancer, especially prostate cancer.

The Federal Craig Commission in 2012 found that pomegranate producers’ claims of cancer prevention were not valid.

There has only been one trial done, utilizing pomegranate juice and pomegranate extract.  By measuring PSA’s, this trial of 180 gentlemen with prostate cancer revealed no difference in growth factors regarding prostate cancer.

The study would have to continue for about 15 years, however, to see if there is any survival benefit.

At this time, my advice is to enjoy drinking pomegranate use. Eight ounces of juice has only 135 calories, but don’t expect an anti–cancer effect.

Antioxidants and Cancer

Antioxidants have been used as a supplement in the hope of preventing cancer.

There is new data that now suggests cancer patients do not benefit from antioxidants and may even be harmed by them.  Most recently, there was a study using mice with malignant melanoma.  These mice were chosen because they are a good model for cancers that can occur in humans.

Half of the mice were given antioxidants, while the other half were not.  The half given antioxidants developed faster spread of the melanoma.

My advice? Be careful of taking antioxidants with a history of cancer or a most recent diagnosis of cancer.

Health Supplements & Prostate Cancer

Health supplements can cost anywhere from $10 to $150 per month. A presentation at the 2015 American Society of Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting studied the influence of “health supplements” on prostate cancer.

2,207 men with localized prostate cancer were treated with curative intent from 2001 through 2012.

There was no difference in survival comparing those who used prostate “health supplements” versus those who did not use supplements.

Of interest … only one percent of the men died of their prostate cancer.

Marital Status and Cancer Survival

Dr. Ayal A. Aizer and others most recently published an article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology studying “married versus single” individuals who had cancer. Almost 735,000 patients were eligible for review.

Married cancer patients were less likely to present with cancer that had spread (metastasis) or had disease that was felt to be non-curative. It was felt that this study highlights the potentially significant input that social support can have on cancer detection, treatment and survival.

The benefit seems to be greater for married male cancer patients. Perhaps it is because they have a spouse who encourages them to seek medical attention.

In an editorial accompanying the article, it was noted, “Marriage is as protective as chemotherapy in cancer care.”

My opinion? Having a good support system is important.

Robots and Hospital Acquired Infections

Having cancer and receiving cancer treatment stresses the immunologic system.  In fact, having cancer alone can result in immunologic stress. About 500,000 hospital or nursing home acquired infections occur each year with 15,000 to 20,000 deaths.

Clostridium deficile is notorious for life-threatening, hospital-acquired infections. Most recently, a robot with an ultraviolet light source has been used in some hospitals to assist in disinfecting hospital rooms.  A 25% reduction in Clostridium deficile infections has been found in hospitals that have used the system.

In the future, this may become the “standard of care” for inpatient oncology rooms.

Elephants and Cancer

Did you know that elephants do not get cancer as often as humans?

There has been much attention and published study regarding the subject. The “estimate” of elephants dying of cancer is 3.11%. It was also estimated that 2% of lions died of cancer. The human cancer mortality rate is 10-25%.

There are many theories as to why elephants don’t die of cancer as frequently as humans. Is their immunologic system stronger than ours? Does their diet contribute to elephants have less cancers than humans? Are elephants prone to less aggressive cancers than humans, or is it simply that the study was not a scientific study?

Immunologic evaluation of elephants versus humans is now being pursued.

What is my belief? Elephants and lions do not smoke!

By the way…

It must take extraordinary courage to do the prostate exam on a lion.

Detection of Cancers in Dense Breasts

Both ultrasound and standard mammography may detect breast cancers in women with dense breasts.

A comparison of ultrasound and tomosynthesis (3-D picture of the breast using x-rays) was recently done.  More than 3,200 individuals were evaluated who had negative mammographies.

It was shown that ultrasound was superior in detecting breast cancer in “mammography negative” dense breasts.  (The ultrasound must be done by someone with experience in evaluating dense breast tissue.)

Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, tomosynthesis is a new and exciting tool for breast cancer evaluation, but it is not considered to be the standard of care for breast cancer screening.

Grade Your Oncologist

1.  Is the doctor a good communicator?  This includes the physician introducing himself/herself to you in an appropriate manner.  Personally, I make sure I greet my patient by name.  Also, I outline the purpose of our meeting, so there is a good understanding of what both of us are doing in the examining room.  (Note: Medical jargon should be reserved for physicians talking to other physicians.)

2.  Your physician should be a “listener”.

3.  You should not feel as if you are rushed through an appointment.  If you feel this way, express it.

4.  Is the physician staff providing you with the service and support you need?  Again, they should introduce themselves and tell you what their role is regarding your care.

5.  Is the physician and staff accessible?  This includes the waiting room time and prompt return of phone calls, texts or e-mails.

6.  A review of all medical findings should be given to you prior to the conclusion of your visit.

7.  At the end of the medical visit, an appointment for the next visit should be scheduled.

Use the above points as a “checklist”, or make up your own.  You can then grade the physician and office staff on an “ABCDF” scale.

Anything other than an “A” or “B” should be brought to the attention of the physician and office staff.  If the grade is a “C”, there is room for concern.  If the grade is a “D” or a “F”, find another physician.

Colon and Rectal Cancer--Cancers of a Younger Age Group?

The incidence of colon and rectal cancer has decreased over the past several years, due to improved screening techniques. There has been, however, a rate increase in adults less than 50 years of age.

No one is sure of the reason for this increase.  We do know that the increased rates of obesity and diabetes in young adults have occurred in the same time frame.  Also, less milk consumption may be a contributing factor.  (The calcium in milk may protect against colon and rectal cancer.)  Other contributing factors may be lack of exercise, a large consumption of processed meat, and alcohol consumption.

It is of great concern that these young adults are seemingly being diagnosed with more advanced stages of colon and rectal cancer.  Perhaps this is because there is no understanding of the warning signs of colon cancer.

Let’s go over them, then:

1.  Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

2.  Unexplained weight loss

3.  An ongoing bloated feeling, cramping or abdominal pain

4.  Constant fatigue or weakness (may be suggestive of blood loss)

5.  A change in bowel habits, more than a few days duration (This would include diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool.)

6.  Constantly feeling you have a bowel movement, even after just recently having one

7.  Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

If you have any of these warning signs, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Still need help? Get in touch!

Write to Dr. Kraus at info@oncologyconsultingservices.com
or call (504) 717-3237.

Dr. Terry Kraus
Oncology Consulting Services, LLC

(504) 717-3237

111 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Suite 403
Metairie, LA 70005

Oncology Consulting Services