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Monday, November 28, 2011

The Day That Changed My Life - Caregivers

The journey of the cancer patient is shared by the caregiver. Caregivers are essential to the cancer patient. This week we will focus on the caregiver, the ones who walk hand in hand throughout the journey. They can never be thanked enough for enduring the transitions not only on the physical level but also on the emotional toll that it takes on every level.

Do you know a caregiver? Please give them a hug from us :-)

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.


Monday, November 21, 2011

The Day That Changed My Life - Should This Be Happening To Me?

As we all know, cancer awareness months are great campaigns to highlight the various cancers, the need for funding for research and development of drugs, assistance for patients and promoting prevention, screenings/early detection. However, we are all too aware that cancer can become a part of a person's life all too suddenly, without warning and it certainly does not discriminate.

This week we feature the journeys of young women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. The awareness is to bring about the information that should be shared with everyone - especially young women. The controversy of mammograms and screenings for breast cancer continues as the age range was suggested for annual screenings women over 40 - now suggested to begin at 50 years old. Well, for Kristina Hernandez, Maimah Karmo and Mona Harris breast cancer did not wait for them to reach 50 years old. It came much sooner, even sooner than 40 years old.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.


Monday, November 14, 2011

The Day That Changed My Life - Lung Cancer Awareness

November is the National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Many people assume that lung cancer is only for those who have a history of smoking. The truth is that there are many different factors that may cause lung cancer:

Age over 65: Most people are older than 65 years when diagnosed with lung cancer. However, recent studies show that there are number of cases that are seen in people as young as their 20's.

Air pollution: Air pollution may slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk from air pollution is higher for smokers.

Asbestos and other substances: People who have certain jobs(such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries)have an increased risk of lung cancer.

Family history of lung cancer: People with a father, mother, brother, or sister who had lung cancer may be at slightly increased risk of the disease, even if they don not smoke.

Personal history of lung cancer: People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor.

Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses. Radon damages lung cells, and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer.

Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer. It's by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer and exposure to any of the other risk factors only heightens the chances of developing lung cancer..

While each journey is unique,we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.




More on Lung Cancer

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Day That Changed My Life - This week in Cancer


This week we learned some big news about two champions who are facing cancer. First we heard the sad news about the former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier is now in hospice care. Mr. Frazier is said to have liver cancer and although there were rumors of his death, reports have not yet confirmed that he has passed away. However, it appears that the former champion is gravely ill.

Another champion is winner Ethan Zohn featured here The Survivor's Real Journey to Survive who is now facing the return of Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ethan Zohn winner of Survivor Africa shared his journey and was well on his road through remission when it all came back.

However, while Ethan is facing Hodgkins Lymphoma head on even participating in the 2011 New York City Marathon, Joe Frazier is in the final stages of cancer. We are keeping them both and their family in our thoughts and prayers.

I would also like to add that singer Andy Williams has shared that he is undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. At 83 years old, Mr. Williams plans to continue to perform in 2012. We love that spirit and we are cheering him on as he undergoes treatment for his cancer.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.