The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new blood test called Shield, made by Guardant Health, to screen for colon cancer in certain individuals. Although this test has been available commercially, FDA approval will help increase its availability and insurance coverage. What is the Shield Test? The test is approved for people… Continue reading FDA Approves New Blood Test For Colon Cancer
Category: Cancer
Actinic Keratosis: A Warning Sign of Skin Cancer
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition that serves as an early warning sign of skin cancer. In fact, about 58 million Americans have one or more spots of actinic keratosis! This condition shows up as rough, scaly patches or bumps on the skin. It is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV)… Continue reading Actinic Keratosis: A Warning Sign of Skin Cancer
The 5 Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. About 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women are breast cancer. Approximately 13% of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer, though it is much rare. Fortunately, after increasing for… Continue reading The 5 Stages of Breast Cancer
Study Finds Nearly Half of Adult Cancer Deaths Preventable
A new study from the American Cancer Society found that about 40% of new cancer cases and nearly half of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S. are due to preventable factors. Key risk factors include smoking, excess body weight, alcohol use, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and infections like HPV. These are things… Continue reading Study Finds Nearly Half of Adult Cancer Deaths Preventable
Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Pleural effusion is often referred to as “water on the lungs.” Not in the lungs, but on the lungs. This medical condition is where excess fluid builds up in the space between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs. The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the surface of your lungs and the… Continue reading Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Is Pancreatic Cancer Hereditary?
Health care is complex. The human body is complex! Certain conditions, like pancreatic cancer, are not only only difficult to understand in terms of how the disease progresses, but how it can be caused. Here, PatientsLikeMe looks to address one question patients have: is pancreatic cancer hereditary? Hereditary Diseases First of all, let’s address what… Continue reading Is Pancreatic Cancer Hereditary?
Dealing with Itchiness from Skin Cancer
Itchiness, or pruritus, is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Everyone experiences itchiness from time to time. Bug bites, poison ivy, a reaction to the sun, there are a number of things that cause it! Persistent itching, however, can be particularly bothersome and may indicate an underlying health issue. Research… Continue reading Dealing with Itchiness from Skin Cancer
Symptoms of Breast Cancer and How to Manage Them
Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast tissue. It is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, following skin cancer. However, it is important to note that this cancer can also occur in men. Experts estimate there will be about 310,000 new diagnoses in women in 2024. Understanding… Continue reading Symptoms of Breast Cancer and How to Manage Them
A Dietician’s Guide to Fiber and Cancer
How Does Fiber Impact Your Cancer? Managing cancer can come with many challenges. Both diarrhea and constipation can be symptoms of cancer management and can occur after cancer treatment or from medications. These uncomfortable bowel-related symptoms can make you feel so much worse, but the good news is that there are a few solutions. Adding… Continue reading A Dietician’s Guide to Fiber and Cancer
Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer and How to Manage Them
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. It is, unfortunately, by far the most deadly of all cancers. It accounts for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths in the US. Fortunately, the rates of new cases and deaths have been steadily decreasing since… Continue reading Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer and How to Manage Them