Now that summer has passed, have you had your skin examined? Studies have shown that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may have an increased risk for melanoma, so skin screenings are extra-important. Take a look at recent research and get some tips on monitoring your moles and skin. Studies show… A 2017 Mayo Clinic study found that… Continue reading A possible Parkinson’s disease/melanoma link? Time for a skin check
Category: Cancer
“Chemo brain”: 3 surprising findings from recent research
“Chemo brain” — the term for cognitive problems associated with chemotherapy treatment — appears to be very common, but doctors only started paying attention to it in the late 1990s. A 2012 study that finally helped elevate chemo brain as a serious and widespread issue estimated that up to 75% of breast cancer survivors experience “cognitive deficits—problems with… Continue reading “Chemo brain”: 3 surprising findings from recent research
Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis
Medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) are getting a lot of media coverage — so what’s the latest, as it relates to lung cancer? See two recent high-profile articles that weigh the possible risks and benefits of cannabis for cancer and respiratory disease. And add your perspective. (Psst, checkout past PatientsLikeMe write-ups on medical marijuana and CBD for some background.)… Continue reading Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis
CyberKnife, VATS + other surgical and less invasive treatments for lung cancer
Surgery is among the most common treatments for people with lung cancer. Let’s take a closer look at various types of surgery for lung cancer, as well as emerging non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, like CyberKnife or “SBRT,” cryosurgery and “VATS.” Huh? Read on… we’ll explain. Common types of lung cancer surgery Before we explore… Continue reading CyberKnife, VATS + other surgical and less invasive treatments for lung cancer
What’s in your “chemo bag”? Gearing up for lung cancer treatment
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for lung cancer, so the community on PatientsLikeMe is chatting about what’s helpful to pack in a bag for chemo appointments (join PatientsLikeMe to take part in this lung cancer forum discussion). Everyone’s experiences, side effects and preferences are different, but here are some items that people who’ve had chemotherapy say… Continue reading What’s in your “chemo bag”? Gearing up for lung cancer treatment
2 immunotherapy treatments in the news: Imfinzi and Keytruda update
Two immunotherapy treatments — Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) — have made headlines recently in relation to lung cancer treatment. What’s the latest? Here’s an update. Expanded FDA Approval For Imfinzi The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Imfinzi as a bladder cancer treatment in 2017. Imfinzi is marketed by AstraZeneca. In February 2018, the FDA approved… Continue reading 2 immunotherapy treatments in the news: Imfinzi and Keytruda update
Speaking out for Lung Cancer Awareness Month: “We’ve got to get rid of the stigma”
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re sharing members’ encounters with stigma and the automatic association with smoking. Lung cancer rates are increasing among nonsmokers, and some members of your community are raising their voices. One concern? The assumption that lung cancer only affects smokers could delay diagnosis and treatment for anyone (especially never-smokers)… Continue reading Speaking out for Lung Cancer Awareness Month: “We’ve got to get rid of the stigma”
From tomatoes to turmeric: Can foods fight inflammation?
Inflammation is a hot topic. What’s it all about? And what’s the scoop on certain diets, foods and supplements, such as turmeric, when it comes to fighting inflammation? What is inflammation? Not all inflammation is “bad.” Acute inflammation is part of the body’s natural way of defending itself from foreign substances like viruses, bacteria, cuts and splinters.… Continue reading From tomatoes to turmeric: Can foods fight inflammation?
How cancer affects diet + pointers for trying to eat well
Many PatientsLikeMe members have talked in the forum about the dietary impact of lung cancer treatment and how it has hindered their eating. As many as 40 to 60 percent of patients with lung cancer experience unintentional weight loss. Eating well (or as best you can) during and after cancer treatment can help you keep… Continue reading How cancer affects diet + pointers for trying to eat well
10 hot weather and sun-safety pointers for people with lung cancer
On PatientsLikeMe, nearly 7,000 members are sharing their experiences with lung cancer. The dog days of summer have arrived, so we’ve rounded up some tips for handling the weather’s impact on breathing troubles and the side effects of chemo, radiation and surgery. Hot weather tips for people with breathing issues The American Lung Association reminds… Continue reading 10 hot weather and sun-safety pointers for people with lung cancer