Research this week finds FDG/PET able to predict response to chemotherapy even after one treatment, and chemotherapy before surgery for liver mets makes CT scan evaluation less accurate.

Finding the best imaging methods to diagnosis and monitor cancer and comparing new colorectal cancer screening technologies to current standards are among recommended priorities for comparative effectiveness research (CER).  The FDA reports new egg safety rules and the recall of a powdered dietary supplement.

Videos of cancer patients are now online discussing the emotional impact of their diagnosis in The Day I Found Out. Read the rest of this entry »

Despite more resources in large cities, patients were more often diagnosed with cancer at a late stage in cities in Illinois compared to rural areas. Phone calls and personalized diet and exercise plans helped long-term cancer survivors lose weight and gain strength, and scientists have found changes in the blood of family caregivers that promote inflammation and may lead to illness.

In other headlines, both patients and doctors liked virtual, computer videoconferencing visits, and the FDA reports that shortages of fentanyl patches have been resolved. Read the rest of this entry »

The Liver Symposium will bring together patients and health care providers at the Palmer House in Chicago on May 15 and 16 in a unique collaboration of contining medical education and cancer survivor input to share the latest information about managing liver tumors.

Sponsored by YES, a grassroots organization of liver tumor survivors dedicated to helping patients learn their options, the Symposium will provide both supportive survivor-led sessions and presentations from medical experts.

Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts will perform at a special welcome dinner for survivors on Thursday evening at 7:30.

Scholarship help is available for survivors and patients to attend.  Contact Suzanne Lindley for more information or call Darlene Baum at Wake Radiology: (919) 854-2189.  Read the rest of this entry »

MSKCC Nurse Practitioner Survivorship Team

Nurse practitioners help cancer survivors meet their ongoing needs after their formal cancer treatment ends at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Specially trained, they focus on both medical and psychosocial needs that are unique for each patient.  During the first visit, the nurse practitioner develops a survivorship care plan with the patient which is then sent to that patient’s community primary care physician so that cancer care and other medical needs can be coordinated.

Read the rest of this entry »

You can download and listen to Surviving and Thriving: Life with Cancer, six podcasts developed by CR Magazine and The Wellness Community.

Podcasts include the voices and stories of many survivors, well as information from health professionals. Read the rest of this entry »