Category Archives: Cancer Care Tips

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research

Some Cancers Run in Families – What You Need to Know

Is Issels Genomic Testing for Personalized Treatment For You
Is Issels Genomic Testing for Personalized Treatment For You

Some families have two or more members who develop the same type of cancer, leading people to believe that it’s inherited. While it’s not passed along like blond hair or brown eyes, there is a genetic element to cancer than can be shared by family members.

How Cell Mutations Give Rise to Cancer

You already know that genes are responsible for certain physical characteristics like height and eye color, but they also contain information that controls cell function. A mutation is an abnormal change that prevents a gene from working properly.

Cancer results from cells that multiply uncontrollably. While the mutations that cause cancer are usually acquired, some inherited mutations affect tumor suppressor genes that act as traffic cops, regulating cell growth and death.

Is It Coincidence or Family Cancer Syndrome?

These inherited gene mutations can lead to family cancer syndrome, in which several members of a family develop similar types of tumors. Telltale factors of family cancer syndrome include:

• Cancer occurring in multiple generations

• Childhood cancer occurring in siblings

• Cancer occurring at unusually young ages

• Two or more types of cancer occurring in a single person

Many times, several diagnoses of cancer within one family can indeed be pure coincidence. They can also be related to family members being exposed to tobacco smoke or other common risk factors.

Genomic Testing for Personalized Cancer Treatment at Issels®

Since our cancer treatment programs target the tumor microenvironment as well as the cancer itself, we use highly specialized testing to address your specific needs. Visit our website to learn more about our cancer treatment that boosts your body’s own immune responses.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy, Uncategorized

American Cancer Society Guidelines for Nutrition and Exercise for Cancer Prevention

Excercise and Healthy Eating for Cancer Prevention
Exercise and Healthy Eating for Cancer Prevention

Have you made it a priority to watch your weight? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), a healthy diet and physical activity are the most important cancer risk prevention factors after avoiding tobacco.

How much of a difference can nutrition and exercise make? The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that approximately 20 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States are related to excess weight and poor eating habits.

Reduce Cancer Risk with Healthy Habits

You may not be able to control your genetic makeup, but you can take steps to stay active and maintain a proper weight. Follow these guidelines offered by the ACS:

• Stay as lean as possible. If you’re overweight, even a modest weight loss can improve your health.

• Get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five times a week.

• Limit “screen time” with TVs, computers, video games and other sedentary activities.

• Practice portion control during mealtimes.

• Minimize consumption of red meat and processed meat. Eat at least five half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• Avoid refined grain food items, such as white bread and white rice, that have little nutritional value. Opt for barley, brown rice, oatmeal and other whole-grain products.

• Daily alcohol intake should be limited to one drink for women and two drinks for men.

Issels®: Incorporating Good Nutrition in Immunotherapy for Cancer

Our non-toxic, integrative programs include nutritional immunotherapy for cancer treatments to restore balance of vitamins and minerals that promote healthy functioning of the immune system. Contact us for more information about our specialized testing and treatment programs to meet your specific needs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

American Society of Clinical Oncology Releases Their State of Cancer Care in America Report for 2017

Stop Cancer
Stop Cancer

Advances in immunotherapy for cancer treatment have given patients more options than ever before. This is one of the encouraging findings included in the recently-issued State of Cancer Care in America, 2017 report.

Analyzing the Current State of Cancer Care

The annual report has been issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) since March 2014. It offers an in-depth look at current demographic, economic and oncology practice factors impacting cancer care.

Increasingly effective immunotherapy is just one of the significant improvements in cancer care noted in this year’s report. Other highlights include:

  • Emphasis on preventive measures such as quitting smoking appears to be paying off as overall cancer incidence has declined over the last decade at a rate of 0.9 percent each year.
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, launched in 2016, paved the way for dozens of research initiatives and cross-disciplinary partnerships focused on research for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Use of big data from sources such as electronic health records (EHR) has resulted in more informed research studies and decision-making.
  • The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and other payment programs have begun a shift away from fee-for-service in favor of high-quality, high-value cancer care. This process is expected to accelerate during 2017.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment at Issels®

Issels® has long been ahead of the curve with our innovative and personally tailored cancer treatment programs. Contact us to learn more about why immunotherapy at Issels® may be the option for you, regardless of age or type of cancer.

Cancer Care Tips, Immunotherapy for Cancer

It’s UV Safety Awareness Month – Protect Your Skin from Melanoma Cancer

Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer.
Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer.

The sun’s rays can give you a nice golden glow, but they can also increase your risk for melanoma or skin cancer. With summer vacations in full swing, July has been designated as UV Safety Awareness Month to promote good skin care habits.

Tips to Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure

  • Use a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which have longer wavelengths to penetrate the ozone layer. Look for a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 unless you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time, in which case you should use SPF 30 or higher.
  • Apply one ounce of sunscreen to all exposed areas approximately 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours and more frequently if you’re spending time in the water.
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp along with UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Avoid the sun during peak hours between noon and 4 PM. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
  • Sunburn causes skin damage that can lead to the development of melanoma. Even if you’ve taken precautions, seek cover if your skin starts to become pink and tender.

Exposure to the sun can also hasten the development of wrinkles, leathery skin, eye problems and other signs of aging, which is another reason to use protection.

Fighting Melanoma with Immunotherapy for Cancer

At Issels®, our integrative immunotherapy for cancer treatments have helped patients diagnosed with melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer and all other forms. Contact us to learn more about why immunotherapy for cancer may be right for you.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Caregivers, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Cancer Caregiver Tips: Talking About Cancer with Your Loved One

Cancer Caregiver Tips: Talking About Cancer with Your Loved One
Cancer Caregiver Tips: Talking About Cancer with Your Loved One

Are you a cancer caregiver who’s tiptoeing around your loved one because you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing? Use these tips to guide your conversations in positive and helpful directions.

Tips for Talking to a Cancer Patient

  • Don’t stress about coming up with the perfect words. This is a new situation for both of you. If you don’t know what to say, be honest about it. Your loved one will let you know what he or she needs.
  • Keep the focus on the patient. You’re there to help them, not the other way around. Talk to another friend or family member if you need a sounding board.
  • Avoid clichés or dismissive comments like “You’ll be fine” or “At least you got the ‘good’ cancer.” Of course you don’t want to be a source of doom and gloom, but minimizing the situation doesn’t make the patient feel any better.
  • Every case of cancer is different. Don’t bring up friends, family members or acquaintances and compare their situations.
  • Don’t ask for details about their cancer treatment such as blood test results or possible side effects. Let them share information if they like, but respect their personal boundaries.
  • Sometimes no words are necessary. Your loved one might want you to provide a sympathetic ear, or may prefer a period of silence. Be willing to graciously accommodate their wishes.

Personalized Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Your experience with cancer is unique, so your treatment should be also. Visit our website to learn more about cancer vaccines and other individually tailored and integrative immunotherapy for cancer treatments.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Caregivers, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Cancer Caregivers: What to Expect When You Step Into the Role

Cancer Caregivers: What to Expect When You Step Into the Role
Cancer Caregivers: What to Expect When You Step Into the Role

Cancer brings major changes to the life of a patient, but becoming a caregiver can be equally challenging. Here’s some information to help you prepare for your tough but rewarding new role.

Tips for Becoming a Cancer Caregiver

1. Ask for Help

No matter how invested you are in the job, you won’t be able to do it all. Don’t feel guilty about enlisting help as needed.

2. Be Prepared to Hear “No”

Not everyone will be willing to assist, even those who make a vague offer to help. Instead of passing judgment and letting resentment build up, either talk to the person about what’s bothering them or simply let it go.

3. Take Care of Your Own Health

You won’t be much help if you’re feeling tired and run-down. Make time to relax and enjoy some of your favorite activities.

4. Maintain Your Regular Routine

Follow your own daily routine as much as possible. You’ll have to make some concessions of your time, but stress can build up if the disconnect from your normal life is too great.

5. Create a Support Network

Despite your good intentions, caring for a cancer patient is bound to cause occasional thoughts of frustration, anger and fear. Talk about your feelings with a family member or close friend. You might also consider seeing a therapist or joining a support group.

Personally Tailored Immunotherapy for Cancer at Issels®

No two cancer patients have the same needs from caregivers or treatment, so our integrative immunotherapy for cancer programs are created for each individual’s case. Visit our website for more information.