MMS Physician Focus: October 2010
By Thomas P. O'Connor Jr., M.D.
If you have breast cancer or another type of cancer, or if
you're newly diagnosed or a long-time survivor, the important thing
to remember when dealing with the disease is this: You are not
alone.
Naturally, you'll want top-quality medical care, but you also
need care that focuses on you as a whole person, with particular
concern for your emotional, psychological, and social
needs.
While your team of caregivers includes your doctors and nurses,
many other professionals and volunteers may be involved as well.
But remember: the most important person on your team is you, and
it's important for you to be proactive in your quest to live life
to the fullest. You can empower yourself by gathering information
through a wealth of resources: literature, web sites, and numerous
support services.
Where should you start? Review your specific situation and
options with your healthcare professionals. Then you can explore on
your own and with the help of family, friends, and other cancer
survivors. Yes, a daunting amount of resources exists, but don't
feel overwhelmed. Set your own timeframe and proceed one step at a
time.
Based on your needs, you should find support services that cater
specifically to you. Support groups are offered in a variety of
settings, including local cancer centers, physician groups,
hospitals, senior citizen service organizations, hospices, and
Visiting Nurse Associations. Groups may be formal or informal, open
or closed, and organized by cancer type or stage. They may meet in
person, online, or on the telephone, and they may focus on therapy,
peer support, education, coping skills, grieving, and care giving.
Excellent clearinghouses for information include the American
Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and the National
Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.nccn.org).
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is another way you can empower
yourself. Of course, many reasons exist why you should lose weight,
eat well, and stay active. Recent medical reports have reinforced
the connection between cancer and wellness as it relates to
reducing the risk of recurrence.
Before you start a wellness program, it's a good idea to discuss
a strategy with your physician, including such things as dietary
supplements and intensity of exercise, if you're taking
medicine.
The following guidelines, which apply to breast cancer and many
other types of cancer, will help you feel better, look better, and
may help prevent cancer in the future:
Watch your weight and diet. If you're
overweight, consider that even a 5 to 10 percent weight loss can
make a difference. Discuss your ideal Body Mass Index with your
doctor. BMI is a number based on a person's weight and height that
provides an indication of body fat for most people. It's used to
screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Adopt a high-fiber diet. Fruits and vegetables,
such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and blueberries contain higher
levels of nutrients and are natural cancer fighters.
Limit your intake of red meat. Try not to
exceed three to four ounces of red meat a few times a week. Eat
more fish, poultry, and legumes, such as soybeans, chick peas, and
lentils.
Reduce your salt intake. Too much can increase
blood pressure and the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Try to avoid fast food. Most of it has high
amounts of salt and unhealthy fats.
Exercise. Regular exercise will reduce your
risk of breast and colon cancer and perhaps other cancers as well.
Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a
day.
Remember that programs for financial assistance may be
available. Fighting cancer shouldn't include fighting financial
battles, and you may find help in navigating the complicated system
of healthcare reimbursement. For example, SHINE (Serving the Health
Information Needs of Elders) provides free health insurance
counseling to seniors and disabled adults. Prescription Advantage
offers prescription drug coverage so seniors can afford their
medication. Visit www.mass.gov
for information on both programs. Also, see if your medical group
has a Patient Advocate to advise you.
You have much to gain by taking control. Find the right avenues
for support and make a commitment to ongoing wellness. And
remember, you don't need to tackle this by yourself. As the
American Cancer Society says, "Having cancer is hard; finding help
shouldn't be."
Thomas P. O'Connor, Jr., M.D. is an oncologist at the
Weymouth office of Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology (CHO) and the
Commonwealth Atrius Cancer Center, a collaboration between CHO and
Atrius Health. Physician Focus is a public service of the
Massachusetts Medical Society. Readers should use their own
judgment when seeking medical care and consult with their physician
for treatment. Comments toPhysicianFocus@mms.org
.
