A New Class for Cancer Patients
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society
“Look Good Feel Better”
Tips for managing the appearance related effects of cancer treatment.
July 25, 2012 4:00 P.M.
South Florida Radiation Oncology
225 Chimney Corners
Jupiter, FL
For more information, contact Cathy DeStefano at 561 275 1820
Please register minimum 2 weeks before next class
https://www.facebook.com/SFROLLC
Really? The Claim: Eating Soy Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
THE FACTS
Anahad O’Connor tackles health myths.
Soy milk, tofu and other soy products contain phytoestrogens, chemicals that can mimic the behavior of the hormone estrogen. Because estrogen fuels many breast cancers, soy has long been a source of concern: Can it heighten the risk of breast cancer or raise the odds of recurrence?
In the lab, phytoestrogens can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. But in human studies, scientists have not found that diets high in soy increase breast cancer risk. In fact, most have found the reverse.
In a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association in 2009, scientists who looked at 5,042 people in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study found that soy was linked to a significantly lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. But the study, while encouraging, was carried out in China, so questions lingered about the extent to which the findings applied to women elsewhere.
In a more recent multiyear study, published in May in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists followed nearly 10,000 breast cancer survivors, many of them in the United States. They found that women who ate the most soy had lower rates of cancer recurrence and mortality.
Though the findings reflect only a correlation, they suggest that the concerns about soy and breast cancer may be unfounded.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Despite concerns about its phytoestrogen content, eating soy has not been shown to promote breast cancer.
Even Moderate Exercise Might Cut Breast Cancer Risk: Study
Researchers found up to 30 percent reduction, as long as women didn’t gain weightMONDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) — Women who exercise may cut their risk of breast cancer by as much as 30 percent, a new study suggests.
Weight gain, however, may undermine the benefit of exercise, the researchers noted.
“Our study showed that moderate recreational physical activity may reduce breast cancer risk,” said lead researcher Lauren McCullough, from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
“Importantly, we found reduced risk of breast cancer for women who engaged in exercise after menopause,” she said. “This is particularly encouraging given the late age of onset for breast cancer.”
The report was published in the June 25 online edition of Cancer.
For the study, McCullough’s team collected data on more than 1,500 women with breast cancer and a similar number of women without the disease. All the women had taken part in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project.
They found women who exercised before or after menopause had a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Women who exercised 10 to 19 hours a week had the largest benefit — about a 30 percent reduced risk.
The risk of breast cancer was cut with any amount of exercise, the study found. The risk reduction was seen mostly for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed type among American women.
Even among active women, however, gaining a significant amount of weight, particularly after menopause, increased the risk of breast cancer, negating the beneficial effect of exercise, the researchers found.
McCullough said the reasons that exercise is linked with a reduced risk of breast cancer aren’t known.
Yet it is known that maintaining a normal body weight is associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
“It is thought that a reduction in body fat results in less exposure to circulating hormones, growth factors and pro-inflammatory markers, all of which have been shown to be related to breast cancer risk,” she said.
“Other mechanisms include enhanced immune response, antioxidant capacity and DNA repair,” she added.
One expert believes reducing the risk for breast cancer means living a healthy lifestyle overall.
“There is more and more evidence that one of the things women can do to reduce the risk of breast and other cancers is to modify their lifestyle,” said Dr. Stephanie Bernik, chief of surgical oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City.
Women who exercise more probably lead a healthier lifestyle — they watch what they eat, they don’t smoke, they don’t drink. “It’s hard to say it’s just exercise,” Bernik said. “This goes along with what we tell patients: ‘If you live a healthy lifestyle your risk for cancer probably can be lowered.’”
More information
For more about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
SOURCES: Lauren McCullough, M.S.P.H., University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, N.C.; Stephanie Bernik, M.D., chief, surgical oncology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; June 25, 2012, Cancer, online
The Benefits of Avocado for Cancer Patients
Recipes included
By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
The Nutrient Packed Avocado
The avocado gets most of its acclaim from having the “good” fat; known as a source of monounsaturated fat which helps to lower cholesterol in blood. But there are many more benefits to the avocado. For example, it contains many phytonutrients and minerals that the body requires to function well. Great news for all of us who love to eat them!
Avocados contain vitamins C, E, K, folate and even B6. Most of these vitamins help fight against free radicals that can damage cells in the body, and the rest help with energy and focus. Folate is excellent for cellular and tissue maintenance; even more so during periods of rapid cell division such as pregnancy and infancy. These are all wonderful nutrients to help combat the aging process, as well as fighting off illness and disease.
Another wonderful component of avocados is the phytonutrient lutein, which serves as an antioxidant. It is a carotenoid and is known for helping keep eyes healthy and skin in balance. There is data stating that lutein also slows macular degeneration in the 65 and over population. Avocados contain lutein naturally and can give you a boost and aid in the prevention of diseases of the eye and skin.
The most prevalent mineral in the avocado is magnesium. There is a tremendous amount of data mounting on the benefits of magnesium in the diet. Life Extension states, “Magnesium is a coenzyme for cell, nerve and muscle function, regulation of body temperature, energy metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis, and the formation of bones.” Therefore, magnesium is an important part of how minerals work internally.
Avocados also have small amounts of the mineral potassium which our body uses as an electrolyte, and helps with metabolism of cellular functions. It plays a vital role in keeping a balance of fluids to keep us hydrated and functioning at the cellular and tissue levels. Without potassium, we would not be able to carry out many tasks naturally.
Lastly, the avocado even contains fiber! This is excellent news for those seeking ways to get more fiber. Fiber is essential for digestion, and also helps with diabetes and heart disease. Fiber is often thought of in grains, but can also be found in many fruits, vegetables and legumes.
There are so many ways to add in avocado! You can use it in a salad, make it into guacamole, and even use it in soup. Here are a few suggestions:
Snacking:
slice and serve with tomatoes drizzled in olive oil, take cucumbers instead of chips with your favorite guacamole recipe, and some even spread it on a slice of toast
Meals:
Crab Salad with Grapefruit, Avocado, and Baby Greens
This is a wonderful “ladies who lunch” salad. Sections of pink grapefruit and wedges of lush avocado surround a mound of lightly dressed crabmeat. It couldn’t be more “taste-full.”
Serves 2
Prep time: 30 minutes or less
Total time: 30 minutes or less
1 pink or ruby red grapefruit
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ pound fresh crabmeat, picked over for cartilage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives plus additional for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ avocado, sliced
4 cups (or 6.5-ounce bag) cut baby Bibb or Boston lettuce
Peel and segment grapefruit over a bowl to catch juice. Reserve 1 tablespoon juice and grapefruit pieces separately.
In a bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, sugar, and reserved grapefruit juice.
In a bowl, combine crabmeat, parsley, and chives. Add 1½ tablespoons dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine lettuce with the remaining dressing. Divide on individual plates. Add a scoop of crabmeat salad and surround with grapefruit segments and avocado slices.
Grapefruit is not only loaded with vitamin C, but red varieties also contain the antioxidant lycopene.
To easily section the grapefruit, use a paring knife to cut the top and bottom so it can sit upright. Cut off the rind and pith in long downward slices. Carefully cut the sections free, following the natural guide of the fruit.
http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/EatHealthy/FindHealthyRecipes/MainDishes/crab-salad-with-grapefruit-avocado-and-baby-greens
Avocado and Roasted Corn Soup (serves 4)
Florida avocados contain ½ less fat and 1/3 fewer calories than California avocados.
2 ears fresh corn, husked/or frozen kernels
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 large FL avocado, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ medium Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup milk
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce (if desired spicy)
1 teaspoon cumin
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Grill corn over medium-high heat with butter until golden brown (approximately 10 minutes). Remove and cool to room temperature. Carve kernels from cob and set aside. In a medium sauce slillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté garlic, onion and jalapeno until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). In blender, puree three-quarters of chopped avocado with jalapeno, garlic and onion mixture and one half of vegetable broth and puree until smooth. Stir in roasted corn and remaining avocado chunks. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and a pinch of cilantro.
Recipe taken from Carrie Hanna’s book “Florida’s Backyard”
For more nutritional information refer to life extension‘s online (www.lef.org) abstracts on phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Wheatgrass Nutritional Benefits
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Wheatgrass is Superfood that can be grown at your home, inside or outside. You may also find it convenient to consume it at a juice bar establishment, where they will serve it in the form of a shot. It is a versatile plant that is used for different symptoms such as common sicknesses, inflammation and infections. Not only can the grass be beneficial, but the whole plant can be used including the roots and stems for special herbal remedies!
Wheatgrass can be consumed in many different forms. For instance: as a vegetable served with your meal, supplements, tea and its most common form – juicing. It is said to improve heath by boosting the immune system and getting rid of bad bacteria and toxins in the body. Also, the chlorophyll in the plant has been said to distribute oxygen, increasing circulatory levels which promotes enhanced biological operations.
Here are some helpful ways to include wheatgrass into your diet:
-Wheatgrass smoothie:
-2 oranges
-1 banana
-1 lime
-2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
-crushed ice cubes
-blend everything in a blender together
-Wheatgrass guacamole
-6 ripe avocados
-1 package guacamole seasoning
-1 tablespoon lime juice
-1 tablespoon water
-2 tablespoons wheatgrass powder (you can add more for a greater nutritional value)
-1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Recipes were from:
http://www.wheatgrassforlife.com/recipes.htm#Wheatgrass
http://www.wheatgrass.com/t-wheat-grass-recipes.asp
For more complete information on Wheatgrass, please refer to:
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/wheatgrass
“Prostate” — Support Group
Third Monday of Every Month
May 21 | June 18 | Aug 20 | Sept 17 | Oct 15 | Nov 19
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Our Host: Catherine DeStefano, RNC, OCN
Jupiter – South Florida Radiation Oncology – Conference Room
225 Chimney Corner Lane, Ste 1011
RSVP to (561) 275-1820
Our Physicians
Kishore K. Dass, MD Mark L. Perman, MD Alex S. Mirakian, MD
Ben H. Han, MD Anthony E. Addesa, MD Debra G. Linzer, MD
Claude A. Harmon, MD, PhD Eugene C. Shieh, MD Jerome J. Spunberg, MD
Philip J. Duncan, MD Scott A Gasiorek, MD Judy Armstrong, ARNP, OCN
The Connection Between Tobacco Use and Cancer
At South Florida Radiation Oncology, we are committed to the successful treatment and eradication of cancer in our community. Through personalized cancer treatment and support, our goal is to prevent the development or recurrence of this dangerous disease. One of the best ways that you can improve your health and avoid the complications of cancer is to avoid tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and can increase your risk for developing over a dozen cancer types, including:
• Lung cancer
• Cancers of the mouth, lips, nose, and sinuses
• Cancers of the larynx (voice box) and pharynx
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach and pancreatic cancers
• Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix in women
• Kidney and bladder cancers
• Colorectal cancers
While most cases of tobacco-related cancer diagnoses are caused by cigarette smoking, many others are due to smokeless tobacco use. Chewing tobacco and snuff are not considered safe alternatives to smoking and are known to contain many of the carcinogens present in smoking tobacco.
Although quitting smoking can be a challenge, it is not impossible. With the help of your primary care physician, you can formulate an effective treatment plan to break the cycle. Ask your doctor about products and medications that can help you quit, as well as any strategies that may assist you. Having the support of your friends and loved ones will also help you to make this important lifestyle choice.
Avoiding tobacco use is only one of the many ways that you can improve your health and reduce your risk of developing cancer. To find out more about cancer and its treatment, visit the South Florida Radiation Oncology website at www.sfrollc.com or contact our helpful staff at (888) 823-9162. With eight convenient locations and many state-of-the-art cancer treatments, the SFRO team is committed to providing the highest quality of personalized care.
LIFE, INTERRUPTED: Finding My Cancer Style
While much of what a cancer patient experiences is deeply personal, losing your hair is an undeniably public affair, writes Suleika Jaouad.
By Judy Armstrong, ARNP, BC, OCN
When you first come to see me at the Survivorship Clinic we will sit and talk and review your current or past treatment plan. If you are at the beginning and have just been diagnosed we will talk about how you are doing with the diagnosis and help navigate you through the system as fast as we can to alleviate anxiety. Your end goal at that point is to finish treatment. This may include items such as getting through your biopsy, any tests, radiation, medical oncology, medications ordered etc. I will work very closely with your providers to keep the process moving forward for you.
If you have already been diagnosed and treated, we will talk about everything from how you are doing to what you can expect in the future. Important issues to discuss include your emotional state, how your family is doing, any experience with side effects, if so what are they and what can we do to mitigate or alleviate them. I will help you through the phases of recovery. Each cancer type presents different phases of recovery.
Finally we will create a care plan that is made just for you. The plan will include information such as who your doctors are, what treatment you had, whether it be surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. The care plan will involve teaching you about the proper follow up for your disease process. That means we will identify what details to look for that may be red flags and which are not. You will be given a care plan in a book form, so you can share it with your primary care provider, and you may keep it for your records.
Today, we salute all of the cancer survivors today, National Cancer Survivor’s Day. In honor of our patients, their families and all cancer survivors we have established a new service to support you!
We introduce Survivorship Clinic, our new program for cancer survivors and their families.
Our Mission is to dedicate ourselves to our patients, their recovery from cancer and to Survivorship. We recognize the importance of taking care of the whole person and want patients to live healthy, cancer-free lives. We will be your lifeline!
In homage to National Cancer Survivor’s Day and the cancer patients we serve, South Florida Radiation Oncology is providing a comprehensive approach to assisting all of you with the tools necessary to navigate your medical care as a cancer survivor. We now offer the “Survivorship Clinic”.
Among these tools we are offering you and your family are the following:
➢ Support Groups
➢ Wellness Clinic
➢ Cancer Navigator
➢ Cancer Survivor Contacts
➢ Counseling
➢ Dietitian
➢ Mediation/Yoga Classes
➢ Exercise Physiology
➢ Cooking Classes
➢ Hair Styling
➢ Library
Our staff coordinator will be Judy Armstrong, ARNP, OCN, an SFRO oncology nurse.
She will provide you with a customized experience tailored to meet your individual needs.
How Our Cancer Specialist Can Assist You
➢ Healthcare process guide
➢ Assess your needs for additional services
➢ Provide Direction for additional diagnosis & treatment
➢ Allay your concerns and answer questions
➢ Provide educational material to assist your decision-making
➢ Familiarize you with therapies offered
We Can Help By….
➢ Reducing delays in treatment and missed appointments
➢ Identifying service gaps and assisting with minimizing them
➢ Coordinating and streamlining insurance paperwork and referrals
➢ Ensuring proper follow-up care
For more information please call 1-877-930-7376, or visit our website at www.sfrollc.com and go to our Resources page.