Category Archives: Recent News

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Safe Fish Consumption Report

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Something Fishy:  Latest Report on Safe Fish Consumption
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

Fish is a protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known to reduce inflammation. However the safety of your fish has of late been called into question. The latest report by Food & Water Watch indicates that “less than 2% of the 860,000 imported seafood shipments were visually inspected and less than 1% were actually tested for contaminants.”  Below you will find a list of the top offenders and some healthy alternatives to keep your consumption of fish safe.

THE UNSAFE FISH LIST with SAFE ALTERNATIVES

•     Imported & Farm-Raised Catfish, also known as Basa and Swam is usually imported from Vietnam.  They do not regulate or monitor closely the use of  antibiotics and other chemicals.
If you love catfish, try Pollock. This fish is similar in taste and is also low in mercury.      Look for this mild-flavored fish imported from the US, Canada and Norway.  These     places all have eco-friendly harvesting for safer consumption.
•    Eel (aka Unagi) is pen-farmed in China. The use of toxic nitrofuran, and othere drugs and pesticides are used to keep disease away in the pens.  Eel is extremely high in mercury and cancer-causing PCBs.
If you fancy eel, experiment with squid.  This fish has a comparable flavor and it is     clean of contamination.
•    Atlantic Flatfish which includes Sole, Flounder and Halibut – are high in toxins, have been overfished over time and has been attributed to the breakdown of Atlantic Ocean ecosystem.
If you enjoy any of these fish, check out Pacific Halibut which is considered to be an     eco-friendly choice.
•     Imported & Farm-Raised Shrimp – one of the most polluted types of seafood sold.  Chemical residues, antibiotics and other contaminants have been found in farmed shrimp.
MSC-certified wild-caught Pacific shrimp from Oregon is the safest shrimp for     consumption.  According to The Healing Gourmet,70 percent of domestic shrimp comes     from the Gulf of Mexico. The recent oil spill this raises concern for the health of these shrimp stocks. Even though you are playing it safe by staying away from farm raised shrimp, the location is still an important aspect to consider.
•    Farmed Atlantic Salmon has many chemical contaminants ranging from pesticides and antibiotics to PCBs.  These farmed fish are fed in overcrowded, disease- ridden pens.  They are considered to be genetically engineered and unsafe due to the high levels of carcinogens they contain.
For a safer alternative, choose wild Alaskan Salmon only. In the near future, you may     see a label on Farmed Atlantic Salmon- if the FDA approves the change.
•     Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is considered to contain the “highest levels of mercury and have reached near-extinction levels,” according to NY Times. According to the Healing Gourmet, “Oceana – a non-profit ocean protection group – collected 1,215 samples from seafood vendors from 2010 to 2012. They found that 59% of tuna is not just mislabeled but it is almost entirely comprised of escolar – a fish once banned by the FDA.”

A safer alternative would be Atlantic mackerel and sardines.  These fish do not contain problematic ingredients and are low in mercury.

For more information refer to www.healinggourmet.com

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UM Neurosurgeon Uses Innovative Laser Technique to Eradicate Brain Tumor

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UM Neurosurgeon Uses Innovative Laser Technique to Eradicate Brain Tumor

17 hours 28 minutes ago

When Thomas Jambeck was diagnosed with brain tumors caused by metastatic melanoma in 2011, the 64-year-old West Palm Beach resident underwent radiation and two surgeries.

One tumor responded, but the second doubled in size. That’s when his physicians sent him to the Miller School of Medicine for what would be a life-changing procedure.

On February 22, Ricardo Komotar, M.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery, and Director of Surgical Neuro-oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, performed a laser tumor ablation at University of Miami Hospital, the only facility in the southeastern U.S. offering this procedure, to eradicate the problem tumor with pinpoint accuracy.

“Before my treatment I was stumbling all over the place, because the tumor had affected my balance,” Jambeck said at an April 11 news conference with Komotar and Anthony Addesa, M.D., of South Florida Radiation Oncology, who referred Jambeck to UM. “Afterwards, I felt perfect. On the way home from the hospital, my wife and I stopped to run some errands, and I was walking down the aisles at Lowe’s without any problems.”

Using the FDA-approved Visualase Thermal Therapy System, Komotar inserted a tiny 3-millimeter laser probe into Jambeck’s brain. Using magnetic resonance imaging technology, he guided the probe to the tumor and delivered precisely controlled radio-frequency energy to destroy the tumor, without harming healthy brain tissue. The entire procedure took less than an hour and Jambeck spent only one night in the hospital’s intensive care unit for observation.

“This game-changing technology provides hope for brain cancer patients who otherwise have no treatment options,” said Komotar, adding that laser ablation procedures dramatically reduce the medical risks, long patient recovery times and high costs associated with opening the skull and removing the tumor through conventional brain surgery. “This minimally invasive approach is an example of the future of neurosurgery,” he said.

While laser ablation can be used for virtually all types of brain tumors, the procedure is most suited for malignancies deep in the brain that are hard to reach or otherwise inoperable, according to Komotar. “While it is easier to treat smaller tumors, there is no upper limit. In Mr. Jambeck’s case, the tumor was about the size of a half dollar, and we were able to treat it with one laser in just a few minutes.”

Reflecting on his experience, Jambeck, a retired General Motors employee from Michigan, said that his first cancer symptom was a swelling in his groin. “My doctors don’t know where the melanoma originated, but it had already spread to other parts of the body,” he said. Jambeck underwent two surgeries in 2012 to remove the groin tumor and related lymph lodes.

Despite the successful removal of the two brain tumors this year, Jambeck said new tumors have appeared. Asked if he had any advice about melanoma, Jambeck said, “Get yourself checked regularly and stay on top of things. Once the cancer cells get into your body, they are hard to treat.”

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Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients

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Mediterranean Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach

The Mediterranean diet is in the news. The lean chicken breasts and spinach along with Italian spices fit into the anti-cancer diet. Spinach is packed with fiber, folate and iron as well as cancer-fighting carotenoids. Sun-dried tomatoes add another level of intense flavor that pairs well with the stuffing mix. They also contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene which research shows may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 220 calories, 9 g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 3 g carbohydrate,
29 g protein, 1 g dietary fiber, 190 mg sodium

4 (4-oz.) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1/2 tsp. dried Italian spices, divided
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
Salt to taste, optional
4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup frozen spinach (thaw, then wrap in a kitchen cloth and squeeze out all extra water and set aside)
3 Tbsp. chopped and drained sun-dried tomatoes (the ones packed in olive oil)
2 Tbsp. herbed goat cheese
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat cream cheese
16 toothpicks (or however many are needed)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice into chicken breasts at thickest part to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of the Italian spices, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and salt, if using. Cover with clear wrap and set aside.
In large skillet heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until light golden brown, being careful not to burn. Add spinach and stir with oil and garlic. Then add tomatoes along with remaining spices and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cheeses and fold well to create stuffing for chicken breasts.
Divide stuffing evenly among chicken breasts, using toothpicks to secure the opening with about 4 per breast to ensure stuffing remains inside. Work with each breast until all are stuffed and closed with toothpicks.
In heavy bottomed, oven proof pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure pan is really hot but not smoking. Lower heat to medium and add one breast at a time, making sure there is enough room in pan to thoroughly brown breasts. Cook on first side for about 4 minutes and then turn over for another 4 minutes. Do not flip chicken more than once or meat will dry out and filling might fall out. Brown chicken in batches if necessary.
Once chicken is browned, turn off heat. Place pan in oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until thermometer in the thickest part reads 170 degrees.
Take chicken out and let rest for about 5 minutes covered with tented foil before serving. Make sure to remove toothpicks. Spoon any juices left in bottom of baking dish over top of chicken.

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The Importance of Sleep for Cancer Patients

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The Importance of Sleep for a Cancer Patient
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

A diagnosis of cancer affects many aspects of the cancer patient’s well-being. One important aspect is sleep. Sleep patterns can be disrupted for various reasons. For instance, patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer may experience frequent urination throughout the night.  A diagnosis of breast cancer can result in anxiety which could also prevent someone from getting a good night’s sleep.
 
The herb passionflower (passiflora incarnate) has become popular in both America and Europe for its use with anxiety and insomnia.  Passionflower is purported to increase the chemical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.  GABA lowers the activity of the brain cells and results in relaxation.  Passionflower can be purchased over the counter at a health food store and comes in the form of a tea, infusion, liquid extract, and tincture.      

In a study with 91 participants that had symptoms of anxiety, an herbal European product that contained passionflower reduced symptoms of anxiety when compared to a placebo.  In another recent study patients who were given passionflower prior to surgery experienced less anxiety and recovered from anesthesia at the same rate as though given the placebo.
Passionflower may be a useful consideration for patients who are not sleeping well through the night or who are experiencing anxiety.
Resource:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/passionflower-000267.htm

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Is Your Mental Stress Making You Susceptible to Colds?

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Does your mind affect your chances of catching a cold? Does having a cold affect your mind?
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

Cold and flu season peaks during the month of February. Cancer patients are especially vigilant about their immune status and risk for colds. Does it seem to you that your mental stress is related to your chances of getting a cold? Some people seem to be more susceptible to these viruses.

Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D. directs the Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease at Carnegie Mellon University. He has found that certain groups of people are more susceptible to colds. After intentionally exposing all participants in a study to the cold virus, parents aged 25 and older were less likely than adults with no children to get a cold. Not so for the parents aged 18-24! What’s more, the older parents were less likely regardless of whether their children currently lived with them or not and their protection was not due to antibodies.

Some of Cohen’s previous studies might provide the explanation. A positive emotional style seems to be protective against colds. On the other hand, unemployment, underemployment and interpersonal stressors (bad marriage, work conflicts) increase one’s likelihood of catching a cold. Physiologically these factors are related to the stress hormone cortisol and its effect to increase the synthesis of cytokines. Cytokines cause your runny nose and congestion and exacerbate your cold symptoms. Further research in the field of PNI (psychoneuroimmunology) will uncover more regarding the mind and immune system interplay.

But what about considering the reverse? Does having a cold affect the way you think and behave? Andrew Smith, Ph.D. from Cardiff University in Wales has studied this question for over 25 years. He measured the cognitive performance of 189 study subjects. About 30% of them returned to see him after they contracted a cold. When he measured their cognitive function upon return he found they reported more ‘sluggish thinking,’ less alert minds and more negative moods as compared to the ones who had not gotten a cold. In addition, the subjects with colds were slower at learning new information, had slower reaction times and more trouble completing tasks of verbal reasoning. In a similar study he found that subjects with a cold responded more slowly in simulated driving tasks!
On both sides of the coin, it is clear that we should pay attention to our thinking and outlook. It may affect our chances of getting a cold and it may need some monitoring during the period when we have a cold! Stay well!

For more information:
Monitor on Psychology, February 2013, a publication of the American Psychological Association

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World Cancer Day Information from American Cancer Society

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Thanks to American Cancer Society for this great article and for all the efforts they are putting together to make Feb 4, 2013 a very special day!

Please share it!

World Cancer Day 2013
www.cancer.org
February 4th is World Cancer Day, a time when organizations and individuals around the world send a message: Ending cancer should be a global health priority.
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin
www.cancer.org
Dedicated to helping persons who face cancer. Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education. Contact us anytime day or night 1-800-227-234.

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SFRO Breast Cancer Survivor Testimonial

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SFRO Breast Cancer Survivor Testimonial
as told to:
Corrie Trottier, MS, RD

Everyone has a story, and Doris Rangel, an SFRO patient, was kind enough to share her story with me. Her journey began 13 months ago when she was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer. She went through Lumpectomy surgery and axillary surgery, 16 weeks of chemotherapy, and 7 weeks of radiation.

The side effects of chemotherapy consisted of joint and bone pain, nausea, stomach cramps, dizziness, mood swings, headaches, and hair loss. The side affects of the radiation she experienced, consisted of skin irritation, severe fatigue. The emotions/feelings she went through, were that of desperation of the unknown. Is going through this treatment and extreme pain going to cure her or was she going through all of this, only to find out that she would not have a future with her family? It was only through the support system she had that kept her going and gave her the strength she needed to carry on every day.

Her Parents who came to her home every morning when her husband went to work after the surgery, to help with her with the cleaning, laundry and her daytime needs. Her Sister Maria Seda, who drove her to every doctors appointment and was by her side from the diagnosis through the last radiation session. Her Sister In-law Elena Vasquez, who helped with her family needs in the evening. Her boss, Frank Cuoco, who gave her encouraging stories of his family members afflicted with different forms cancer and their success after treatment while giving her encouraging words to continue facing each day. Her assistant Krystal Rodriguez, who watched over her at work. During this time, she reached out to the American Cancer Society and other community resources for support, as she wanted to speak with others diagnosed with the same stage of breast cancer and wanted to know what to expect and how they coped with the treatment. She found that the individuals who called her went through the surgery, however, were in the beginning stages and did not have to go through chemotherapy and radiation.

Once she was done with chemo and radiation she took part in the Healthy Weight Program at SFRO’s Boca campus, where she learned that weight gain has an affect on cancer patients. She learned that not only is it OK to do things for yourself and commit to yourself by learning a healthy was of life. Taking time out for yourself first, then giving time to others. As a result of the Healthy Weight Program she realized she needed to focus on her health and well-being.

With the support of her family, specifically her sister-in-law, she began to add in some “me time” into her busy schedule. This involved taking four hour walks in the mall on Sunday with her sister-in-law, focusing on improving her diet, and most importantly shopping!

Doris recently took part in an annual cookie party where women gathered to share their favorite holiday cookie recipes. While at the party she was able to meet with other breast cancer patients in various stages of their treatment, and they answered the many questions that she was not able to get previously. The biggest question is how do I plan for the future? When do I know if I am a survivor? Who gives you this wonderful news and when?

The breast cancer journey involves courage and inner strength, and Doris encompasses just that.

What does her “New Future” look like? 
Becoming more committed to herself and well-being. Taking the measures need and learned through the Healthy Weight Program to ensure success with maintaining good health and weight. Maintaining a positive outlook towards the future. Taking time daily for herself for meditation and prayer which provide encouragement and self commitment to move forward each day as it comes. Not focusing on waiting for someone to tell her that she is a survivor, but believing that she is. Planning for a wonderful future with her husband, children and grandchildren as well as continued success in her career.

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Lifting the Fog of ‘Chemo Brain’

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Lifting the Fog of ‘Chemo Brain’
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

Jame Abraham, an oncologist and professor at West Virginia University, estimates 255 of patients have difficulty with processing numbers, focusing their attention and using short-term memory after chemotherapy for cancer. Patients often refer to these cognitive side effects as ‘chemo brain.’

‘Chemo brain’ is not an easy thing to measure. Abraham used a measure of blood flow and brain activity, the PET scan in 128 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. He administered the PET scan at the start of chemotherapy and again six months later.

At the six month mark, activity in the areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, planning and prioritizing was significantly diminished. Further studies are necessary to delineate which cancer-types and which chemotherapy drugs produce similar effects on the brain.
SFRO holds a Healthy Brain Workshop to help cancer patients transition past some of these cognitive effects. After participating in the workshop patients describe feeling a lift of their chemotherapy ‘brain fog.’ Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy also participate. They find that some of the effects of menopause, aging and the stress of the diagnosis itself are improved. For more information contact Cindy Collins, Ph.D., R.D. at ccollins@sfrollc.com/ (561) 512-0065.

Cancer Patients and The Flu ; What Every Cancer Patient Needs to Know

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What do cancer patients & survivors- whose immune system may be weakened from cancer treatments- need to know about the flu?

Below is some important information that every cancer patient & survivor should know about the flu from flu.gov and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:

Having or surviving cancer does NOT put you at an increased risk for getting the flu. It does, however, put you at an increased risk of complications from the flu virus. Complications include pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.

Getting the flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu. But always talk with your medical team prior to getting vaccinated. Under certain circumstances, there may be some cancer patients should not get vaccinated.

If you are a cancer patient or survivor, do not get the nasal spray- ONLY get the flu shot.

Because you are at an increased risk of getting pneumonia, talk to your health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccine. Discuss the possibility of needing two pneumococcal vaccinations with your health care provider. This vaccine can help protect you against pneumonia.

Call the doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to the flu. You may be prescribed an antiviral medication, which can help stop the virus from infecting your body.

If you have flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

Study reveals breast cancer chemo fatigue helped by alternative medicine

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Tips and Resources on Complimentary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer Patients
By Corrie Trottier, MS, RD, LD/N

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is used alongside conventional medicine. We will be featuring “CAM in the Spotlight” throughout 2013. This series will showcase complimentary treatments that can be incorporated into cancer patient’s and survivors daily life. If our readers are interested in a specific CAM or topic, please comment on the blog post, and it will be researched and addressed here in our blog.

Examples of complimentary and alternative medicine in different modalities are massage therapy for fatigue, Tai Chi for balance, and hypnosis for pain. These are just a few examples of methods that are practiced throughout the world for centuries. A variety of supplements have been spotlighted on the popular TV show, “Dr Oz”.

A recent study titled, “Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the Development of Chemotherapy-Induced Fatigue and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients,” hypothesized this herb would help with fatigue and improve overall well being for breast cancer patients. Withania somnifera, which is used in traditional Indian medicine, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antistress, and adaptogenic properties.

In the study, 100 breast cancer patients in (mainly with stage II and stage II diagnosis) took oral Withania somnifera while undergoing chemotherapy regimens or chemotherapy alone. Quality of life and fatigue scores were evaluated before, during, and on the last cycle of chemotherapy. The results of the study showed that Withania somnifera has potential to improve breast cancer patient’s quality of life and; in addition help with chemotherapy related fatigue. Further studies are needed to prove efficacy.

References:

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam

http://ict.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/11/07/1534735412464551.abstract?maxtoshow=&hits=25&RESULTFORMAT=&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&fulltext=quality+of+life&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&usestrictdates=yes&resourcetype=HWCIT&ct