South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida

Factors That Increase Your Risk of Cancer

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:25:56 GMT

Although cancer manifests itself in a number of ways and from different causes, there are a number of common risk factors associated with a higher chance of developing cancer. Prevention is one of the best methods of cancer protection, and being mindful of the risks is a great way to care for your body. The following guide explores a few factors that increase your risk of cancer:

Tobacco Use: Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Tobacco affects your lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and stomach in a serious manner. By quitting smoking, you reduce your chances of developing cancer.

Lack of Physical Activity: One of the major causes of cancer is obesity. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week is a great way to prevent prostate, colon, breast, endometrial, and lung cancer. Additionally, exercise reduces your chances of developing other serious diseases. Eating healthy will also decrease your chances of developing most illnesses and improve your life overall.

Too Much Sun Exposure: The sun is constantly releasing ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays, when absorbed by the skin, can cause a sunburn or tan. This change in the tone of the skin is actually a sign of cell damage, which can ultimately result in skin cancer. Reduce your chances of skin cancer by applying sunscreen when going outside and avoiding the sun when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Work on reducing your exposure to these risks and you will improve your overall health and decrease your risk of cancer. If you already have cancer and are looking for treatments options, then contact South Florida Radiation Oncology. We can help discuss your cancer diagnosis and find an appropriate treatment option. We provide specialized care and advanced cancer treatment options. Call (561) 459-5872 to schedule an appointment.

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: risk of cancer, Lung Cancer, smoking, rlung cancer, sun exposure

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Your Diagnosis: Gastrointestinal Cancer

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:57:10 GMT

Gastrointestinal cancer is a blanket term for a number of malignant conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract includes such organs as the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and bowels. The presence of cancer in these organs can be difficult to detect due to minimal symptoms and are therefore quite often discovered late in their progression. The following provides more information on gastrointestinal cancers:

Causes: While the cause of gastrointestinal cancer is often unknown, there are a number of risk factors associated with the disease. Smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity, and a diet high in salted, cured, or poorly preserved foods may increase the chance of gastrointestinal cancer. Certain cancers of the gastrointestinal tract may have other risk factors. For example, patients with hepatitis B or C are at a higher risk for liver cancer.

Symptoms: Though symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, a lot of gastrointestinal cancer symptoms are nonspecific, meaning it is unclear if the symptoms the patient experiences are directly associated with cancer. Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and fatigue are just a few of the possible signs. Unfortunately, the ambiguity of the symptoms also means that early detection is rare. For many of the cancers, a biopsy is necessary to fully detect cancer cells.

Treatment: Various factors determine the appropriate treatment for specific cases of gastrointestinal cancer. One of the most common methods to remove the cancer is surgery, though chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other treatment options. Find an oncologist who you can discuss your situation with and get the proper treatment.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, we offer advanced treatment options for gastrointestinal cancers. Call us at (561) 459-5872 to set up an appointment and find the right treatment option for you. With several oncology locations in South Florida, including Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, we can design a treatment program for your specific situation. We are committed to personalized, compassionate cancer care, so contact us today.

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: Gastrointestinal Cancers, cancer symptoms , Liver Cancer

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iPhone App: CaringBridge

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:43:27 GMT

If you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, such as cancer, it is more important than ever to keep in touch with the friends and family who offer the support you need. The CaringBridge app, now available for free in the iTunes store, is a new way to connect with the people you love during your difficult time.

With the CaringBridge app, you can share journal entries, photos, and a background story. This app helps to keep others involved in your day-to-day experiences and progress as you go through treatment. It is an easy way to share important information and get the support necessary to beat even the most devastating of cancers.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, we can guide you through your cancer treatment with appropriate care, insight, and direction. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 459-5872 .

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: CaringBridge, cancer diagnosis, iPhone App

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Our Technologies: TrueBeam

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:22:18 GMT

Cancer research is constantly evolving to optimize a system that can destroy cancer. TrueBeam is a state-of-the-art technology—and one of the most advanced radiotherapy technologies in the world—for treating cancer. This revolutionary system has improved operation, precision, and speed to eliminate cancer from the body. Here is how it works:

Radiation: Similar to previous forms of cancer treatments, TrueBeam works by delivering radiation therapy to the cancer. Various techniques, such as image-guided radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, can be performed with the TrueBeam. However, in order to reduce the amount of healthy cells damaged by radiation, TrueBeam works with a number of new technologies to provide a prescribed dose of radiation from a specific angle, targeting the cancer:

Imaging: Clinicians have the opportunity to “see” the tumor they are treating, instead of blindly applying the radiation.
Beam Delivery: Instead of a radiation injection or radioactive pellet implantation, TrueBeam uses a beam to administer the radiation, reducing the injury to the skin.
RapidArc Technology: RapidArc increases accuracy and precision, allowing perfect aim and synchronization with beat deliver and patient respiration.

Cancers: TrueBeam can be used on any cancer that would normally be treated by traditional radiation therapy. Additionally, TrueBeam makes it possible to treat more challenging cancers, such as those in the lung, breast, abdomen, head, and neck. Be sure to check with your physician to see if TrueBeam is an appropriate treatment for your specific cancer.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, we are committed to personalized, compassionate cancer care through early detection, diagnosis, and advanced cancer treatment options. With eight radiation oncology centers, including locations in Palm Beach and Treasure Cost, we remain one of Florida’s leading radiation oncology centers. For more information on the types of cancer treatment options we offer, call (561) 459-5872 to schedule an appointment.

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: RapidArc Technology, Our Technologies, TrueBeam

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Pancreatic Cancer: Resources to Help Find Out What You Need to Know

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:23:38 GMT

Are you interested in more information on pancreatic cancer? If you’re interested in more information on pancreatic cancer, spinal cancer, or the Trilogy system, then check out some these great resources:

For more information on spinal tumors and their risk factors, visit this nlm.nih.gov link.
How many individuals suffer from spinal cancer? Find out with this article from nydailynews.com.
Learn more about pancreatic cancer with this link from the National Cancer Institute.
Are you at risk for pancreatic cancer? Find out with this medicinenet.com overview.
This article from webmd.com provides an overview on the various symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

For more information on our services, give South Florida Radiation Oncology a call at (888) 690-4575 .

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: Signs & Symptoms, spinal tumors, Pancreatic Cancer

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Find Out More Information About the Types of Cancer and Treatment Options

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:22 GMT

Are you interested in more information on spine cancer? How can you benefit from the Novalis BrainLAB system? If you’re interested in more information on pancreatic cancer, spinal cancer, or the Trilogy system, then check out some these great resources:

Learn more about cancer statistics in the United States with this link from cancer.org.
What is traditional radiation therapy? Learn more with this ehealthmd.com article.
Visit this link from medlineplus.gov for more information on the difference between benign and malignant tumors.
This link from CNN.com provides a general overview on spinal tumors.

For more information on our services, give South Florida Radiation Oncology a call at (888) 690-4575 .

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Our Technologies: Trilogy

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:01:51 GMT

Radiation therapy refers to the use of high-energy particles or waves—such as gamma rays, electron beams, protons, or x-rays—to destroy or permanently damage cancer cells. While radiation therapy is one of the most highly used cancer treatments performed today, oncologists and cancer centers now utilize more advanced radiation methods to target cancer cells with little-to-no patient side effects. Consider this overview on the Trilogy system to learn more about the advancements in radiation therapy.

The Trilogy accelerator is used to deliver image-guided radiation therapy as a clinical standard, but it can also be used to deliver 3D conformal radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity modulated radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiosurgery, and fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy. Used to treat both benign and malignant tumors, the Trilogy accelerator is the world’s first image-guided radiation therapy system providing real-time imaging results for both conventional and stereotactic cancer treatments. The Trilogy system works by delivering high-dose radiation, ultimately ensuring effective hypofractionation—or higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments—as well as providing shorter treatment times for patients. This makes it easier for patients to physically undergo treatment while still maintaining their everyday activities. In addition, the Trilogy accelerator offers an efficient yet flexible treatment delivery system using state-of-the-art treatment capabilities utilizing a streamlined clinical environment with an integrated approach. In this way, Trilogy technology offers a safe treatment environment where patients can receive effective, reliable results.

Here at South Florida Radiation Oncology, our oncologists use the Trilogy system to effectively plan out our patient’s treatment plan and provide optimal results for cancer elimination. Our technologies work to treat a number of cancers, including those of the brain, breasts, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, pancreas, prostate, skin, and spine. We also provide treatments for lymphoma and sarcoma. Contact South Florida Radiation Oncology at (888) 690-4575 or visit us online to learn how our cancer center can help you on the road to recovery.

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: Traditional Radiation Therapy, Cancer Treatment Center Florida, South Florida Radiation Oncology, Trilogy, Your Diagnosis

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Girls Night Out

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:57:01 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: CINDE MARTIN

561-626-6639

cindemartin@clearchannel.com

KOOL 105.5 FM’s Guys on the Air; Back Row L-R Skip Kelly, Mike Perry, Jay Zeager Front Row L-R Mo Foster, Tim Alan

WHAT? Girls’ Night Out

WHEN? Friday, October 14, 2011 6-10pm

WHERE? City Place Plaza and Harriett Himmel Theatre

West Palm Beach Florida

WHO? Produced by KOOL 105.5 FM

Benefitting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer whose theme this year is putonyourpinkbra.com

DETAILS: www.1055online.com

The most exciting and spectacular celebration of gals and their best gal pals ever with the fun starting at 5pm at KOOL’s 105.5 Mo & Sally’s Pre-party at Taverna Opa where ladies will receive free pink drinks. Enjoy non-stop dancing to Raquel Williams on the CityPlace Plaza Stage with complimentary THINK PINK DRINKS compliments of Tito’s Vodka.

The Vendor Village opens at 6pm with lots of food and drink samplings, make-overs, fashion shows, karaoke, cooking demonstrations and hands-on shopping.

Ladies will join KOOL’s Tim Allen to test drive a car from Napleton Hyundai throughout the evening. Every lady who test drives will pick a Macy’s Gift Card from TA…and cards are valued up to $ 500.00! In addition, Macy’s is offering 20% off on everything for the evening! And the night doesn’t end at 10pm; join us for the official GNO after party hosted by Kevin and Virginia from WiLD 95.5.! This is a NIGHT OUT no Palm Beach County girl will want to miss!

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Learn More About Spine Cancer and Treatment Options

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:56:42 GMT

Learn more about cancer statistics in the United States with this link from cancer.org.
Check out this link from novalis-radiosurgery.com for more information on the benefits of Novalis technology for cancer patients.
What is traditional radiation therapy? Learn more with this ehealthmd.com article.
Visit this link from medlineplus.gov for more information on the difference between benign and malignant tumors.
This link from CNN.com provides a general overview on spinal tumors.

For more information on our services, give South Florida Radiation Oncology a call at (888) 690-4575 .

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: Cancer Treatment Center Florida, Brain Cancer Treatment Options, South Florida Radiation Oncology, Our Technologies, Resources

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Your Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:08:40 GMT

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are an estimated 44,030 new cases of pancreatic cancer in the United States for 2011 alone. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, then it is important to educate yourself on the disease and what you can do to treat it. Consider this overview on pancreatic cancer to learn more.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found within the tissues of the pancreas—or the organ located in the abdomen that sits in front of the spine directly above the belly button. The pancreas provides important bodily functions, such as making insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and creating enzymes that help break down proteins during digestion. Endocrine cancer is when the cancer cells affect the part of the pancreas that creates insulin, while exocrine cancer affects the portion that is responsible for enzyme production.

Risk Factors

As with most types of cancers, the direct cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown; however, there are several risk factors that may increase one’s chances for developing the disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:

Increasing age.
Genetic mutations of the BRCA-12 and BRCA-1 genes.
Tobacco Use.
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
History of diabetes.
Chronic pancreatic inflammation or pancreatitis.
Fatty diets.
Pancreatic cysts.

Signs and Symptoms

While early cases of pancreatic cancer may not exhibit symptoms, common signs of pancreatic cancer include nausea, diarrhea, weight-loss, jaundice, itching, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Treatment Options

A number of cancer centers utilize non-invasive treatment methods to combat pancreatic cancer, such as 3D conformal radiotherapy, CyberKnife treatments, image-guided radiation therapy, Trilogy, and other stereotactic radiotherapy treatments.

The best way to determine which treatment method is best tailored to your specific needs is to set up an initial consultation with your cancer center or Florida oncologist. Let our oncology specialists with South Florida Radiation Oncology educate you on our treatment methods and help you determine which technology will provide the most effective results. Visit us online or call us directly at (888) 690-4575 today!

More from South Florida Radiation Oncology & the CyberKnife Center of Florida: Cancer Treatment Center Florida, South Florida Radiation Oncology, Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors, Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis, Oncology Technologies, Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options, Pancreatic Cancer

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