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Knowing your family history can save lives

January 23rd, 2012

Lynch Syndrome International

Did you know that one out of every 35 patients that get colon cancer, also has Lynch Syndrome. Lynch Syndrome is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in a mismatch repair gene in which affected individuals have a higher than normal chance of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and various other types of aggressive cancers, often at a young age.

Lynch syndrome has no gender, ethnic or cultural preference. It targets families, predisposing them to cancer at a younger than average age. Children of a Lynch syndrome parent possess a 50% risk of acquiring a mutation. During their lifetimes, those diagnosed face up to an 80% risk of contracting colon cancer and, women have up to a 60% risk of contracting endometrial cancers. An increased risk exists of contracting a myriad of other cancers. Lynch syndrome cancers are extremely aggressive and don’t have the extended “dwell time” (time tumors live and exist in the body until becoming cancerous) as other cancers, thus the reason it is very important to obtain regular surveillance testing.

LYNCH CANCERS LIFETIME RISKS
Colon Cancer – Up to 80% General Population 2%
Endometrial Cancer – Up to 60% General Population 1%
Stomach – Up to 13% General Population – 1%
Ovarian – Up to 12% General Population 1%

The only known method of accurately diagnosing Lynch syndrome is through genetic testing. If the family medical history indicates three family members, two of which are directly related to a third, and who each sustained Lynch cancers (Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ureter Cancer, Renal Pelvic Cancer, Skin Cancer (Muir Torre) and Brain Cancer. genetic testing should be discussed with one’s physician.

Once Lynch syndrome has been diagnosed, a highly targeted screening and medical management program is essential and may be lifesaving. During routine surveillance screening, tumors may be discovered and are more easily removed or treated before becoming life threatening. To learn more about Lynch Syndrome go here: Lynch Syndrome International

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Parotid Cysts, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Give this new year

January 18th, 2012

Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to raise money for a friend or loved one in need. As we all know even those who have medical insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can be daunting. Unfortunately, most sites are set up to help you raise monies for existing non-profit organizations, but I did find a great site called Give Forward. The site started in 2008 and has helped to raise over $5million for out-of-pocket medical expenses. They have over 10,000 users and completed over 5,000 fundraisers.

GiveForward provides personalized fundraising webpages to users, the majority of whom are looking for help for themselves or someone close to them for expenses like co-pays, travel to treatment and making ends meet in the face of a devastating illness. GiveForward funds its service by deducting a 7% fee from donations, which covers credit-card processing fees and the company’s own expenses.

Take a look, its easy to set up:GiveForward

A few of their current fundraisers

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Parotid Cysts, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer

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What to do when the hair is gone

October 24th, 2011

Follea Wig


Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. For others, losing their hair makes them feel raw, and exposed. What is most important to know is that what ever your choice, you should know that some insurance companies will reimburse women for the purchase of a medical cranial hair prosthesis (wig).
Most insurance companies will require a prescription from your physician or oncologist for a medical cranial hair prosthesis. Many of the companies will not cover wigs and it will be important to have the correct wording (medical cranial hair prosthesis) in the prescription in order to get reimbursement.
It is also suggested that you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your physician, oncologist, or dermatologist. This will be an explanation of the need for the medical cranial hair prosthesis and the medical cause for the loss of hair. It will also be necessary to provide a paid receipt for the medical cranial hair prosthesis for the insurance company.
Information necessary for insurance reimbursement:
A prescription for a medical cranial hair prosthesis from your physician
A letter of medical necessity from your physician
A paid receipt for the medical cranial hair prosthesis
A confirmation of prosthetic coverage from the insurance company

Since a wig is not everyone’s choice below are some wig options and alternatives:

www.caringandcomfort.com
A unique option is to use your hair or donated hair to make your own wig. You can send just one head of hair (one ponytail) and they will match the color and texture to provide the rest needed to complete the wig. (About 3 heads of hair are used to make each wig.)

www.follea.com
A great choice for women is the Gripper-2 Cool which features a hand-tied lace top, with small open lace-front. They chose to incorporate a soft-lined, close-wefted back that passes the “hairdryer test”. That is, if you blow a hairdryer (or a strong wind) on the back of your head, you don’t see the wefts. In order to accomplish this they have almost doubled the density in the back top and side sections just below the crown, in comparison to the original Gripper Cool. The advantages of this design include allowing more air to pass through to the scalp, to keep the wearer cool, as well as letting the style lay closer to the back of the head. It also vastly reduces the risk of hair inverting through the cap compared to an all hand-tied back.follea gripper
In NYC you can get them from:

Michelle Duncan
380 Lenox Avenue Ste 3A
New York, NY 10027
917-733-4160
www.charlesduncanbeaute.com

http://www.y-me.org
The Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won’t stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig Bank. The NBCO offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home.

http://andrewdisimonewigs.com
American Cancer Society volunteer and NYC veteran hairstylist, Andrew DiSimone offers the largest selection of all hand tied wigs in New York City and complementary 24 hour drop off wig servicing at his NYC hair salon for as long as you need to wear it. Wigs by Andrew Disimone are revolutionary hair systems with graft technology – not old style weft design. Each hair loss system is essentially a stocking thin layer of skin or lace with human or synthetic hair tied to it one at a time! They have an easy on/off design that allows your own hair to grow underneath. No tapes or bond to hold them on, and they fit incredibly well. A custom mold of your head can be made, plus you can request any hair texture, color and length up to 20″.

http://www.4women.com/
BeauBeau® head scarves are designed specifically for hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia or other medical conditions. They’re unique, fashionable and versatile!

Choose head scarves from Soft rayon, delicate silk, workout fabrics, headwarmers – lined with exquisitely soft cotton. Their chic cancer scarves focus on uniqueness over mass production, creating beautiful cancer headwear to compliment your wardrobe from casual to elegant.

http://www.forzieri.com
For luxury head scarves from designers like Missoni and Cavalli this site is great.

http://www.headcovers.com
This site was created by a breast cancer survivor and has some great sleep caps and hats.

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Integrative therapy at The Farber Center

October 17th, 2011

We have partnered with Urben Zen to provide Integrative therapy to all our Farber Center patients on treatment. What is an integrative therapy session? There are specific yoga therapies, Reiki therapy, and Oil therapy that deal with different aspects of the symptoms of all diseases. Urben Zen has designed the following yoga therapies to assit with the symptoms of pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation and exhaustion. These therapies will now be provided at The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology:

IN-BED MOVEMENTS
Helps to relieve anxiety, improve circultion, minimize constipation, and decrease insomnia
RESTORATIVE PROCESS
Enhances circulation, digestion and respiration
BREATH AWARENESS
Assists in dealing with pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and constipation
BODY SCANNING
Meditation assists in minimizing pain and releasing anxiety

What is Reiki?
Reiki treats the whole person- emotionally, physically, & spiritually- creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings for peace, security and well-being.

What is Essential Oil Therapy?
Essential oil therapy promotes a general sense of well being by promoting relaxation to relieve stress and anxiety as well as assisting to minimize insomnia, nausea, and pain.

The voice of the patient should be listened to and heard. Please take a moment to watch this video to learn why Urban Zen was inspired to make healthcare and well-being an initiative of great.

And when your cancer treatment is over The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has joined forces with Urban Zen’s integrative therapy program (UZIT) and created OHE (optimal healing environment) classes to create a place/space where you can explore the issues that brought you treatment and to do what you can to prevent you or your loved ones from going through it again.

The 4-week integrative program is targeted to EMPOWER the cancer patent to get the best treatment of mind, body and sprit.

Program:
Initial consultation: with one of our physicians to review the overall scope of the program, the concept of functional medicine, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, “knowing your numbers,” and introduction of “Daily Health Log.” There are no out of pocket expenses for Farber Center patients.

Week 1: Nutrition/Zen*
Discuss various dietary options and specific guidelines for CA patients, esp related to preventing recurrences. Dieting,Supplements, Juicing, Fiber, etc.

Week 2: Movement/Zen*
Explore physical activity with emphasis on yoga

Week 3: Mind/Body/Zen*
Tools for stress reduction and empowerment

Week 4: Guest Lectures/Zen*
Nutrition, Stress Reduction, Adrenal Fatigue,Inflammation, Immunity,

*Zen: each week will include guided meditation and yoga practice with therapist from the Urban Zen integrative therapy program. The UZIT program is a 12 month program that includes training in yoga therapy, essential oil therapy, Reiki, nutrition, and contemplative care giving to addresses the key patient symptoms of PANIC- pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and exhaustion.

To find out more about the program or to register for our October 18th class please contact The Farber Center at 212 300-0663

FALL SCHEDULE

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer

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New 5 Day Non Invasive Treatment for Breast Cancer

October 11th, 2011

As you might recall The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology was the first in NYC to treat patients with AccuBoost, an image-guided treatment for breast cancer. The process uses digital mammography for localization and surface applications for the delivery of radiation. Prior to AccuBoost, partial breast irradiation treatment was performed via invasive techniques such as employing multiple protruding catheters or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast. AccuBoost is the first technology to allow High Dose Rate (HDR) treatment of breast cancer in a Non-Invasive way.

Now The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology will take part as a clinical site with Brown University Oncology Group in an AccuBoost Study designed to evaluate the toxicity, recurrence, and cosmetic outcome of AccuBoost as a form of non-invasive accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). The faculty in the department of Radiation Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University is among international experts in partial breast irradiation and has had expertise in this field that spans several decades. We are proud to be working with them.

Whole breast radiation therapy as a standard technique for adjuvant RT following breast conservation surgery is typically daily treatments for 3.5 weeks to 6.5 weeks. The AccuBoost accelerated partial breast irradiation reduces the volume of breast tissue treated and surrounding organs (heart, lung), in a shorter treatment time (10 treatments over 5-10 days). Patients can be treated twice a day for 5 days or once a day for 10 days in place of whole breast radiation therapy.

We will be looking for patients to participate in the study that fill the following criteria:
Patients referred for adjuvant radiation therapy who are diagnosed as early stage node negative hormone receptor positive with:

1. A confirmed histological diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma or DCIS
2. Age greater or equal to 50 years old
3. Treated by breast conserving surgery with axillary node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy

If you are interested in participating in the study please contact The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology at 212 300-0663 to schedule a consultation.

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77WABC Breast Cancer Expert

October 4th, 2011

Dr. Marnee Spierer from The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology is now 77WABC’s Breast cancer expert. Please watch as Dr. Spierer talks about what a breast cancer patient should know.

To learn more about breast cancer please visit The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology here: The Farber Center
To visit 77WABC breast cancer page go here: 77WABC

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Have Cancer and Need a Helping Hand?

August 29th, 2011

Lotsa Helping Hands was created to answer the question what can I do to help? If you are caring for someone with cancer or in a crisis, or going through one yourself, chances are you have heard this question a lot. And, if you have watched a friend or loved one in need, you have probably asked the same question. Everyone wants to help, but no one knows exactly what to do. Its simple, free and private! How does it work?

1. Visit the Create a Community Page
In literally minutes, you, a friend or family member can fill out the form on our Create a Community page. Simply enter the name of the community being created and your name and email address. Who should create the community?

2. Invite members who want to help
Next, enter the names and email addresses of those you wish to be part of your community. Start with people who have expressed interest in helping. You can keep adding names once your community is created. Members have to be invited to join your community or request membership. Members receive a “welcome” email message about the community, with sign-in information.

3. Enter volunteer tasks
Go to the Administration Tab in your community and begin posting needs with our easy to use templates. This may include dinner on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights; or rides to medical appointments on Tuesday mornings. Members are notified by email when new needs are posted. The system sends reminders to volunteers so no one forgets their commitments.

4. Add more information to your community
Now, you can add more to your community – post photos, create custom sections, add resources from our nonprofit partners, and more. And, members can post well wishes, share announcements, and send messages to the family.

They also offer other coordination needs for military families. You can go here to see a video or start your own page: Helping Hands

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Renderings, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Integrative oncology

August 11th, 2011

The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology

So what is “integrative oncology?” It depends on who you ask. When you google “integrative oncology,” chances are, the modalities under discussion will usually focus primarily on various dietary changes and lifestyle interventions, such as exercise. You will also find that some will refer to it as quackademic medicine.

What does is mean to The Farber Center? It means we use and coordinate the best evidence-based treatments (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) with complimentary modalities (i.e. acupuncture, massage, stress reduction, herbal/botanicals, etc.) with the goal of treating your cancer, preventing recurrence and reducing side effects and symptoms. We do all of this in an environment that soothes and nurtures you.

No matter what kind of treatment a cancer patient receives, the fight against cancer is more than a physical challenge. It impacts everything from emotional well-being to financial stability. We believe that caring for a patient is caring for a person. We realize that people exist within a matrix of family, friends, jobs, homes, neighborhoods, geographical areas, and psychological and cultural environments, all of which can influence health and disease. Our mission is to develop a treatment plan that is right for our patient and their loved ones in an environment that supports and nurtures them.

Going to a physician who believes in integrative oncology won’t change your diagnosis, but it will put your body in a better place to get healthy. Integrative Oncology encourages living a healthy lifestyle to help the body in its’ innate abilities to fight and prevent cancer. This can be accomplished by learning strategies to reduce stress, increasing physical activity and eating healthfully (“anti-cancer diet & nutrition.”) Practicing these lifestyle changes creates a place where the healthy cells in your immune system can flourish and do their best work.

And when your cancer treatment is over The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has joined forces with Urban Zen’s integrative therapy program (UZIT) and created OHE (optimal healing environment) classes to create a place/space where you can explore the issues that brought you treatment and to do what you can to prevent you or your loved ones from going through it again.

The 4-week integrative program is targeted to EMPOWER the cancer patent to get the best treatment of mind, body and sprit.

Program:
Initial consultation: with one of our physicians to review the overall scope of the program, the concept of functional medicine, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, “knowing your numbers,” and introduction of “Daily Health Log.” There are no out of pocket expenses for Farber Center patients.

Week 1: Nutrition/Zen*
Discuss various dietary options and specific guidelines for CA patients, esp related to preventing recurrences. Dieting,Supplements, Juicing, Fiber, etc.

Week 2: Movement/Zen*
Explore physical activity with emphasis on yoga

Week 3: Mind/Body/Zen*
Tools for stress reduction and empowerment

Week 4: Guest Lectures/Zen*
Nutrition, Stress Reduction, Adrenal Fatigue,Inflammation, Immunity,

*Zen: each week will include guided meditation and yoga practice with therapist from the Urban Zen integrative therapy program. The UZIT program is a 12 month program that includes training in yoga therapy, essential oil therapy, Reiki, nutrition, and contemplative care giving to addresses the key patient symptoms of PANIC- pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and exhaustion.

To find out more about the program please contact The Farber Center at 212 300-0663

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Cancer Patients Speak Out About The Farber Center

August 9th, 2011

A special thank you to our patients who were kind enough to speak out and tell their stories and allow us to put together this video. These patients are fighting breast cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, and brain cancer. We will have longer versions of the stories available soon on our website. Grace Huang directed the film, and Industrial color handled the post production.

About Grace Huang: You might remember her from our Rocks Against Cancer Video. Grace began her photography career at Harvard University, where she obtained a BA in Visual Environmental Studies under the tutelage of acclaimed fine art photographer Christopher James. After graduation, a Rotary International Fellowship afforded her the opportunity to spend an adventurous year in and around Provence while attending the Ecole Nationale de la Photographie. Settling in New York City, Grace began her professional photographic career shooting everything from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and travel for a wide range of magazines. Her signature style of cinematic storytelling and naturalistic spontaneity evolved over the next decade. Today she has a eclectic career shooting both stills and motion for a diverse editorial and advertising clientele. Her editorial clients include InStyle, British Marie Claire, Red, German InStyle, Self and Lucky. Her advertising clientele includes Dove, EOS, Mary Kay, St. Ives, Aveeno, Clinique, John Frieda, Cyzone, Gillette, Johnsons, Carefree, Hue, No Nonsense, Gardasil, Olay, Avon, Lilly Pulitzer, Liz Claiborne, Target, Godiva, Walmart and Saks Fifth Avenue. Grace has photographed a range of celebrities such as Krysten Ritter, Katrina Bowden, Poppy Delevingne, Bijou Phillips, Cory Kennedy, Jennifer Morrison, Carmen Electra, Julie Delpy, Jessica Simpson, Cynthia Rowley, Shiva Rose, Sarah Chalke, Elisha Cuthbert, Mia Tyler, Daisy Fuentes, Rhona Mitra, Whitney Port, Daveigh Chase, Sarah Wynter, B. Smith, Jesse Martin, Christy Turlington, Frederick Fekkai, Sergio Garcia, and Henrik Lundqvist.

About Industrial Color: From top tech and production support on over 10,000 shoots to inventing online digital photo workflow, Industrial Color continues to push the limits and develop industry standards. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, their talented team and extensive production capacity enables them to provide a full range of high-end services to clients whether it be in studio or on location anywhere around the globe. Services of Industrial Color include: digital still and RED and HD video capture, post-production, color and video editing services, archival printing, high-speed file transfer, online image management, archive and file storage.

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Talk About Health

August 2nd, 2011

TalkAboutHealth is where patients and caregivers get personalized, helpful, and accurate answers from experts, survivors, and organizations.

TalkAboutHealth has carefully chosen leading medical professionals and experts to join the community and share their expertise and knowledge. They are a welcoming and caring community who have come together to meet, share, and learn with each other. They welcome patients, families, caregivers, survivors, professionals, and organizations. Everyone is encouraged to share their unique knowledge and experiences. The more we share, the more lives we improve and save.

How does it work:
TalkAboutHealth finds and notifies the right experts, survivors, and organizations to answer questions. They then connect patients, high risk individuals, and supporters who need health support, with survivors, experts, and organizations who can help.

You can then post your discoveries or what you are thinking to educate others and start conversations. Talk About Health then recommends matches for you with people who can help, such as experienced peers, survivors, and experts. They match members based on experiences, disease, treatments, medications, side effects, demographics, cultural background, and much more.

Accurate, timely, and helpful

The right people are notified right away to answer questions based on experience and specialty. Both the staff at TalkAboutHealth and experienced community members review all answers. If answers are not accurate or helpful, they are marked “Not helpful”, or are flagged and removed.

Personalized and relevant

They match you with the answers and knowledge you need based on your health and profile information.

Organized and curated

The community organizes and curates the questions and answers so that the information is trusted and easily found.

Real-time notifications

They notify you of new answers and updates via facebook, email, instant message, and twitter so you get the latest information.

Click here for current work shops, one featuring Dr. Leonard Farber from The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology answering questions on Radiation Oncology and Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI): Current Work Shops

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Posted in Breast Cancer

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