Breast, prostate and colon cancer patients are often told that they can exercise after cancer diagnoses, even during chemotherapy. We certainly recommend this at the Block Center. But the presence of cancer in the lungs might have a uniquely bad effect on the ability of lung cancer patients to exercise, since breathing is so important … Continued

November is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. As we head into the holiday season, with Thanksgiving only weeks away, we’d urge prostate cancer patients to become more aware of holiday health pitfalls – especially the impact of holiday menus. An article that will appear in the December issue of the International Journal of Cancer that highlights … Continued

Depression, fatigue and sleep disturbance are common among cancer patients. Some estimates suggest that over 40% of breast cancer patients experience significant distress — both depressive and/or anxious symptoms — shortly after and due to their diagnosis. Up to 80% of cancer patients suffer unusual levels of fatigue, during and following treatment. Moreover, 30-50% of … Continued

Like much of traditional advice about exercise for cancer patients, it now appears that advice about strength training for breast cancer patients with post-surgery lymphedema, and those at risk for lymphedema, was simply wrong. Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in the arms of breast cancer patients who have had lymph nodes in their arms … Continued

New results from a randomized trial comparing active surveillance of men with low or medium-risk prostate cancer with active treatment – surgery or radiotherapy followed by hormone therapy – is causing nervousness for advocates of active surveillance. A clinical trial comparing active surveillance with active treatment found that more men in the active surveillance group … Continued

We humans are born with a natural preference for sweet flavors, so it is not surprising that we enjoy our desserts. We do, however, tend to overindulge in them. It is said that we need to experience on our tongues all five of the basic tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter and pungent to feel … Continued

One in three American men with prostate cancer is treated with hormonal therapy – medications to suppress the testosterone that drives prostate cancer growth. These therapies represent a marvelous advance in prostate cancer treatment, increasing 5-year survival from 68% to 99% over the past 25 years. Still, they are not without possible problems — from … Continued

Patients and their doctors often wonder if there is a real benefit to change your diet or start taking supplements after a cancer diagnosis. The answer is yes. According to a new study – with 1600+ colorectal cancer patients — if the change you make means adding more omega-3 fats from fish and fish oil … Continued

Discussions of food and cancer prevention in the media have long suffered from the whiplash effect. One week a study comes out saying that a specific food or beverage doubles cancer risk. Two weeks later, another states the complete opposite, asserting it’s a superfood that cuts your cancer risk in half! The result? Confused public … Continued

Every so often, articles on the internet question the dangers of foods that we recognize as having health and nutritional value. In a recent post by a patient, soy milk safety was questioned because of certain statements made on a website. Since we always respect patient concerns and questions — recognizing our responsibility to stay … Continued