“Chemo-brain” – a sense of reduced cognitive function that seems the unwanted after-effect of chemotherapy — plagues many cancer patients during and after treatment. It’s been recognized for 30 years that this problem crops up for many chemo-treated patients. But the causes are not entirely known. Certainly one issue which might contribute to it is … Continued

2017 has arrived, so it’s time to get going and keep going with good, uncomplicated New Year’s resolutions. But facing several helpful lifestyle changes that can produce better health for cancer patients, it might be hard to decide what to work on first. We’ll address that problem by suggesting three major priorities for cancer patients … Continued

Saturated fats have been getting some confusing publicity lately, often related to a trend of paleo and low-carb diets, as well as to the popularity of coconut oil. Our research team has not found solid evidence in reviewing the science that indicates it is actually safe for cancer patients to increase saturated fat intake. So … Continued

As the holidays approach, conversations begin to focus on topics like office parties, food, family, and celebrations.  There is a powerful notion in our culture that this is the one time of the year we are allowed to overindulge, and we find ourselves surrounded by candy, cookies, and copious amounts of all types of food … Continued

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is by far the most frequently reported side effect of cancer treatments, but unlike non-cancer tiredness, neither sleep nor rest relieves this nagging problem, which is often accompanied by substantial distress. (Not surprising, since feeling physically “punk” – unable to function with normal vitality in normal activities — can result in feeling … Continued

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