What’s more likely to cause mortality in older breast cancer patients — breast cancer itself or heart disease? The assumption might be that breast cancer itself is the more likely culprit. But that’s not correct. It turns out that older breast cancer patients are more likely to die from heart disease than from their cancers! … Continued

New soy research may be causing unnecessary worry among breast cancer patients – for example, even hesitating to eat tofu at their next meal. It had seemed that questions of whether phytoestrogens — a plant chemical that can sometimes have estrogen-like effects — in soy might stimulate breast cancer growth had been resolved. Over the … Continued

Melanoma, is one cancer we usually associate with summer habits: sunbathing and beach time with inadequate sunscreen, playing day-long golf without a hat, sun exposure and burns from hours spent gardening, or even if not outside, becoming a tanning booth fan. But a recent study shows that some activities that raise melanoma risks can occur … Continued

“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