The old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but the effects of a healthy diet and lifestyle go way beyond a yearly trip to the doctor’s office and can help prevent colon cancer. Diet, exercise and lifestyle have been shown to help reduce the risk for several diseases, including colon cancer…
Helping patients with cancer live more comfortably often can weigh heavy on Rikka S. Foster’s heart and mind. As a medical assistant at Norton Cancer Institute Women’s Cancer Center, Rikka helps care for patients who have breast cancer and some who are in palliative care. According to Rikka, she wants to be there for every…
You’ve likely heard of human papillomavirus (HPV) and may know that it can cause warts on the skin, genitals and mouth. Some variations of HPV cause cancers of the cervix, genitals and anus. Those are not the only places HPV can potentially cause cancer. Research suggests that HPV can cause head, neck and throat cancer….
Cervical cancer often can be prevented through regular screenings and vaccinations for children and young adults. According to the American Cancer Society, about 14,100 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2022. Ways to help prevent cervical cancer The best steps that can be taken to prevent cervical cancer include the following: Vaccinations (the…
How many years of smoking causes cancer? Smoking causes cancer, no matter how many years you’ve been smoking, and your risk for developing cancer can increase each time you light up a cigarette. “Many smokers try to figure out how many years of smoking cause cancer, but the truth is, there is no such thing…
Parents always want to pass on good things to their children: wisdom, advice, family recipes. Wanda Anderson has modeled strength and resilience for her daughter as they both receive treatment for breast cancer. First diagnosis In 2008, when she was 46, Wanda felt lumps in her breasts. Having just lost her job, she had no…
Colon cancer is a treatable cancer, especially if it is caught in the early stages. Screening saves lives every year. Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician, Norton Medical Group, wants African Americans to know that they can benefit from colon cancer screening beginning at age 45. Why should African Americans make this cancer screening a…
Oncology massage has gained popularity as a complement to typical treatments (chemotherapy, surgery, etc.) for many types of cancer. A recent “HopeCast” podcast episode discussed its use at Norton Cancer Institute, which has five massage therapists who work with people receiving both outpatient and inpatient care. Is massage good for cancer patients? “Oncology massage may help…
Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cancer killer of adults in the U.S. It also is one of the most preventable cancers and very treatable when caught early. By understanding when to get your screening, along with your personal risk factors, you can learn how to reduce your risk. Prevention is key Routine screenings are the…
Four years ago, Sara Westerman was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose treatment that included a double mastectomy with reconstruction. While preparing for surgery, Sara discovered pillows designed for patients who have this surgery. Sara’s mom, Betty, is a retired home economics teacher and promptly created a version of the pillow for her daughter’s recovery….
Rhonda Cash calls herself a breast cancer “thriver.” She practices self-care by giving back to her community and shares comforting gifts with cancer patients going through treatment. “I want other cancer patients to be as blessed as I am. I want them to have that little something special that they can use more than once,”…
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, consider the merits of choosing care that is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Norton Cancer Institute has been honored with network accreditation in Kentucky since 2005. The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving…