For Hodgkin’s survivors who are facing open-heart surgery, concerns about how their radiated chests will heal are real and warranted. We know that mediastinal radiation, particularly older forms of radiation, can make healing difficult. However, there is another way to close the sternum that offers a faster recovery time and minimal pain. The technique is called Rigid Sternal Fixation.
Archives: News
News stories
Evidence-Based Nutrition Guidance to Drive Better Patient Outcomes
This article dispels many myths that we have heard over the years. The author presents fact-based and anecdotal evidence that what we eat matters!
Holding Joy and Pain: The Realities of Surviving Cancer
In a heartfelt reflection, Cancer Fighters Specialist Avery Garn explores the emotional complexity of cancer survivorship. Survivors often carry both joy and sorrow—celebrating milestones while remembering the difficult journey it took to get there.
Older Adults Do Not Benefit From Moderate Drinking, Large Study Finds
Even light drinking was associated with an increase in cancer deaths among older adults in Britain, researchers reported on Monday in a large study. But the risk was accentuated primarily in those who had existing health problems or who lived in low-income areas. Contrary to what we’ve been told in the past, light or occasional drinking not only increases the chance of cancer in older adults, but it also does not protect the heart.
What happens to you when you get the ‘good’ type of cancer?
Sheilagh Foley travelled to Boston to the Hodgkins International Symposium to learn more about how other patients recover from this ‘good’ cancer’, and finds solace and support from doctors and other patients dealing with the disease.
Patients First: Samantha & Samuel Siegel’s Marriage of Medicine and Advocacy
I “met” Samantha Siegel, fellow Hodgkin’s survivor via Zoom last year and knew immediately that she was a true kindred spirit. “Sam” is a fierce advocate for cancer survivors. She brings both a personal and a professional perspective to the world of advocacy, with the added “plus” that her husband, Samuel, is also a survivor and a physician. I was lucky to meet both Samuel and Samantha in person in late June at the National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship’s CPAT meeting where they shared their amazing story.
Physical Exercise Prevents Nerve Damage Caused by Chemotherapy
This article describes the results of recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. It explores a fairly common side effect of some cancer treaments, “chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy,” or CIPN. More than just an annoying condition, CIPN can have a significant effect on the quality of life for survivors. The study presented here offers some exciting news about possible treatments for this condition.
Follow The Heart
Oncologists and researchers increasingly focus on how to predict, treat and monitor for cardiovascular problems that develop before and after treatment.
Study Finds Early Menopause May Be Linked to Greater Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Many women who are long-term Hodgkin’s survivors experience early menopause as a result of their radiation and chemotherapy treatments, especially if they received them at a young age. As we are already at risk for breast cancer due to the same treatments, it is important to be aware of any additional risk factors.
In The US, Cancer Survivors Form A Vocal Community. In Switzerland, Some Patients Want To Change A Culture of Silence.
In the U.S., cancer patients must often be their own health care advocates. This has helped create a community of cancer survivors that offers the long-term support Swiss patients lack. A visit with doctors, activists and patients in Chicago and Bern.