CANCER RELATED DEPRESSION IS COMMON, BUT UNDER-TREATED
It's estimated that more than two-million Americans battling cancer suffer from depression, but less than 10-percent of those patients are on medication for the condition.
After a cancer diagnosis, some patient's personality may change, feelings of despair and an attitude of hopelessness sometimes take over. Simple activities like getting out of bed or going to work can become difficult, all common symptoms of depression.
"Many people diagnosed with cancer may have symptoms of depression and I think it's a relatively normal thing to go through," says Robert Mennel, M.D., oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
While depression is common, cancer-related depression is severely under-treated. Dr. Mennel says that there are certain "red flags" that should indicate to a patients' family or physician that they may not be able to deal with their feelings on their own. "Things that interfere with life functions such as, problems with sleeping and eating, periods when you're down or crying, or an inability to focus, can all be indicators of depression."
Besides counseling and support groups, certain medications can be extremely helpful to cancer patients battling depression. But a recent study showed that just one-in-12 patients who could benefit are actually taking them.
However, certain antidepressants can interfere with cancer treatments so it is important that patients talk to their doctor before starting on any type of antidepressants.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
THE FACTS ABOUT MALE BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is thought of as a woman's disease, but men with breast cancer are actually more likely to die of the disease—because it's rarely caught at an early stage. Around 1,500 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, so most men never think that they could ever be stricken with the disease.
"The diagnosis of male breast cancer can come as a shock to the patient, but this does happen several thousand times a year in the United States and it is a health concern," says John Pippen, M.D., oncologist on the medical staff of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Unlike women, men are not recommended for routine screening and almost all male breast cancers are found accidentally. "Most men find their breast cancer as a painless lump and occasionally it can present itself as a bloody discharge," says Dr. Pippen.
However, there is very little information on breast cancer that is targeted to men. "There's really not a whole lot that you can fall back on in the medical literature regarding male breast cancer," says Dr. Pippen. "It is an emerging field, and we have learned several important things about it such as the genetic risk and new treatments that are available."
For more information about male breast cancer, visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com or call 1-800-4BAYLOR. NEW STUDY SHOWS THAT MOST CANCER PATIENTS CONTINUE TO WORK AFTER DIAGNOSIS
The results of a new study are encouraging for millions newly diagnosed with cancer. Research shows a majority of patients choose and are able to continue working. According to the study, researchers found that around 60-percent of cancer patients between 25 and 62 do not give up their jobs and as many as 84 percent who may have taken time off end up returning to work within four years.
"Obviously there are practical implications of that—financial and otherwise—but I think that it's very important psychologically as well for many patients," says Marvin Stone, M.D., chief of oncology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "We encourage people to try to do as much as they feel like doing recognizing that they're going to have to have some flexibility."
The study also indirectly proves the efficacy of current cancer treatments. "It means that treatment is effective in most people, that they're able to function and be productive in the workforce and in their family lives, social lives and all the other things that go with it," says Dr. Stone.
The study more specifically showed those diagnosed with breast, uterine, prostate and thyroid cancers were the most likely to continue working.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com. NEW DEVICE MAKES MAMMOGRAMS MORE COMFORTABLE
According to a recent study, just over half of American women who should get regular mammograms actually do. Why? Some complain they're too uncomfortable and too painful. Well now there's a new invention working to change that.
During a mammogram, the breast must be compressed, usually with up to 20 pounds of pressure which is what causes the discomfort. Now a new invention called the "Mammopad" works as a cushion making the process easier on the patient.
"The 'Mammopad' is a very thin pad and it's invisible to the X-ray. It pads the surfaces so they're not hard and cold, because they're made out of metal and plastic and that can be pretty uncomfortable," says Gail Lebovic, M.D., inventor of the "Mammopad" and a physician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano.
In recent studies, women have reported that mammograms done with "Mammopads" are at least 60 percent less painful. And although they're still new to the market, millions of women have already used them.
For more information on Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, call 1-800-4BAYLOR, or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Unfortunately, some of the most common myths about breast cancer are sometimes the most widely accepted. According to physicians at Baylor Medical Center at Garland, misinformation can be harmful to your health.
"Knowing the facts about breast cancer can help you recognize and minimize your risk of getting breast cancer," says Jennifer McNeill, a breast surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Garland. "Knowledge is power, so arm your self with the facts." Following are some of the most common myths associated with breast cancer:
-Only Older Women Get Breast CancerFalse. While the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age, it can occur at any age. According to statistics, from birth to age 39, one woman in 231 has less than a 0.5% risk of getting breast cancer; from age 40"59, the risk is 4% risk; and from age 60"79, the risk is 7%.
-You Only Get Breast Cancer if it Runs in Your FamilyFalse. "This is probably the most common myth in regards to breast cancer," says Dr. McNeill. According to statistics, about 80% of women who get breast cancer don't have a family history of the disease. "Increasing age is the biggest single risk factor for breast cancer and women with a family history of breast cancer only have an elevated risk. However, it is important to research your family history of any type of cancer, not just breast cancer."
-Regular Self-Examinations are the Best Way to Diagnose Breast CancerFalse. "A mammogram is the most reliable way to diagnose breast cancer—especially in its early stages when it is most treatable," says Dr. McNeill. However, self-exams are an important tool in diagnosis. According to statistics, about 25% of breast cancers are detected with only a self-examination (not with mammogram), about 35% with mammography alone and 40% by both self-examination and mammography.
-Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer is an Automatic Death SentenceFalse. "A breast cancer diagnosis doesn't mean the same thing that it did 30 years ago," says Dr. McNeill. More advanced treatments and increased awareness have aided the increase in early detection, therefore increasing the chances of survival.
For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Garland, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
Baylor Medical Centers at Dallas, Plano and Garland are affiliated with the Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System.
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