Blog | Sarah Cannon

Ostomy Awareness: Navigating the Journey

October 4, 2019 by Gwen Spector BSN, RN, COCN, CCP

More than 750,000 Americans are living with an ostomy. An ostomy is a surgically created opening that connects a hollow organ on the inside of...

Sarah Cannon

Treatment options for prostate cancer

September 24, 2019

While prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States, the incidence rate has been declining since the early 1990s...

Sarah Cannon

4 Ways Prostate Cancer & Testicular Cancer are...

September 24, 2019

Although the prostate and the testicles are both part of the male reproductive system, prostate cancer and testicular cancer are different from...

Sarah Cannon

You noticed a change in your skin. Now what?

August 22, 2019

It is recommended that you perform regular full body skin self-exams and have a skin exam by your doctor beginning at age 20. But if you are ...

Sarah Cannon

Signs, symptoms and risk factors of soft tissue...

July 17, 2019

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the bones or soft tissues of the body: muscle, tendons, fat, lymph vessels, blood vessels, nerves...

Sarah Cannon

Full-body skin exam: What to expect

July 16, 2019

In addition to performing regular full-body skin self-exams, you should have full-body skin exams by your doctor. Here is what you can expect...

Sarah Cannon

Fighting a flu or cold as a cancer patient

July 12, 2019

Runny noses, aching joints, coughs, congestion and elevated temps it's cold-and-flu season once again. While just about anyone is susceptible...

Sarah Cannon

Understanding prostate cancer survivorship

July 3, 2019

Follow-up care after completing treatment for prostate cancer is important. During the survivorship phase, a person may feel both physical and...

Sarah Cannon

Signs, Symptoms and Screenings for Bladder Cancer

July 3, 2019

Each year in the United States, more than 52,000 men and 18,000 women, most over 70 years old, are diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Sarah Cannon

How is Sarcoma Diagnosed?

July 1, 2019

Sarah Cannon expert Dr. Daniel Lerman discusses what you should know about how sarcoma is diagnosed, including symptoms to be aware of and what...

Sarah Cannon

A Navigator CARES

May 28, 2019 by Gwen Spector, BSN, RN, COCN, Complex GI Cancer Nurse Navigator at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Medical City Healthcare

Oncology navigators are often asked, “What does a navigator do?” The answer to that question may be different for each navigator depending on...

Sarah Cannon

How Mindfulness Can Positively Impact Your Cancer...

May 9, 2019

"Mindfulness" is about being in the present. When it comes to facing a cancer journey, being mindful of your body, your time and your emotions...

Sarah Cannon

Melanoma: What You Should Know

May 6, 2019

Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, Investigator for the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Program at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, shares what you ...

Sarah Cannon

Skin Cancer Types and Screening Recommendations

May 1, 2019

When it comes to skin cancer, the more you know the better protected you can be. Summer, with all of its outdoor activities, is a great time ...

Sarah Cannon

What Causes Skin Cancer and How to Prevent It

May 1, 2019

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, accounting for nearly half of all cancers in the United...

Sarah Cannon

What to Look for and Where to Look for Skin Cancer

May 1, 2019

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin ...

Sarah Cannon

Immunotherapy & Melanoma

May 1, 2019

Treatment types for melanoma skin cancer can vary, depending on skin type, cancer type, how much the cancer has spread and by its stage. Common...

Sarah Cannon

Five Things to Know About Testicular Cancer

April 17, 2019

Though rare, it is important for all men to learn about testicular cancer and know what to look for should they experience any concerning symptoms...

Sarah Cannon

Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

April 17, 2019

While it may be the most common form of cancer in young men between ages 15 and 44 (and far more common in Caucasian than African American men)...

Sarah Cannon

Signs, Symptoms and Screenings for Thyroid Cancer

April 10, 2019

Thyroid cancer is the twelfth most common cancer in the United States. In 2018, it's estimated that approximately three percent of all new cancer...

Sarah Cannon

Ask the Expert: Advances in Stereotactic Radiotherapy...

February 26, 2019

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, a disease that is among the 10 most common cancers in men and women according to the American Cancer ...

Sarah Cannon

Premature Menopause: How to Cope with Your Changing...

February 5, 2019

Some women facing cancer may experience premature menopause as a result of their treatment. Amanda Williams, Gynecologic Oncology Nurse Navigator...

Sarah Cannon

Understanding the Grief Response

December 13, 2018

The cancer journey can be very emotional, and both patients and their loved ones may experience grief. Amanda Hull, LMSW, Oncology Social Worker...

Sarah Cannon

What Is Complementary Medicine?

December 5, 2018

Complementary medicine is defined as practices or supportive therapies that can help reduce the symptoms and the side effects related to cancer...

Sarah Cannon

Skin Cancer 101

September 27, 2018 by Sarah Cannon

Summer fun in the sun might be ending, but that doesn’t mean that you and your loved ones should stop educating yourselves about the risks of...

tags: skin cancer , skin cancer prevention , skin cancer treatment

Sarah Cannon

Communication Through The Cancer Journey

August 29, 2018

The cancer journey can be a difficult and challenging time not only for the patient, but also the caregiver, who is often a family member. Sarah...

Sarah Cannon

How to Support Someone With Cancer

July 26, 2018

When someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you want to do everything you can to help. The challenge, said Peggy Smith, RN, BSN, OCN...

Sarah Cannon

Understanding The Link Between Obesity & Cancer

June 27, 2018

While many of us understand the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, obesity - when someone has an unhealthy amount or distribution of...

Sarah Cannon

Six Tips for Navigating the Challenges of Summer

June 11, 2018

Summer can be a challenging time for someone going through cancer treatment. Gwen Spector, Complex GI Nurse Navigator at Sarah Cannon Cancer ...

Sarah Cannon

What Is Personalized Medicine?

May 28, 2018

In preparation for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2018 Annual Meeting focused on “Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of...

Sarah Cannon

How Nurse Navigators are Making Cancer Easier ...

May 7, 2018

May is Oncology Nursing Month, a time to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to helping people facing cancer through their journey.

Sarah Cannon

Finances 101: Common Questions on Planning for...

May 2, 2018

It is not uncommon for people facing cancer to have questions and concerns about the cost of their treatment. Dawn Deacon, RN, BSN, OCN, ONN-...

Sarah Cannon

Enhanced Surgical Recovery Program: Partnering...

April 16, 2018

Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) is a proven, research-based partnership in which patients have the ability to take a more active role with their...

Sarah Cannon

11 Tips for Nutrition During Your Cancer Journey

March 27, 2018

When you are fighting or recovering from cancer, nutrition can be one of the most important parts of your journey. Eating a well-balanced diet...

Sarah Cannon

Six Ways to Stay Strong During Chemo

November 15, 2017

Chemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments, and many people are aware of its common side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea...

tags: chemotherapy , exercise , nutrition , side effects

Sarah Cannon

Understanding the Stages of Cancer

October 16, 2017

If you are diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions you may ask is “How bad is it?” To answer this question, doctors often refer to ...

Sarah Cannon

Tips For Coping With Changing Physical Appearance

September 15, 2017

Cancer is a life-changing journey that affects patients and their loved ones emotionally and physically. Some patients may experience side effects...

Sarah Cannon

What You Should Know Before Your Cancer Surgery

September 8, 2017

Having surgery can be frightening and overwhelming. These are some general tips to help you get prepared for your surgery.

Sarah Cannon

Simple Ways to Relieve Fatigue During the Cancer...

August 15, 2017

Cancer-related fatigue, although different for each person, is the most commonly reported side effect from cancer and its treatments. Sami Mansfield...

Sarah Cannon

Creating a Cancer Care Package

August 11, 2017

"How can I help?" That's the first question that comes to mind for many people after learning a friend or relative has cancer. A care package...

Sarah Cannon

12 Questions to Ask at Your First Cancer Appointment

June 28, 2017

Your first cancer appointment can be overwhelming. Your head may be buzzing with a host of fears, worries and questions.

Sarah Cannon

What is Hospice Care?

June 20, 2017

Depending on the stage and type of cancer, sometimes, the goal of a patient's care is to focus on comfort. Two types of outpatient care that ...

Sarah Cannon

What You Need To Know About Cancer Recurrence

June 19, 2017

Depending on the stage and type of cancer, recurrence is possible following treatment. It is important to be diligent with follow-up care to ...

Sarah Cannon

Working During Cancer Treatment

June 6, 2017

Choosing to work or take time off during your cancer treatment is a personal decision. Whichever choice you make, it is important to know what...

Sarah Cannon

Remission vs. Relapse

December 29, 2016

Remission indicates that the signs and symptoms of cancer have completely or partially disappeared in response to treatment.

Sarah Cannon

What is Palliative Care?

November 28, 2016

Commonly mistaken for hospice care, palliative care is a type of outpatient care that is available to improve the quality of life for patients...

Sarah Cannon

10 Ways to Care for Your Caregiver

November 8, 2016

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month – a perfect time to give an extra “thank you” to all of the professionals, spouses, parents, children...

Sarah Cannon

How to Combat Fatigue During the Cancer Journey

October 3, 2016

One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment is feeling fatigued. Fatigue arises because your body is working hard to fight off cancer...

Sarah Cannon

Exercise and Cancer: What Do I Need to Know?

August 17, 2016

Should I exercise during cancer treatment? Does exercising reduce the risk of cancer? Does exercise help reduce the risk of cancer returning?...

Sarah Cannon

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Brain Cancer

July 14, 2016

Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells in the brain. Tumors in the brain can be especially dangerous, as even those that are benign can grow...

Sarah Cannon

7 Tips for Coping with Scan Anxiety

July 6, 2016

If you are a cancer survivor and have felt anxious about an upcoming scan such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI during or after your treatment, you ...

Sarah Cannon

Men's Health Week: The Importance of Cancer Screening

June 17, 2016

During MenÕs Health Week, it is important to educate yourself and the men in your life on the proactive steps you can take to keeping your body...

Sarah Cannon

Why is a Cancer Registry Important?

April 22, 2016

Data from a patient's cancer journey can provide valuable insights that can help cancer specialists determine the most effective treatments for...

Sarah Cannon

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Common Treatments

November 30, 2015

Mesothelioma (also known as malignant mesothelioma) is a rare cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) lining the chest, abdominal...

Sarah Cannon

Sarah Cannon's Nurse Navigators

September 1, 2015

A cancer diagnosis can often be overwhelming as it brings new and unfamiliar words, decisions, and emotions for patients. Balancing day-to-day...

Sarah Cannon

What is Chemotherapy, and How Does It Work?

April 28, 2015

Cancer chemotherapy is a treatment regimen that uses drugs to kill cancer cells, or inhibit their ability to grow. Unlike radiation and surgery...

Sarah Cannon

12 Preguntas para Hacer en su Primera Cita para...

April 10, 2015

Su primera cita para el cáncer puede ser agobiante. Puede tener una variedad de temores, preocupaciones y preguntas.

Sarah Cannon

You've Heard of Rehab But Do You Know About Prehab?

October 29, 2014

While the idea of undergoing rehabilitation after treatment for cancer may be familiar to most patients, the concept of prehabilitation, therapy...