Magazine

Spring 2018 Vol. 08 Issue 01

From the Editor-in-Chief

DNA Profiling Moves From Forensics to Diagnostics

DNA profiling technologies are providing new ways to detect and monitor cancer.

by William G. Nelson, MD, PhD
Forward Look
Beyond Distress | Banking on Bacteria | Improving Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa | Treating Early-Stage Lung Cancer | Tobacco Ads Admit Cigarettes Cause Cancer | An Opportunity to Quit
Policy Matters

Forcing Big Tobacco to Tell the Truth

A judge orders tobacco companies to come clean about the dangers of their products after decades of deception.

by Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD
Your Cancer Guide

Ways to Manage Great Expectations

Learn to look forward to life events without letting them add to your stress.

by Hester Hill Schnipper
Caregiving with Confidence

How to Deal with Communication Challenges

These tips can help make talking about cancer a little easier.

by Aimee Swartz
Searching Blood for Cancer Clues

Researchers are developing blood tests that help track and identify molecular changes in tumors. But many hurdles remain before these “liquid biopsies” become standard.

by Stephen Ornes
Liver Cancer on the Rise

Liver cancer incidence and death rates are increasing rapidly. Although there is no screening test for the disease, minimizing risk factors—hepatitis B and C, smoking, obesity and type 2 diabetes—could prevent many cases from developing.

by Sue Rochman
Gaps in End-of-Life Care

Racial and ethnic backgrounds can be factors in whether cancer patients take advantage of hospice care. Researchers and clinicians are trying to understand the gaps and design strategies to bridge them.

by Charlotte Huff
Survivor Profile

Family Matters

After Shigeo Tsuruoka was diagnosed with stomach cancer, his family came together to help him. His daughter, Aki Smith, was by his side as he navigated treatment and recovery. Now she offers guidance to other stomach cancer patients and caregivers.

by Kate Yandell
Healthy Habits
Head Start | Fitness Boost
Q&A

Keeping Options Open

Research scientist Teresa Woodruff is determined to make fertility preservation accessible to more young adults and children with cancer.

by Delia O'Hara
Sound Advice

Your Question, Our Answer

A pain expert puts pain control and opioid addiction in perspective.
Get Involved

Cancer Patients Get a Lift

Couple starts foundation to provide transportation to kids with cancer and their families.

by Lindsey Konkel
In The Moment

Kwesi Rollins, Jonathan Passley, Cameron Moon

Cancer Talk

Will Right to Try Increase Access to Experimental Treatments?

The recently passed Right to Try Act is meant to provide patients with greater access to experimental therapies. Patient advocates are divided on whether the law will benefit patients.

by Marci A. Landsmann

What Older Patients Value

Many older adults with cancer place more importance on maintaining their independence and cognitive abilities than on living as long as possible.

by Cheryl Platzman Weinstock

Omitting Obesity

Many cancer clinical trials do not track what proportion of enrolled patients are obese, a study finds. These patients may be underrepresented in research.

by Cici Zhang

Questioning an Entrenched Practice

To defend against bacterial infections, cancer patients are often put on a neutropenic diet—which bars fresh fruits and vegetables, among other things. Research indicates that following this diet is unnecessary.

by Brad Jones