Articles from the Physicians

Carolina Regional Cancer Center strives to provide the very best in care and technology to our patients. We provide Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) to those patients that we believe will benefit from this enhanced level of care.

ART involves frequent monitoring of your tumor to study any changes over time. Based on the tumor response during your course of treatment, your doctor may be able to develop a new treatment plan to provide a better targeted treatment which should result in reduced side effects.

The following questions and answers are designed to help you understand the Adaptive Radiation Therapy process:

Q. Who is considered a good candidate for ART? A. We have studied many patients with tumors similar to yours and have found that the tumor will shrink during treatment. As the tumor shrinks, we can adjust your current treatment plan to reduce the radiation that would otherwise be delivered to surrounding healthy tissue which should result in reduced side effects. We may also be able to increase the actual dose delivered to the tumor which may result in a more effective treatment.

Q. How will this impact my treatment course? A. Your tumor will be monitored each week by our physicists. They will review their findings with your physician and a new plan will be prepared as appropriate. If it is determined that a new plan is medically necessary, you may miss one or two days of treatment to have a new CT/Simulation and new treatment devices prepared as needed. This also provides the time necessary for a new treatment plan to be prepared and approved by your physician.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach to a physician at CRCC, who will be happy to answer them. www.crccmd.com

Dealing with the news that you have Cancer is simply not an easy thing to do. There are few words that can change your life more than, “you’ve got cancer.”

While everyone takes the news differently, there are a few steps all patients can take to help prepare for the road ahead. In CRCC’s experience of helping to guide patients through the process, we have listed a few items below that should help you in your journey.

• Communicate - The first step is to communicate. It is imperative that you speak to your doctors and discuss the steps and expectations of your treatment. Inform your family and friends and build a support group to help you through your treatment. When you are worried, scared or upset, relay those feelings to those close to you so you never feel alone. Support is crucial. It often helps to speak with others who have gone through similar treatments or join a support group that puts you in touch with individuals on similar paths as you. It is also important when receiving therapy to tell your doctor/nurse team if you develop problems or just have questions.

• Educate yourself - By preparing your mind, you can better prepare your body. While there is plenty of information available, utilize your doctor to understand your treatment options and specifically what will be done for you during your treatment. Learn exactly what to expect prior to, during and after your treatment. By developing an understanding of the process, you can better prepare yourself for all that may happen.

• Exercise - Along with having a sound mind, it will help to have a sound body. Exercise can be beneficial in that you will be more equipped both mentally and physically to deal with the treatment. Patients in better physical conditioning tend to tolerate therapy easier and do better overall. Continue exercising after you have completed your course of treatment. Studies have shown exercise should help you during your recovery period. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of exercise is best for you.

• Relax - While receiving the radiation you may be placed in a confined area for a short period of time. Similar to a CT procedure, certain types of radiation require the patient to enter a narrow tube while planning or receiving the treatment. During this time, it helps to relax. Try to put your body in a state of relaxation through meditation, slow breathing or other relaxing techniques. While the actual radiation treatment usually last no longer than 5-10 minutes, it can take several minutes to make sure you are in the exact treatment position required to ensure the proper dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor site.

Oncology is an extremely tough and demanding field; oncologists are faced with death everyday and use a myriad of high tech and complicated tools to battle all types of cancers. So then, what is it that makes becoming an oncologist a rewarding career? First, the need for oncologists is rising. With the increasing cancer rates, which can mostly be attributed to the longer life span, aging baby boomers and improvements in cancer survival rates, oncologists will be in high demand. In fact, in a recent study, demand for oncologists is expected to rise 48% between 2005 and 2020. To become an oncologist, extensive training is required. After completing four years of undergraduate medical school training, oncologists-to-be must complete a two to four year residency in internal medicine after which, sub-specialization in the cancer field is required. This can add anywhere from two to three years. During this time, oncologists-to-be are expected to not only work long hours in the hospital, but also performing medical science research. After eight to eleven years of intensive physical and academic training, a doctor can be certified to become an oncologist. One would think that this long road must lead to a rewarding career. Being an oncologist is extremely demanding; cancer patients are severely sick and require around the clock care. Survival rates for cancers are improving, thanks to advancements in medicine, but death is still a common phenomenon; oncologists need to handle with the heartbreak, frustration and sadness of a family who faces the death of a loved one. Oncologists are well trained in medical science, but they are also well trained in communication, care and compassion. Often, oncologists cannot remove themselves from such situations and they themselves are affected emotionally by the death of their patient. One can only imagine what coping mechanisms oncologists have. Oncologists work in a large network of health professionals. Often, daily conferences allow oncologists to discuss cases, to determine the best possible care for their patients. They are also required to keep pace with the large field of cancer research, learning about the new advancements and their possible application in treatment. Such efforts can be extremely rewarding: oncologists are at the leading edge of medicine, having real world impact on not their own patients, but also making scientific advancements in the medical field. Although oncologists deal with death everyday, there are numerous fulfilling moments that ultimately attract doctors to this field. Oncologists can provide hope to prolong the life of many patients; this allow caner patients and their families the proper time to prepare and grieve. Oncologists can help provide ways for patients to pass comfortably; often times quality of life in end-stage cancer is more important than prolonging a patients life. Oncologists can make a real difference in the lives of not only the patient, but also on the patient’s family and friends. The field of cancer treatment is an extremely rewarding field. Oncologists are actively contributing to many areas of medical science with lasting everyday effects for you and I. Although dealing with the emotional aspect of a patient’s death is challenging, oncologists are rewarded through their impact on the lives of cancer patients’ and their family and friends.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is well known as a popular tourist destination, and its reputation only grows better with time. Recently Myrtle Beach has drawn a lot of attention for not only it’s great activities, but also the fact that it’s the ideal destination for those who are no longer “spring chickens”, but still know how to have a great time! Are you a beach lover? Myrtle Beach has over sixty miles of endless sandy beaches which are not only beautiful, but also tend to be less populated than the more commonly visited tourist traps like those in Florida. Those of use who are a few years older than the typical beach-visiting teens will really appreciate the slower pace and the tranquil beauty of the beaches here. If you enjoy a bit of Las Vegas style gambling fun, you can hop on one of the casino ships, which offer daily cruises in Myrtle Beach. These floating casinos offer not only all the games of Las Vegas (including blackjack, slot machines, roulette, craps, and more), but also have fine restaurants and some great stage shows. The casino cruises are one of the most popular activities here, and with good reason: it’s a fun getaway, and you can enjoy the casinos alone or with friends. Most everyone enjoys exploring different restaurants while on vacation, and Myrtle Beach is known for it’s fine dining options. Of course you can find any type of casual dining you want as well, from fast food up to the highest end 5 star restaurants. While you’re there make sure to try some of the plentiful and fresh seafood- like the fresh lobster or king crab legs. Vacationing right on the ocean like this, you’ll feel almost as if you caught the dinner yourself! Many of us who are a bit older enjoy golfing, but like to do it on our own terms: courses that are not ridiculously challenging, and stunning views. Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, and you can play on a different course each day if you like! Home to over 10 different courses, including the famed Myrtle Beach national and Blackmoor Golf Clubs, you’ll find any type of golf experience you’re seeking here. Theater buffs will be in paradise in Myrtle Beach. Year round live theater at eight different venues will have any type of show you seek, from comedy to drama to musicals. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau always has current show schedules available, or you can contact any of the theaters individually. One of the newer popular theaters is the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show, where you’ll be treated to a fantastic meal as well as a country music concert spectacle that includes dancing, animal shows, and more. Myrtle Beach is a shopper’s paradise, and is ideally situated for outdoor shopping. While you have indoor shopping malls with both your favorite chains, and the highest end stores, the most popular shopping area is on the boardwalk. You will find beachfront shopping and all your favorite stores in one place- a shopper’s dream! No matter which activities you choose in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find it offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation for those of any age.

From the uplands to the midlands to the low country, South Carolinians have many choices for cancer treatment and therapy. Most major cities in the state have a facility for the treatment of this disease. A search of the Internet for “South Carolina Cancer Therapy” provides a long list of facilities from which the consumer can choose. The Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston can be found on the website www.cancerlinksusa.com. This site has cancer treatment centers listed by state so it is easy to find one that is convenient for you. This site also has an “Ask the Oncologist” link, which would be helpful for patients in need of answers for their particular situation. Another helpful website in South Carolina is www.PalmettoBaptist.org. This is the link for The Palmetto Health Cancer Centers, which are known as one of the most comprehensive cancer treatment programs in the Southeastern United States. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer approved this facility. This facility is located in Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina. Pediatric and adult cancers are treated at this facility. Another large city in South Carolina that has a cancer treatment center is Myrtle Beach. The Carolina Regional Cancer Center in Myrtle Beach can be found at www.crccmd.com. This treatment center has been in business for 29 years and it offers the latest in radiation therapy for patients. Patients can receive answers about their individual needs by visiting the website cited above. Health Sciences South Carolina, which is located at www.healthsciencessc.org, is a cancer stem cell biology and therapy facility. This center was begun in 2009. It is located at the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston and interfaces with the Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University. In addition to traditional therapies, links can be found for alternative cancer therapies. One of these sites can be found at www.nlm.nih.gov. Your questions can be answered on this site and there is a link or searching for drugs and supplements to be used in the treatment of this disease. This site is a service of the United States Library of Medicine and The National Institutes of Health. If you want information on alternative treatment for cancer this is a good place to begin. The sites for “South Carolina Cancer Therapy” are too numerous to cite here but a thorough search of the information for cancer treatment in South Carolina that is available on the internet will result in many answers to your questions such as which facilities have the best reputation, which are certified, which is most convenient to your home and which one is the most expert in treating your particular form of cancer. Having a medical college such as the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston is a major asset for this state. This facility has an excellent reputation and people go there from other states to receive treatment. As noted earlier, the larger cities in South Carolina all have cancer treatment facilities so a patient from any part of the state should be able to find one that is convenient for them.

Radiation therapy is one of the oldest and most successful forms of cancer treatment, having been in use for more than 100 years. Technological advancements in the last few decades, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have brought about some extremely effective forms of radiation treatment, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The advancements have resulted in better treatment options and outcomes with fewer side effects. Between 50 to 70% of cancer patients are treated with radiation during the course of their cancer treatment.

Radiation is a form of energy that is carried out by waves or a stream of particles. Through the use of x-rays, electrons and gamma rays, it changes the genes (DNA) of a cell. The goal of the radiation is to kill cancer cells and thus reduce the risk of a recurrence. Radiation does this by damaging the cancer cells ability to divide, which ultimately results in cancer cell death. However, it can in some cases, affect normal tissue and cause side effects. Advances in treatment, such as the TomoTherapy® Hi•Art® treatment system, offer extreme precision and accuracy in the treatment process. By doing so it limits the amount of normal tissue exposed to radiation thus reducing patient side effects.

Immense improvements in the equipment and delivery of treatment have been made during the last 30 years, increasing the overall effectiveness of radiation while decreasing the side effects. The treatment course can last anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks depending on the clinical situation. Radiation is typically given on a daily basis, Monday through Friday, and the time a patient spends in the machine is usually less than 10 minutes each time Treatment reduces the risk of cancer returning and works best in small doses over extended sessions so it can destroy the cancerous cells while allowing adequate time for normal healthy cells to grow. It is painless and the patient does not feel or hear anything.

While technology continues to improve the radiation treatment process, side effects still occur. Side effects depend on the exact type of cancer treatment and location of the radiation treatment. For instance, in breast irradiation, patients can experience redness, dryness or itchiness to the breast. After several weeks, the effects subside. If you will soon be starting or are currently undergoing radiation treatment, it helps to understand the process. Never hesitate to question your doctor to find the best radiation treatment available for you. For more information, please visit www.crccmd.com.

A common misconception when being treated for cancer is that no matter what course of treatment you undergo, the side effects are similar. Chemotherapy and radiation are frequently used after a person is diagnosed with cancer and both treatments have the same goal, to kill cancer cells. However, the side effects can be quite different. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it is typically given through an infusion into the blood. Thus, there is potential for side effects not related to the site of the cancer. For example, a woman with breast cancer may lose her hair, may have nausea or may have her blood counts drop from chemotherapy. Radiation, on the other hand, is a local treatment with the side effects typically occurring near the area of the body where the radiation is delivered. In the example of the breast cancer patient, radiation to the breast can result in skin redness and sometimes peeling of the skin around the breast, but should not cause side effects outside of the area treated.

Prostate cancer is an extremely serious condition where the cells mutate and multiply beyond all control. The cells can spread from the prostate all over the human body, in particular into the skeletal structure. Prostate cancer can be very painful and may cause various other problems including sexual dysfunction. It is more commonly found in the western world, particularly the US and Europe and is less present in Asia. It’s is the most common form of cancer in men and occurs frequency in men over fifty years old. It is particularly insidious as it’s hard to detect - most people never actually have the symptoms associated with prostate cancer because it’s a slow form of cancer and most affects old people.

It may be cured by surgery in its early stages or radiation therapy. Other treatments also exist but are typically less effective, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and ultrasound treatments. Given the age of those typically affected, treatment is a trade-off between the effects of the cancer and the harmful effects of the treatment itself. Often people decide to simply live with the cancer. In the early stages there are no symptoms. It is only found later, mostly through routine checks. Occasionally it may manifest itself through problems with urination Genetic background is an important indicator of risk of developing prostate cancer.

Studies have found that in the United States, this form of cancer affects more black men than white or Hispanic men and also kills more black men. Men whose close relative had prostate cancer are also almost three times as likely to develop the cancer themselves. The genes connected to prostate cancer are also important for ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

Additionally, a lack of intake of vitamins contributes to the risk, as does the low intake of minerals. However there is a dietary form of Vitamin A that reacts with zinc and protein and has been implicated with added risk for this type of cancer. Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may decrease the risk of cancer, as does the use of statins. Sexually transmitted infections and obesity are positively correlated with cancer as well. The only test that can definitely find prostate cancer is biopsy where small pieces of the prostate are removed for microscopic evaluation. This is only done after other tests, because many men complain of discomfort during the procedure. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, treatment options are limited.

When first diagnosed with breast cancer many women (and men) feel overwhelmed by all the emotions that such a diagnosis naturally unveils. What is the best treatment plan for me? Am I going to die? How will I tell my kids? These questions are just a few of the many questions that run through patients heads when they are diagnosed...and they often don't think of them until after they have left the doctors office. While your doctor will likely come up with a treatment, many women are left feeling helpless and wondering where to turn for the emotional and day-to-day support they need. This article will focus on one such solution popping up in many communities around the country.

Most commonly referred to as a wellness center, many communities have resources for breast cancer patients and survivors (as it is the most common cancer afflicting women) who feel they need more support than their doctor is able to provide. Although sometimes associated with hospitals themselves, these centers are becoming more common as non-for-profit entities that employ a variety of staff from nurses and psychologists to meditation instructors and hypnotists.

As can be seen in one such wellness centers mission statement, the general goal of these centers is to, "educate, empower and encourage all women living with breast cancer". To do this, they offer a wide variety of services. On the clinical side they usually have support groups, personal one-on-one consultations with counselors who are experts in the field of emotional pain related to cancer diagnosis and many offer family counseling so that parents with cancer are able to explain to their kids in an effective way what it means to have cancer. Along with these services they tend to off a variety of different services on a day-to-day basis so that patients can interact with each other while maintaining low stress levels, which has been proven to aid in the overall well being of a cancer patient.

There are a wide variety of services such as: drum circles, art therapy, yoga, massage, reflexology, seminars put on by doctors and local health professionals from the community, mixers, etc. For many women these groups and activities are what help them get through this troublesome time when sometimes even their closest family and friends are not comfortable talking to them because of their condition. As one survivor puts it, "I think everybody gets tired of treatment. Sometimes the treatment is worse than the disease. But, what really helped me through it was the close friends I made through the wellness center in my area.

The women there were all experiencing the same thing as I was and were not afraid of the emotions I was going through. In fact they were the most supportive of anyone I interacted with. Without them, this journey in my life would have been much harder." More and more it is becoming accepted that there is a mind body relationship that needs to be monitored in treatment of any serious illness. While women's doctors may help them through the physical treatment of breast cancer, places such as these wellness centers are there to provide the missing link...an emotional rescue.