Facing esophageal cancer at age 26
Throughout his esophageal cancer treatment, Ross Bernkrant never once looked up the survival rates.
“I knew it wasn’t good,” he says. “I just repeated to myself, ‘I am a statistic of one.’”
Ross’ cancer diagnosis was a statistical outlier from the start. Esophageal cancer is rare. It makes up about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. It’s even more rare in young patients – fewer than 15% of cases are found...
Breast reconstruction options: What to know about DIEP flaps and tissue flaps
Navigating breast reconstruction options can be overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make. Will you have immediate or delayed reconstruction...
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a common procedure used to treat gynecologic cancers, like ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, and other...
LEEP procedure: 8 common questions answered
If your health care provider has said you need a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, you may be wondering exactly what a LEEP is. A LEEP is a preventive treatment in which a doctor uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells from the cervix before cancer develops.
“A LEEP is a really important procedure because it prevents cervical cancer,” says gynecologic oncologist Kathleen Schmeler, M.D.
The...
Tracheostomy care for cancer patients and caregivers
Living with a tracheostomy and learning proper tracheostomy care can take some adjustment for cancer patients who rely on them during cancer...
Robotic surgery, compassion ease patient’s tonsil cancer recovery
After Tony Loth was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, a local specialist told him the best course of action was a radical neck dissection. He...