Life Bridge

Back To Mobile Site [http://m.wbaltv.com/Sponsors/life-bridge/39412944] Back To Mobile Site | Manage Subscriptions Log Out Log In Alerts Mobile Submit a Tip Follow Partner Radio Stations 1090 AM WBAL 98 Rock Advertisement News Flu boston marathon Pope Benedict XVI Resignation & Papal Election Weather u local TV Commitment 2016 Election Results DC Bureau Marketplace Get Coupons Legal Center Father's Day Lottery Buddy Check Real Estate Home / Sponsors / Life Bridge Dr. Kimberly Rosales, Director of Social Services Advanced Technology, Treatment and Care Changes the Landscape of Cancer Advancements in medicine are changing how and what we think about cancer. In the past, when a person heard the word “cancer” they believed it to be a death sentence, but now people are beginning to see cancer as something that is treatable, even curable. And with good reason, the survival rate is improving all the time. According to the American Cancer Society, there are nearly 14.5 million Americans living with a history of cancer. Some of these individuals were diagnosed recently and are currently undergoing treatment. However, most were diagnosed many years ago and show no current evidence of cancer. Based on data reported by the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), the American Cancer Society estimates that the state of Maryland will see approximately 30,990 new cases of cancer in 2016. Because the survival rate of those with cancer is drastically improved with early detection, it is important to be proactive when it comes to your health. Here’s what you should know: What is Cancer? There are many types of cancer. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, and can start in the breast, lungs, colon and even blood. Additionally, cancers vary in the way that they grow and spread, which is why standard treatments do not always work the same for each patient. Signs and Symptoms Because cancer is a group of diseases that can cause almost any sign or symptom, it is important that you know your body and pay attention to changes in how you feel, look, etc. The following can be general signs and symptoms that suggest cancer. But please remember, that having any of these does not mean that you have cancer. Many other things cause these signs and symptoms, too. However, if you are experiencing any of the following for an extended period of time you should make an appointment with your physician: Unexplained Weight Loss Fever Fatigue Pain Changes in a wart or mole or any new skin change Excessive hair growth Changes in bowel habits or bladder function Sores that do not heal White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body Indigestion or trouble swallowing Nagging cough or hoarseness Cancer Screening If cancer is found when it is at an early stage, before it has had the chance to get too big or to spread to other parts of the body, it can often be removed or treated. Today, screening tests make early detection possible. Frequently people put off scheduling regular screenings because they do not feel ill, do not want to experience the discomfort of the screening itself or they feel that they are too busy to keep their appointment. However, skipping regular screenings can be dangerous. Remember, screenings can find cell abnormalities before they spread or are large enough to cause your body a reaction impacting how you feel. Some of the more frequently utilized tests are listed below: Colonoscopy Computerized Tomography (CT scan) Cytoscopy Echocardiogram (Echo) Electrocardiogram (EKG) Laparoscopy Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography Ultrasound Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series Treatment Advanced technology allows cancer treatments to be more targeted, resulting in better outcomes with fewer side effects. For example, The Alvin &Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at LifeBridge Health offers one of the region’s most sophisticated array of services for cancer patients, including the revolutionary CyberKnife, which uses cruise missile technology to noninvasively target tumors that were previously inoperable. Additionally, physician specialists at The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute participate actively in clinical research studies, insuring that patients have the most advanced treatment modalities available. After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it’s not uncommon to feel confused or overwhelmed by the amount of medical information you receive. Do not be afraid to: ask questions seek a second opinion seek support (emotional, financial and/or practical) In addition to advanced technology and treatment, The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute is showing an advancement in how hospitals think about care. Physicians and specialists focus their attention not only on the cancer, but also on the patient and their family as a whole. This integrative approach puts the patient and their family at the center of a coordinated set of services and specialists, which give them a wide variety of treatment options and supportive care in pain management and survivorship. For more information on Cancer Care, Please call LifeBridge Health at 410-601-WELL (9355) Advertising Related Content Cancer Patient Support Services Cancer Survivorship William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center Breast Biopsy The Women's Wellness Center Gynecology & Women's Health This survey is powered by SurveyGizmo's online survey software . Please take my survey now Advertising Tweet WBAL-TV Baltimore © 2016, Hearst Stations Inc. on behalf of WBAL-TV. Site Map Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms of Use Public Inspection File Sections News Weather About Us Auto Marketplace TV Station Advertise Contact WBAL-TV Captioning Contacts News Team About WBAL-TV WBAL-TV Jobs Editorials Services Email Sign-Up Mobile Social RSS Partners Hearst Television Lakana MSNBC CNN MeTV Baltimore Close Reset Session - Logout/Re-attempt Sign In Close Confirm Unsubscribe Are you sure you would like to unsubscribe from all current subscriptions? 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