Updated January 2022 Think of your body as if it were a car engine: when every piece is running together in perfect harmony, you get optimal performance. Now suppose that one small thing—a gear, a piston, or a gauge—has malfunctioned. Even though the problem may be with a “small” part of the engine, it affects […]
Knowledge is power, but the wrong “knowledge” is worse than ignorance. Sadly, a lot of misinformation is spread through well-meaning friends and family, whether through heartfelt advice or posted on your Facebook page. When it comes to breast cancer, you can’t afford to believe these common myths. Each year around Breast Cancer Awareness Month they seem to […]
April showers bring much more than May flowers: They herald the upcoming summer seasons and all the outdoor activities associated with them. From swimming at the beach to gardening, longer days and warmer weather make millions of Raleigh Triangle residents head outdoors. However, with these outdoor activities comes the risk of skin cancer. What is […]
It is no secret that preventative health care — such as regular checkups, cancer screenings and routine medical tests — can help adults live healthier lives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year, 100,000 lives could be saved if every adult participated in regular wellness screenings and check-ups. For women, a yearly physical often […]
What is a BRCA Gene Mutation? If a woman inherits a mutation on the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, her risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer increases greatly. These genes produce tumor-suppressing proteins that help repair damaged DNA. When these genes are mutated or do not function correctly, cells are more likely to transform into […]
What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so our blog posts for this month will provide educational information on inflammatory breast cancer and BRCA testing. Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive, rare type of breast cancer that causes swelling, tenderness, redness and warmth in the breast. It accounts for 1 to 5 […]
In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the last blog post provided information—and alarming statistics—on the prevalence of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, an estimated one in 50 Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime. Limiting exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the first […]
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer anymore. It also isn’t just for sunny days—sunburns and sun exposure can occur even in cloudy or overcast weather. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and you may be surprised by how much you don’t know about this deadly killer. Not only is skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the […]
March is National Kidney Month, a time designated to raise awareness of kidney disease– which is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. While there are several health conditions that may contribute to kidney disease, the main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy kidneys sift roughly two quarts of waste and extra water […]
While colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, when it is detected early, it is treatable and beatable. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is roughly 1 in 20, but this may vary depending upon family history and individual risk factors for the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, […]