MD Chats

When do your Moles Require a Trip to the Dermatologist?

Skin Cancer MolesHave you performed your monthly mole check? If not, take time today to do it and put it on your calendar for this day every month! Checking your moles monthly can help you from developing malignant melanoma. The earlier you find suspicious moles or lesions, the better your chances of being cured.

Some helpful tips to examine your moles:

  • Examine your skin after a shower, in good light, in front of a mirror without your clothes on.
  • Make sure to do a thorough, full body inspection. Start with your toes or your face and work your way over every surface of your body. Be sure to also check your scalp, underarms and genitals, parts that could be covered with hair.
  • Look for moles or skin markings that you haven’t noticed before, or areas that have changed in appearance since your last exam. Pay special attention to lesions that bleed or don’t heal.
  • Photos taken over a period of time can be helpful in determining whether a skin marking has changed.
  • Follow the ABC method for examining suspicious markings:
    • A = Asymmetry – do both sides of the mole match? If one side does not match the other, it could indicate melanoma.
    • B= Border – If the border has jagged or irregular edges, see your physician right away.
    • C = Color – Black, red, white and multi-colored moles should be seen by a professional right away. Tan and brown moles are usually ok, but make sure to watch for changes to these moles as well.
  • Diameter – Usually moles should be smaller than the end of a pen.
  • Elevation – moles should be flush with the skin around the mole. If you notice a mole is raised, visit your physician right away.
  • Do what you can to prevent skin cancer. Some ideas:
  • Wear sunscreen in the sun, in all seasons!
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses
  • Avoid tanning salons
  • Try to stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm

Take action today to protect yourself and your family members!

Chat with Dr. Delman about Skin Cancer:

Skin Cancer Online ChatJoin Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University physician Keith Delman, MD at noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 for an online web chat on melanoma and other skin cancers. He will talk about skin cancer prevention and answer questions such as:

-What are signs of melanoma and skin cancer?
-How is melanoma or skin cancer treated?
-What is the latest research on treating these cancers?

Join us for an informative session that could save your life. Register by visiting emoryhealthcare.org/mdchats.

Chat Sign Up

About Margi  McKellar, MS, PA  Emory Winship Cancer Institute’s Melanoma Coordinator

Margi plays a unique role for the team as our Melanoma Coordinator. In this position, she serves as the point of contact for referring physicians and the patients and guides  them from the point of  their initial referral through long-term follow up. She helps our patients use their time efficiently, analyzing patient flow, appointment availability, clinical trial eligibility and ensures that patients see the correct complement of specialist to receive optimal care – medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, lymphedema specialists. Margi actively interfaces with our clinical trial nurses to ensure patients have the opportunity to be considered for clinical trials while facilitating prompt screening for these programs. In addition to coordinating the care of patients, she also sees patients in our long-term follow up clinics.

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Winship Cancer Institute, Emory Break Ground on $200+ Million Emory Proton Therapy Center!

A new era in cancer treatment in Georgia recently began as Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute broke ground on the first facility in Georgia to offer the most advanced radiation therapy possible – proton beam therapy.

Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to precisely treat cancerous tumors and minimize radiation to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. For certain cancers, and for pediatric cancer patients, it may provide more effective treatment with fewer side effects. This innovative therapy is offered at fewer than a dozen centers in the United States but is available in other countries and more than 110,000 people worldwide have received this FDA-approved therapy.  The Emory facility is being built in partnership with Advanced Particle Therapy, LLC of San Diego, CA.

Proton therapy may be most beneficial for patients with cancerous our benign tumors in certain anatomic areas, including  the brain, prostate, liver, esophagus, head and neck and the base-of-skull.  It’s also  beneficial for treating children because of the risk to growth and developmental from conventional radiation.  Studies in children have shown that proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues and produces fewer side effects.

The Emory Proton Therapy Center will enable Winship researchers  to continue studying the benefits of proton therapy, with the goal of producing better outcomes for our patients.  At Winship we constantly seek out the most effective treatment available, and for many of our patients, proton therapy is that treatment.

As Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center, Winship is committed to cancer research projects which improve our patients’ lives.

About Dr. Curran

Walter J. Curran, Jr. was appointed Executive Director of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in September 2009. He joined Emory in January 2008, as the Lawrence W. Davis Professor and Chair of Radiation Oncology and Chief Medical Officer of the Winship Cancer Institute.

Dr. Curran, who is a Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar, has been a principal investigator on several National Cancer Institute (NCI) grants and is considered an international expert in the management of patients with locally advanced lung cancer and malignant brain tumors. He has led several landmark clinical and translational trials in both areas and is responsible for defining a universally adopted staging system for patients with malignant glioma. He serves as the Founding Secretary/Treasurer of the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and a Board Member of the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Ga CORE). Dr. Curran is the only individual currently serving as director of an NCI-designated cancer center and as group chairman of an NCI-supported cancer cooperative group, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.

Dr. Curran is a Fellow in the American College of Radiology and has been awarded honorary memberships in the European Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology. In 2006, he was named the leading radiation oncologist/cancer researcher in a peer survey by the journal Medical Imaging. Under Dr. Curran’s leadership Emory’s Radiation Oncology Department has been recently selected as a “Top Five Radiation Therapy Centers to Watch in 2009” by Imaging Technology News. Dr. Curran ranked among the top 10 principal investigators in terms of overall NCI funding in 2010 and among the top 20 principal investigators in overall NIH funding in 2010.

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Prepare Yourself for Summer – Join us for a Web Chat on Melanoma & Other Skin Cancers

Skin Cancer Online ChatIf not caught early, melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. One-in-fifty Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. It develops from changes to the DNA of skin cells, which can happen when skin is over-exposured to ultraviolet light from the sun or from extended tanning bed use. Also, certain viruses can cause DNA changes that lead to skin cancer.

To prepare yourself and your family for the summer and protect yourself from any form of skin cancer, join Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University physician, Keith Delman, MD, Wednesday, May 29th for an online web chat at 12 noon.

Dr. Delman will be able to answer questions such as:

  • How to prevent melanoma and skin cancer
  • What causes skin cancer and melanoma
  • Signs of melanoma and skin cancer
  • Treatment options for melanoma and skin cancer
  • The latest research on the horizon
Chat Sign Up

All About Colon Cancer

Thank you to everyone who participated in the colon cancer live chat with me on March12. We had some excellent questions on the topics of colon cancer prevention, risk factors, treatment options and new research on the horizon.  As mentioned in the chat, early detection is key to beating colon cancer, so it is important that all people over the age of 50 receive regular screenings. If there is family history of the disease, screening should start at an earlier age.  In many cases, cancer can actually be prevented by screening;  non-cancerous polyps detected during screening can be removed during the procedure.  Also, screening detects early-stage cancer and can prevent its spread. When cancer confined to the colon or rectum (local stage) is discovered, the odds of long- term survival are high.

March is national colorectal cancer awareness month.  Take control of your destiny, and schedule your regular screening today!  It could save your life.

For more information on all the topics we discussed in the chat, please review the chat transcript.

Contact us for more information about our colorectal cancer treatment programs: 404-778-1900 or request an appointment online.

About Bassel El-Rayes

Dr. El-Rayes, Colon Cancer SpecialistDr. El- Rayes is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, the Director of the GI Oncology Translational Research Program and the Associate Cancer Center Director for Clinical Research at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Dr. El-Rayes completed medical school at the American University of Beirut (AUB). He subsequently joined the internal medicine residency program at Wayne State University. After completing the residency, he joined the hematology oncology fellowship program at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University. He then joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor in the area of GI oncology. During this time, he was involved in translational research focused on pancreatic cancer. Dr. El-Rayes joined Emory University in September 2009 as the director of the GI Oncology program. He is designated as a Distinguished Cancer Scholar by the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

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Colon Cancer Prevention Begins with Education and Screenings!

Colon Cancer Online ChatScreening tests like the colonoscopy often find polyps in the colon that can be removed before they turn to cancer. Regular screening also helps find cancer in an early stage, when it is very treatable! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular colon cancer screenings for everyone over the age of 50 would prevent about 60% of deaths from the disease!

The CDC also states that of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. It affects men and women of all different ethnicities and races and is most often found after the age of 50. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University highly recommends that men and women at average risk for developing colon cancer get regularly screened for the disease.

March is national awareness month for colorectal cancer. To learn more about how to prevent your risk of colon cancer join us on March 12, 2013 at 12 noon EST, for a live web chat with a Winship expert on colorectal cancer. Dr. El-Rayes will answer your questions about preventing colorectal cancer, and tell you about Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s approach to diagnosing and treating it. Some of the questions he can answer:

  • What is colon cancer?
  • How important is colon cancer screening?
  • What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
  • What are the risk factors of colon cancer?
  • Can inflammatory bowel disease cause colon cancer?
  • Do gender, ethnicity, race, obesity, environment and/or social status impact colon cancer risk?
  • Does exercise help prevent colon cancer?
  • Do polyps increase colon cancer risk?
  • Does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk?
  • What is Emory’s approach to colon cancer treatment and care?
  • What new colon cancer research is on the horizon?

About Dr. El – Rayes:
Dr. El-Rayes, Colon Cancer SpecialistDr. El- Rayes is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, the Director of the GI Oncology Translational Research Program and the Medical Director of the Clinical Trials Office at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Dr. El-Rayes completed his medical school at the American University of Beirut (AUB). He subsequently joined the internal medicine residency program at Wayne State University. After completion of the residency, he joined the hematology oncology fellowship program at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University. He then joined faculty as an Assistant Professor in the area of GI oncology. During this time, he was involved in translational research focused on pancreatic cancer. Dr. El-Rayes joined Emory University in September 2009 as the director of the GI Oncology program. He is designated as a Distinguished Cancer Scholar by the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Dr. El-Rayes is currently the medical director of the Clinical Trials Office.

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The Effects of Chemo and Radiation on Survivors Web Chat

I am a survivor. I beat Ewing’s sarcoma, a childhood cancer, which I was diagnosed with at 8 years old. I fought the cancer with an intense treatment plan that included 6 weeks of radiation therapy followed by 7 cycles of multi – agent chemotherapy. As a result of the aggressive treatment plan, I developed heart failure and ultimately had to receive a heart transplant. I beat the odds and am here to tell my story of survivorship!

Join me on Tuesday, February 19 from 12-1pm for a live, interactive chat about weathering the storms of cancer. Despite the side effects that have impacted my life greatly, long after the completion of my therapy, I am bubbling with hope and smiling about thoughts of my future.

About Stephanie Zimmerman

Stephanie is a patient and family advisor for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. She is also a cancer and heart failure survivor and late effects cancer educator. She co –founded My Heart, yourHands, Inc., a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to equipping survivors with late effects after cancer treatment.

 

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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Head and Neck Cancer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 2,300 cases of HPV associated head and neck cancers are diagnosed each year in women and more than 9,000 in men. Although alcohol and tobacco continue to be major risk factors for developing cancer of the mouth, throat or voice box, recent studies by the CDC have shown that approximately 63% of cancers associated with the tonsils and base of tongue are associated with HPV. Join Emory Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Mark W. El-Deiry, MD FACS on Thursday, January 24 at 12 noon for an online web chat on HPV and Head & Neck Cancer. He will be available to answer questions regarding HPV and Head and Neck Cancer including:

• What is HPV?
• What are HPV-related head and neck cancers?
• How do you get tested for HPV?
• What are the symptoms of an HPV infection?
• Is there a vaccine for HPV?
• Lesions in the mouth and throat?
• Should I get my head and neck cancer tested for HPV?
• Are there any studies related to HPV and head and neck cancers?
• What is Emory doing to educate and prevent head and neck cancers?

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33% of All U.S. Cancer Deaths Linked to Diet & Exercise

Nutrition to Fight CancerStudies consistently show that a good diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, but did you know you can also reduce your risk of cancer by eating well and regularly exercising? Our genes play a large role in whether we develop cancer (some cancer types more than others), but studies show, and our experts at the Winship Cancer Institute confirm, we can take action to lower our risk of developing many cancer types. By avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and staying active, you can dramatically reduce your risk of dying from cancer.

I hosted an online chat on the topic of healthy eating during the holidays this week, and in it we covered lots of topics related to nutrition, health, exercise and wellness. Below are some of the most important takeaways from the chat for you to apply not just during the holidays, but year round!

Exercise: 

  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. We may tire of hearing it, but maintaining a healthy body weight is essential to your health.
  • As many as 1 out of 5 of all cancer-related deaths are linked to excessive body weight. Obesity is clearly linked with increase in several types of cancer, including breast, colon and rectum, edometrial, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic cancer.
  • Regular physical activity is critical to your health and wellness. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast, colon, endometrial and prostate cancers.
  • Adults should try to exercise for either 75 minutes per week at high intensity, or at least 150 minutes at moderate intensity each week. The latter equates to just two and a half hours of walking.
  • Children should exercise one hour each day at moderate intensity, but 3 days a week at high intensity, and limit sedentary activities such as sitting, lying down, playing video games, watching TV, etc.

Nutrition:

Maintain healthy eating habits by emphasizing consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. As I mentioned in the chat, all fruits and vegetables have protective and preventive cancer benefits. Here are some guidelines to consider when it comes to nutrition:

  • Eat at least 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day.
  • Choose whole grains as opposed to refined grain products (such as white rice).
  • Limit red meat and processed meat.
  • If you can’t get fresh produce, opt for frozen fruits and veggies over those in a can. Frozen produce is typically less processed and contains less sodium.
  • If you’re looking for protein options other than meat, try beans, nuts, soy, eggs, yogurt, cheese, milk, and whole grains such as barley and quinoa.

Lifestyle:

Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a known risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast.

  • Women should limit themselves to one drink a day.
  • Men should limit consumption to 2 drinks per day.

For more from our chat, you can view the chat transcript here. Although we can not totally prevent cancer, we have the ability to reduce our own risk by taking action. Winship wants to help you win the fight against cancer by arming you with as much knowledge as possible! If you have additional thoughts, questions, or tips to share, please do so using the comments below.

Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, CSO, LDAbout Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, CSO, LD

Tiffany Barrett provides personalized nutritional advice to Emory Winship patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. Ms. Barrett also consults with patients who have completed treatment and wish to continue to build a strong and healthy diet. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Florida State University and a Master of Science at University of North Florida. Tiffany is a Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition and completed a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management.

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Healthy Holiday Eating Web Chat

‘Tis the season for indulgence, fa la la la la la la la laaaaa! With the holiday season upon us, it’s hard to resist the urge to overindulge. While it is important for everyone to know how to make healthy choices when it comes to nutrition and exercise, incorporating the right foods a nutritional elements into one’s diet is especially important for cancer survivors. According to the National Cancer Institute, an individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. Understanding the role nutrition plays before, during, and after cancer treatment is critical to ensuring cancer survivors are as strong as possible through their journey in the fight against cancer.

Because nutritional recommendations can be very different for cancer patients than for the average healthy adult, Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, CSO, LD, of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, is hosting an online chat on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at noon EST to share her insights on optimal nutrition to support the journey in the fight against cancer.

Be proactive this holiday season and join Tiffany and our other chat participants to share tips, ideas, and get questions answered related to the best nutritional choices you can make this holiday season and beyond!

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Recap on Live Lung Cancer Chat with Dr. Suresh Ramalingam

Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Professor/Chief of Medical Oncology from the Winship Cancer Insititute, recently conducted an chat pertaining to the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, which is lung cancer.

As many of us are already aware, Dr. Ramalingam reminded participants that secondhand smoke is a known risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Given that exposure to secondhand smoke varies and is difficult to track, it’s also hard to quantify the exact risk second hand smoke has on a person. However, recent studies have shown that states in which laws are in place to restrict public smoking are beginning to report declines in lung cancer incidence.

During the live chat, Dr. Ramalingam also touched on lung cancer treatment options and noted that there is no one-fits-all approach to treating a disease like lung cancer. Ideal treatment methods vary based on the stage of the disease. For early stage lung cancer, surgery is considered the standard treatment, however Dr. Ramalingam noted that some researchers believe stereotactic radiation will one day replace the need for surgery. Dr. Ramalingam added that radiation can also be a very effective treatment option for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to medical reasons. Chemotherapy has shown effectiveness in nearly all stages of lung cancer.

There’s great news for former smokers and the concern of developing lung cancer. Once a smoker quits, the risk of lung cancer progressively decreases. (For a timetable on the benefits of quitting, check out our blog post here) Recently, lung CT scans have demonstrated the ability to save lives in patients who currently smoke, or who have a history of smoking. Dr. Ramalingam suggests that former smokers discuss their smoking history with their physician to see if a lung CT screening is appropriate.

If you would like more information about the causes, prevention and methods used to treat lung cancer you may review Dr. Suresh Ramalingam’s lung cancer chat transcript here.

For more information on lung cancer, check out the related resources below. To become a patient, you may visit the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University online.

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