Prevention

Should You Be Tested for BRCA (BRCA1 & BRCA2) Genes?

May 20th, 2013 By Cecelia Bellcross, PhD, MS, CGC

Angelina Jolie BRCA1 gene mutationEmory geneticist explains how to determine if genetic testing for the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 — is right for you.

In the wake of Angelina Jolie’s disclosure that she had a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, many women are asking if they should get genetic testing for BRCA.  As a genetic counselor and educator, I’m glad that Jolie is bringing attention to this issue.  However only a small percentage of women have a BRCA1 or 2 mutation, so genetic testing is not right for everyone.  Of all breast cancers, only about 5% are due to a BRCA1 or 2 mutation, while about 15% of ovarian cancers are related to mutations in one of these genes. Family history is the key to knowing if a woman would benefit from seeing a cancer genetic counselor.

Family history features which suggest you should consider cancer genetic counseling – both your mother’s and father’s relatives count:

  • multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer
  • breast cancer diagnosed under 50
  • cancer in both breasts
  • both breast and ovarian cancer in the same person
  • male breast cancer
  • Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry

As part of the genetic counseling process, the counselor will review the details of your family to assess the chance you may have a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, as well as discuss the benefits, limitations, and implications of genetic testing. Genetic testing provides the most information for a family if someone with cancer is the first person tested.  If a BRCA mutation is found, for example, in a mother with early breast cancer, we know that each of her children and siblings have a 50% risk to have also inherited the mutation.  Those in the family who test negative for the identified BRCA mutation are then considered to have the same risk for breast and ovarian cancer as women in the general population – and, their children are not at risk.

For women who are found to have a BRCA1 or 2 mutation, the risks for breast and ovarian cancer are greatly increased over that of the general population.  While the average woman’s lifetime risk to develop breast cancer is about 12%, the risk for a woman with a BRCA1 or 2 mutation ranges from 50-87%.  Similarly, the general population lifetime risk for ovarian cancer is less than 2%, while it ranges from 40-60% for women with a BRCA gene mutation.  These increased risks are why knowing that one has a mutation is so important – because increased screening and prevention strategies can dramatically reduce the chances of cancer, and save lives.

An important part of the cancer genetic counseling process involves helping women understand their medical management choices if they are found to carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Having all the information is a crucial step in the process of making a decision to get a double mastectomy or consider other options.  Your decision should take into consideration both medical and emotional concerns and be individual to your personal situation.  Many times, a woman who lost her mother or sister to breast cancer will feel differently than a woman who has a close relative who is a cancer survivor. There are alternatives to double mastectomy to consider, such as surveillance, risk avoidance and chemoprevention. Involving a medical team that includes breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and gynecologists along with genetic service providers can help women determine the best approach for them.

Surveillance for breast cancer for women with a BRCA1 or 2 mutation is different than that offered to women at average risk.  It involves both breast MRI and screening mammography, starting typically by age 25.  Breast MRI has been shown to be much better at detecting breast cancer in young women, and in BRCA mutation carriers.  Screening for ovarian cancer is unfortunately not very effective.  The CA-125 blood tests and trans-vaginal ultrasounds are offered, but often fail to detect ovarian cancer in its early, curable stages.  This is why preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is strongly recommended for women who have a BRCA1 or 2 mutation.  Preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is highly effective at substantially reducing the risk not only for ovarian cancer, but also breast cancer.

Chemoprevention is also sometimes used to reduce the risk for developing cancers.   Tamoxifen may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who carry a BRCA2 mutation, though its effect with BRCA1 is less certain.  Oral contraceptives use can reduce the risk for ovarian cancer by up to 50%.

There are benefits, risks and limitations to all options, but with the help of a genetic counselor working in partnership with surgeons, oncologists and others involved in cancer care and prevention, you will have the information to make the best possible decision for you and your family.

About Dr. Bellcross

Cecelia Bellcross, PhD, MS, CGC

Cecelia Bellcross, PhD, MS, CGC Dr. Bellcross is an assistant professor with the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Human Genetics, and the Director of the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program.  She is an ABGC board-certified (1993) genetic counselor with over 20 years of experience. She received her master’s degree in medical genetics through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Genetic Counseling Training Program in 1990, and her PhD in Population Health Sciences from U.W.-Madison in 2007. She practiced 18 years as a clinical genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics and supervised students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 10 years. Dr. Bellcross has a background in education, and recently completed a two-year ASHG fellowship in Public Health Genomics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her areas of research interest and expertise include screening for hereditary cancers and public health genomics. She joined the faculty of Emory University in 2010 to develop and direct the new Genetic Counseling Training Program.

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When do your Moles Require a Trip to the Dermatologist?

May 15th, 2013 By Margi McKellar, MS, PA Emory Winship Cancer Institute’s Melanoma Coordinator

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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As HPV-Associated Cancer Incidence Rates Rise: What’s the Value of the HPV Vaccine?

February 15th, 2013 By Winship Cancer Institute

HPV Vaccine Cervical CancerA recent report from the National Health Institute shows that overall cancer rates among men and women are on the decline but the incidence rates of certain HPV-associated cancers are increasing. This news concerns healthcare professionals because they know there is a vaccine on the market that can prevent cervical cancer in girls and decrease the incidence of other HPV-related cancers. Gardasil, FDA approved and released in 2006, is a vaccine that helps protect girls ages 9 – 26 against two types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, as well as two other types of HPV that cause genital warts, vaginal, vulvar, anal and oropharyngeal (head and neck, back-of-throat, tongue and tonsils) cancers.

The report also showed that the US vaccination rates among young girls, compared to other industrialized nations, are low. In 2010, less than 50% of girls ages 13 through 17 had received one HPV vaccine dose and unfortunately only a third received all three recommended doses. Completion rates were lower in certain areas of the country and with different population groups:

  • Girls living in the South
  • Girls living below poverty level
  • Hispanic girls

The US Government’s Healthy People 2020 target is 80 percent for the three dose coverage. It is important to educate healthcare providers and parents of the importance of completing the 3- dose vaccine schedule. The vaccine is safe and effective. It also is a great example of the medical advances that cancer researchers and clinicians can point to in the struggle against cancer. We could save the lives of many women and men by encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated today!

To get more information on the vaccine we recommend you speak to your pediatrician or child’s primary care physician. You can also review other blogs from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University physicians (listed below), or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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

December 12th, 2012 By Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, CSO, LD

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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Recap on Live Lung Cancer Chat with Dr. Suresh Ramalingam

November 29th, 2012 By Emory Cancer Care

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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On November 15 – Commit to Quit

November 8th, 2012 By Winship Cancer Institute

Great American Smokeout - Quit Smoking November 15You’ve heard the health tips a million times: exercise regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet, and limit alcohol consumption. And the most frequently recommended tip to improve overall health and prevent disease? Don’t smoke.

Tobacco use continues to hold the top seat as the single greatest preventable cause of disease and premature death in America. It’s evidence like that which prompts Emory Healthcare, the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and the American Cancer Society to take action towards improving awareness around the importance of quitting smoking for the 45 million Americans who still smoke cigarettes and the 15 million Americans who smoke cigars or pipes.

Each year, the American Cancer Society hosts its Great American Smokeout event to create a way to encourage current smokers to set a date, as a group, to quit. This year’s Great American Smokeout takes place on November 15, 2012, and we want to encourage those members of our community who smoke or use tobacco products to take an important step in owning their health by joining others who will choose to make November 15 their quit date.

Quitting is not easy and there’s no single approach that works for everyone, but there is help. If you are trying to quit smoking, know that you have the support of the Emory community and hundreds of individuals like you who have been through it. Carla Berg, PhD, assistant professor at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health and an expert on smoking behaviors, says most people make multiple attempts to quit before being successful, “but every time you try, you’re one step closer to actually quitting. And if you quit by age 30, research shows you’ll have the same life expectancy as someone who’s never smoked.”

And no matter what your age, your health improves every day you’re not smoking. It’s never too late to quit.

When it comes to tobacco-use, there are no hypotheticals. Smoking cigarettes causes cancer, heart disease, lung disease and stroke. As an academic medical center, we are constantly searching for treatments and cures for disease, and we are just as passionately committed to disease prevention. To that end, Emory has implemented our own tobacco-free policy to promote and support the health of our patients, families, staff and community. As of September 1, 2012, the Emory family—including the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Emory Healthcare—is a tobacco-free organization.

We ask that on November 15, 2012, you join us. We ask that you commit to quitting; commit to your health; commit to a better life.

If you have suggestions to share with our readers that have helped you or a loved one quit, please share them in the comments below. For more information and support resources related to quitting and the Great American Smokeout, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.

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Breast Cancer – Understanding Risk Factors & Preventing Recurrence

October 25th, 2012 By Joan Giblin, Director of Survivorship, Winship Cancer Institute

Joan Giblin, Winship Cancer Institute

Joan Giblin, Survivorship Program Director, Winship Cancer Institute

Author: Joan Giblin, MSN, FNP-BC, AOCN-Director of Survivorship, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Substantial research conducted over the last few decades demonstrates that being overweight at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis may result in less favorable outcomes. This information—coupled with the fact that many women are indeed overweight at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis and additional weight gain during treatment is frequently reported—means that for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, achieving or maintaining a desirable weight may be one of the most important lifestyle pursuits they can make in the interest of their overall health and wellness.

Much of the research around breast cancer has supported the theory that excess weight at the time of diagnosis can lead to a worse prognosis. Recently, analyses conducted on a group of nonsmoking breast cancer survivors corroborated these findings. According to the study’s findings, women who increased their body mass index (BMI) by 0.5 to 2 units were found to have a 40% greater chance of breast cancer recurrence, and those who gained more than 2 BMI units had a 53% greater chance of recurrence. Data suggests that being overweight or obese adversely influences not only cancer-specific outcomes, but also overall health and quality of life. As a result, weight management is now considered a priority standard of care for overweight women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.

Research around breast cancer also suggests that the weight gain experienced by women who have undergone chemotherapy or hormone treatments seems to be the result of increased tissue mass, with no change or a decrease in lean body mass. This unfavorable shift in body composition suggests that steps should be taken to not only curb weight gain during treatment, but also to preserve or rebuild muscle mass. Moderate physical activity (especially resistance training) during and after breast cancer treatment may help survivors maintain lean muscle mass while avoiding the accumulation of excess body fat.

Additional research is currently under way to evaluate the effects of dietary patterns on cancer-specific outcomes, as well as overall health. One observational study found that dietary pattern was important for overall survival among breast cancer patients, with those who ate a Western diet having poorer overall survival and those who ate a dietary pattern characterized by high amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains having better survival rates overall. Furthermore, this theory is supported by data on breast cancer survivors participating in the Nurses’ Health Study. Participants were followed for nearly 10 years post-diagnosis, and study findings suggest that those who consume a healthy diet, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and lower intakes of added sugar, refined grains, and animal products, may not have had significantly lower rates of recurrence or cancer-specific mortality.

A topic of controversy as it relates to breast cancer risk and prognosis is alcohol consumption. Alcohol is an unusual factor, as it presents both risks and benefits to those with breast cancer. In the general population, clear and consistent evidence links moderate alcohol intake (1-2 drinks per day) with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. For breast cancer survivors, however, the decision to drink alcoholic beverages at moderate levels is complex because they must consider their levels of risk for recurrent or second primary breast cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. See our post on the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer for more information.

It is important to remember that lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity recommendations to reduce the risks of a second primary breast cancer and heart disease are especially important for breast cancer survivors. Diet for those at high risk for breast cancer or with a breast cancer diagnosis should emphasize vegetables and fruits, have low amounts of saturated fats, and include sufficient dietary fiber. Most importantly, breast cancer patients and survivors should strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. In addition, regular physical activity should be maintained regardless of any weight-related concerns.

Table 1. American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention and Cancer Survivorship.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• If overweight or obese, limit consumption of high-calorie foods and beverages and increase physical activity to promote weight loss. Engage in regular physical activity.
Engage in regular physical activity.
• Avoid inactivity and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible following diagnosis.
• Aim to exercise at least 150 minutes per week.
• Include strength training exercises at least 2 days per week.
Achieve a dietary pattern that is high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Follow the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.

 

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Two Patients Benefit from Two Alternative Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

September 28th, 2012 By Emory Cancer Care

Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthWhen Mike Melton celebrated Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, this time, he was a survivor.

Melton was just 51 years old when he heard the words that every man fears: “You have prostate cancer.” As he researched his options for treatment, he was unsatisfied. The most common prostate cancer treatments often were described as invasive, uncomfortable and prone to side effects. But with three children, a wife and a bustling business to run, Melton couldn’t afford to wait.

“As I was doing my research, I noticed that so many men reported having side effects that no man would want, much less someone as young as I am,” says Melton. “Then I came across laser ablation during my online research, and it sounded exactly like what I was looking for because it was less invasive and has few side effects.”

Emory radiologist Sherif Nour, MD, FRCR, is one of a few radiologists nationwide performing a new, more targeted procedure called MRI-guided focal laser ablation to treat prostate cancer. Using a multi-parametric MRI that utilizes four types of sequences to collectively identify the area of the cancerous lesion, Nour can pinpoint the precise location of the tumor to verify that the procedure should take place. Once he locates the tumor, interventional MRI technology is used to selectively target and ablate the tumor while maintaining the integrity of the rest of the prostate gland. According to Nour, when compared to breast cancer in women, this new treatment is equivalent to a “male lumpectomy.”

“The options prostate cancer patients have had in the past are to either have surgery, radiation or whole gland ablation that comes with the risk of undesirable complications or to wait under their doctor’s close observation, which causes considerable stress knowing that they may have untreated cancer,” says Nour, associate professor of radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine and director of Emory’s new Interventional MRI Program. “MRI-guided focal laser ablation offers our patients who have had a positive biopsy for prostate cancer a less invasive option with minimal recovery time and fewer side effects.”

Traditionally, patients with suspected prostate cancer often undergo a more invasive form of tumor detection and biopsy that can lead to unpleasant side effects. Patients with confirmed prostate cancer may choose a “watchful waiting” approach, which can lead to anxiety. Traditional forms of treatment, such as prostatectomy or radiation, can in some cases, lead to urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Melton, who was back on the tennis court less than a month after his procedure was the first patient to undergo MRI-guided laser ablation for prostate cancer at Emory. At his three-month check-up, he was declared cancer-free.

“It’s like having a 400-pound elephant sitting on your chest that all of the sudden gets up,” says Melton. “It’s a huge relief. “

Melton is not the only Emory patient benefiting from alternative treatment options for prostate cancer. In the video below, hear from another one of our patients how he found hope and comfort after meeting Dr. Peter Rossi, an Emory radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and, now, also practicing at Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

The 5-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer found in its early stages is nearly 100 percent. Use this time to remind the men in your life to talk to their doctors about their risk and family history and the appropriate screenings.For more information on prostate cancer treatment options at Emory, please use the linked resources below.

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The Bone Marrow Transplant Olympic Games – Hoola Hoop Any One?

August 6th, 2012 By Emory Cancer Care

While the 2012 Summer Olympic Games continue in London, staff at Emory University Hospital are partaking in their own Olympic games. Dr. Amelia Langston, Medical Director of the Emory Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center has started an initiative that’s literally bringing the Olympics back to Atlanta, with the Bone Marrow Transplant Olympics. While the event doesn’t include your typical line-up of Olympic sports, Emory Healthcare staff, patients and even family members can participate in fun, lighthearted competition such as: hula hoop contests, bedpan shuffleboard and wheelchair races.

Bone marrow transplant patients and their family members often experience long weeks (and sometimes even months) of treatment. “People come in here and they are very sick and they stay for a long time. If we can lighten things up a little bit, if we can make it a little more fun for them, if we can make it a little more fun for the staff who take care of these people, day after day, sometimes for weeks or months at a time, then it’s a good thing.” Dr. Langston stated.

You can learn more about the Winship Cancer Institute Bone Marrow Transplant Program by watching this video, or by using the related resources links provided below the video.

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Skin Cancer Prevention: Which Sunscreen is Best?

May 23rd, 2012 By Emory Cancer Care

Sunscreen Tips Skin Cancer PreventionFor many people, Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to Summer. Schools are finishing up and thousands will flock to beaches and lakes for the first getaway of the season. Whether you are going away, or spending a relaxing weekend at home, remember to wear sunscreen! Also, as you are on the hunt for the right product, know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun to unveil new requirements for the way sunscreen manufacturers need to label and market their products to the consumer. We touched on this topic, as well as the importance of using sunscreen, during our recent Melanoma live chat with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University dermatologist, Suephy Chen, MD.

According to Dr. Chen, changes to sunscreen labeling are a way of making sure that all sunscreens meet FDA required standards for safety and effectiveness. Labels will include specific and accurate information to help consumers select the right sun protection for themselves and their families.

When selecting the right sunscreen, “people should look for an SPF of 30. Anything higher than that doesn’t hurt, but it also doesn’t give you any real additional protection,” says Dr. Chen. “Proper coverage comes from reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re in direct sunlight, have perspired and/or have gotten in and out of the water.”

Currently, the numbering system on sunscreens (SPF) only refers to protection against UV-B rays, which cause sunburn, but does not address UV-A rays, which can attribute to skin cancer and early skin damage. Under FDA regulation, all sunscreens have undergone “broad spectrum” tests to determine whether or not they protect against both UV-B and UV-A rays. Sunscreens that pass the test will now include the term “broad spectrum” on the label, to help consumers identify that they’re receiving coverage from both types of radiation.

The importance of using daily protection is crucial in the prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers. According to Dr. Chen, “only about 25% of melanomas come from a pre-existing mole, and about 75% of them occur in areas in which there was previously normal looking skin. Once sunburn happens, there are ways to treat the symptoms of the burn, but the damage to the skin has already been done.” For more sun safety tips, see part one of our Melanoma post series.

So if you plan on spending time outside this weekend, make sure to head to the drugstore first to load up on sun protection. Need a recommendation on a good product that you won’t have to break the bank for? After conducting their own series of “broad spectrum” tests, Consumer Reports recently revealed their top picks for reliable yet inexpensive sunscreens. Top products include: NO-Ad SPF 45 and Walgreen’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen Sport 50. Try them and let us know what you think in the comments field below!

For more information or to see a dermatologist, please call 404-778-777 or visit Winship’s website.

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