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Patient Finds Encouragement and New Life Cancer Treatment

This year Steve Rangel got a call no one ever wants to receive. After getting his prostate biopsied, his urologist called one week earlier than Steve had expected to give him startling news.

“The urologist called me personally,” says Rangel. “He said "You got cancer." A phone call you don’t want to get. I got cancer in my prostate. He said to bring my whole family with me to the appointment next week.”

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Understanding Thyroid Cancer

The good news is that most cases of thyroid cancer can be found early and treated successfully.

But do you know what your thyroid is, the symptoms of thyroid cancer and what to do if you believe you are at risk? We invite you to keep reading.

The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It is a two-inch long, butterfly-shaped gland found inside your neck right under your larynx.

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Albuquerque woman with colon cancer appreciative of Lovelace Cancer Center staff

Mary Vasquez, 61, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Colon Cancer in 2017 after a routine colonoscopy, an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum.

“When I woke up after my colonoscopy, I was told I had colon cancer and they needed to operate,” Vasquez said. “I told them to do what they had to do. They had to cut my colon and sew it back. It was a seven hour surgery.”

After another colonoscopy in February 2019, Vasquez found out her cancer had returned.

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Lovelace offers creativity class tailored to those touched by cancer

“This class makes me happy!”

“This workshop is a beautiful experience.”

“First class was wonderful. Would attend again and again! Eager for our next meeting.”

Can creativity influence the healing process? It most definitely can.

Lovelace Cancer Center offers a free creativity class that uses all forms of art, music, creative writing and meditation to relieve stress.

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Smoking and lung cancer

Cigarette smoking is one of the most common (and dangerous) habits to pick up.

It’s also the leading risk factor for lung cancer, the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. So why is smoking so bad for your lung health? Smoking is harmful to the body from the moment it is inhaled.

“Smoking inflames and irritates the lungs," said Dr. Jeffrey Mazer with Lovelace Medical Group. Dr. Mazer is board-certified in critical care, pulmonary medicine and internal medicine.

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Lovelace Cancer Center offers low-dose CT chest scan for lung cancer screening

New Mexicans are at risk. We all are— when it comes to lung cancer. Every 2.3 minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer.

There is recommended screening test available for lung cancer: a low-dose, computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan), offered by Lovelace Cancer Center.

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Four Ways You Can Reduce Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed amongst women. So what can you do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer? During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing a few things you can use to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer:

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Cancer Care Tips for You and Your Loved One

Caring for someone who has cancer is a beautiful gift. Of course, this type of relationship can be different from a spouse, friend or sibling relationship. It can at times feel amazing to help the one you love, but it can also be a big strain on you and your relationship with that loved one. Preparing for both for your roles and is a great way to handle the stress that can arise from caregiving.

Follow these tips and start feeling more prepared for your caregiving journey:

Get Organized

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Lifesaving Information: Which Cancer Screenings to Schedule

Important Cancer Screenings to Schedule for Proactive Health

Sometimes making check-up appointments and getting blood drawn doesn’t feel all that important with the hustle and bustle of life. Cancer screenings get pushed to the next year or worse, are forgotten entirely. However, getting screenings is one of the most essential things both men and women can do for their health because the sooner you have all the information, the better.

Check the lists below to see which cancer screenings should be done at which time of life and when you should discuss with your physician so you can be proactive about your health.

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Nutrition in Cancer Care

Nutrition matters.

Maintaining a nutritious diet is important for everyone, especially for patients with cancer.

Proper nutrition can promote healing, as well as help patients maintain energy and strength throughout cancer treatments. Eating nutritious foods can help patients experience less toxicities from treatment.

A patient’s nutritional needs may vary depending on their type of cancer and treatment. Treatments may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological immunotherapy, and/or surgery.

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