Is there a diet for my specific type of cancer?
We recommend eating a healthy well-balanced diet that includes all foods during cancer treatment, no matter which type of cancer you have. However, some types of cancer and their treatments may affect your ability to eat. Cancers of the head and neck area and the GI tract (esophagus, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, or colon) may […]
What about alkaline diets?
Advocates of alkaline diets claim that they help you lose weight, increase your energy, and even reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. While their arguments sound persuasive, they are unproven. The body has several mechanisms in place to make sure that fluids, tissues and cells aren’t too acidic or alkaline, but stay in […]
Should I take herbs to boost my immune system?
At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove or disprove that any herbs can boost the immune system. However, what we do know is that eating well-balanced meals rich in vitamins, minerals and protein will help support your immune system best.
Does sugar feed cancer? Should I avoid sugar in my diet if I have cancer?
This is a simple question, yet is not so easy to answer. Sugar, or glucose, feeds all cells in the body, including cancer cells. The body needs glucose for fuel, or energy. Your brain actually demands glucose to function. If you do not eat enough food to provide glucose to the brain, your body will […]
Do vitamins give you energy?
Generally speaking, vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to function, but they do not provide “instant energy.” Energy comes from carbohydrates, fats and protein. In some cases of a vitamin and/or mineral deficiency, taking a specific vitamin or mineral may improve energy by correcting the vitamin deficiency. Multi-vitamin/mineral supplements providing 100% of the […]
For more Frequently Asked Questions, check the Oncology Nutrition website
https://www.oncologynutrition.org
What are clinical trials, and why are they so important?
Clinical trials provide crucial information about the safety, effectiveness, and proper use of new drugs, diagnostic tests, and treatments. They are usually done in the laboratory or clinic setting of a major institution such as a university or hospital, or at a pharmaceutical company or private medical practice.
What are the phases of clinical trials?
Clinical trials are divided into four categories, or phases: Phase I: Drugs are given for the first time to a small group of people. Phase I trials are not designed to show effectiveness; they are designed to show that the drug is not toxic in humans. Little is known about the drugs in Phase I […]
What types of clinical trials are available?
Treatment: These trials test new drug treatments to prevent recurrence or progression of disease. They may also test new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy. Prevention or risk-reduction: These trials seek better ways to prevent disease in people who are at high risk of developing a certain cancer. Diagnostic: These trials attempt to find better […]
How are clinical trials monitored?
Governing bodies made up of physicians, representatives of institutions, the lay public, and state and federal employees closely monitor every stage of a trial. This is done to ensure the safety of the participants as well as the integrity of the information being collected from the study. All drugs must be approved by the Federal […]
What are the benefits of enrolling in a clinical trial?
Often, participants have access to drugs or treatments not yet available to the general population. These drugs can also be expensive and in limited supply. Participation in a clinical trial may entitle the enrollee to additional medical attention from physicians and nurses. Enrollees also know they are helping mankind develop new therapies for future generations […]
What are the possible risks or downsides of enrolling in a trial?
Frequently, enrollees must submit to additional tests and visits to their physician’s office to monitor their progress. There is a commitment of time and travel associated with most trials. Because there are no guarantees with trials, the participant may not derive any benefit from the treatment and may even experience adverse side effects. Some participants […]
Does it cost anything to participate in a clinical trial?
Generally, there is no additional charge for the enrollee. Although there are costs involved, they are usually paid for by the sponsor of the trial or by the enrollee’s health insurance company.
Do physicians get paid for conducting research?
In some cases, the institution sponsoring the trial compensates the physician or group enrolling the patients. Those conducting clinical trials incur expenses—such as research staff, facility, drugs, and medical supplies—and the compensation offsets those expenses.
How long do clinical trials last?
Depending upon the criteria collected and the phase involved, trials can last from a few weeks to five years or more.
What happens if the enrollee gets sicker during the trial?
Because the medical team is closely monitoring the enrollee’s health condition, immediate measures can be taken should a decline in health occur. The patient’s health will not be compromised because he or she is enrolled in a trial.
Where are clinical trials being studied?
Currently, trials are offered at our Stemmer, Macon, Kennestone, Canton, and Athens locations.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials include guidelines about who can participate in the study. The guidelines, or criteria, are based upon such factors as age, type of disease, medical history, and current medical condition. Before joining, a person must qualify by meeting the specific criteria set up for that trial.
Can a participant drop out of a clinical trial?
Yes, a participant may leave a trial at any time.
How can I find out more about the specific trials that are available?
Talk to your primary care physician about whether enrolling in a clinical trial is right for you or contact us for more information.
Where can I go to get a free or low-cost cancer screening?
There are many resources out there for free or low-cost screening, including the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).
Does insurance cover most cancer treatments?
The best resource is your member summary of benefits booklet. You may also contact the member services number on your insurance card for more detailed coverage information. Most plans cover a portion of the office visits, chemotherapy services, injectable drugs, and laboratory charges that will be billed to your insurance by your oncologist.
Do I pay for every office visit? Do I pay separately for chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
The amount you will need to pay depends on your insurance coverage as well as the services you receive. Please consult your insurance provider regarding coverage in an outpatient facility. When a treatment plan has been determined, you will be provided with an estimate for your out of pocket costs.
Is insurance coverage the same for all types of cancers?
In general, yes. Refer to your member summary of benefits booklet for more information.
Is insurance coverage the same for all types of treatments?
Not always. Some insurance plans may not cover certain injectable “specialty” drugs administered by the oncologist, so you should always check with your plan before these are ordered or administered in the office. Your plan may pay radiation oncology differently than chemotherapy. You may have a higher co-pay for a specialist than you would with […]
Is there a cost to participate in clinical trials?
Each clinical trial is different, and cost depends upon the drug or therapy and diagnostic studies involved. The sponsor of the trial determines what is billed to insurance and what is provided by the study. All of those issues will be discussed in detail with you if you are eligible and choose to participate in […]
What are the most common types of cancer?
The most common types of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are cancers of the skin, lung, breast, colon, rectum, and prostate.
What do the different stages of cancer (I-IV) mean?
Stage 0 – early cancer that is present only in the layer of cells in which it began; Stage I-III – Higher numbers indicate more extensive disease: greater tumor size, and/or spread of the cancer to nearby lymph nodes and/or organs adjacent to the primary tumor; Stage IV – The cancer has spread to another […]
Is there anything I can do or lifestyle choices I can make to prevent cancer?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, there are many things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. Don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, and follow screening guidelines.
Do I need to see a primary care physician before I see an oncologist?
This varies, based on your health plan requirements. However, if your plan is an HMO, then yes, you will be required to see your primary care physician (PCP) and obtain a referral to see an oncologist. Most Point of Service (POS) plans also require that you see your PCP before you can get a referral […]
Can I choose my oncologist?
Some plans will allow you to self-refer to an oncologist of your choice, or be referred by another specialist, but just be sure to verify with your health plan if the oncologist is listed under your plan’s provider directory as a participating physician before you make an appointment.
How important are second opinions?
Patients who seek second opinions are taking positive steps to improve their health. What we call cancer is actually several hundred different diseases, and each one of them can behave differently from patient to patient. If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment plan, a GCS doctor is available to see you, review your […]
I’ve just been diagnosed, but my first treatment session isn’t for two weeks? Will I get worse before the doctor can treat me?
The delay of two weeks will not typically allow your cancer to spread more distantly. The coordination of treating physicians and diagnostics can cause a delay in treatment, but it is critical to have all of the data performed prior to initiating therapy to assure the most appropriate and best treatment available is initiated.
If I have cancer, is it likely my children will have it in adulthood as well?
A family history of cancer can increase a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancer, so this is certainly something you should educate your children about. Genetic risk assessment also helps identify individuals who are at higher risk for these types of hereditary cancers Ask your physician for more information on genetic risk assessment.
What is the difference between chemotherapy and radiation?
Chemotherapy uses medication (chemical compounds) to kill cancer cells. It can be administered either intravenously or orally (in pill form.) Radiation uses radio frequency to target a specific part of the body.
How is chemotherapy administered?
Some chemotherapy is delivered intravenously, and some is administered orally, in pill form. Your treatment team will determine the specific dose and treatment schedule.
What side effects can I expect from chemotherapy?
The most common side effects of chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, increased chance of bruising and bleeding, anemia, and infection. Work with your healthcare provider to learn how best to manage these side-effects.
What side effects can I expect from radiation therapy?
The most common and general side effects of radiation therapy are skin changes and fatigue. Other side effects depend on the specific area of your body being treated and might include hair loss in the treatment area, nausea, and vomiting, swelling, and trouble swallowing. Work with your healthcare provider to learn how best to manage […]
Where can I go to get a free or low-cost cancer screening?
There are many resources out there for free or low-cost screening, including the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) and locally, the Georgia Cancer Foundation (www.gacancerfoundation.org).
Does insurance cover most cancer treatments?
The best resource is your member summary of benefits booklet. You may also contact the member services number on your insurance card for more detailed coverage information. Most plans cover a portion of the office visits, chemotherapy services, injectable drugs, and laboratory charges that will be billed to your insurance by your oncologist.
Do I pay for every office visit? Do I pay separately for chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
You are responsible to pay the co-pay your insurance company requires for each visit, including labs and infusions.
Is insurance coverage the same for all types of cancers?
In general, yes. Refer to your member summary of benefits booklet for more information.
Is insurance coverage the same for all types of treatments?
Not always. Some insurance plans may not cover certain injectable “specialty” drugs administered by the oncologist, so you should always check with your plan before these are ordered or administered in the office. Your plan may pay radiation oncology differently than chemotherapy. You may have higher co-pay for a specialist than you would with your […]
Is there a cost to participate in clinical trials?
Each clinical trial is different, and cost depends upon the drug or therapy and diagnostic studies involved. The sponsor of the trial determines what is billed to insurance and what is provided by the study. All of those issues will be discussed in detail with you if you are eligible and choose to participate in […]
Is there a blood test or DNA test that can test for cancer?
Despite extensive research, there is not yet a test available for early detection of all cancers. The only five cancers that we can detect early are prostate (in males — PSA test, yearly exam), breast (mammograms and physical exams) colon (colonoscopies periodically, or other tests), oral cavity/throat (physician exam) and skin (skin examinations). The best […]
You list screenings for certain types of cancers. How are other types of cancers diagnosed?
As only a handful of cancers can be detected through early screening, it is generally diagnosed after a symptomatic patient visits his or her general practitioner, or GP. If that physician feels there is a chance that the symptoms are caused by cancer, he or she may order a number of diagnostic tests, including biopsies, […]
What are some common signs and symptoms for breast cancer?
A lump in or thickening of the breast tissue may be an early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you’ve just found it or notice it has grown in size. Contact your physician if you are experiencing these symptoms.
When should I start getting mammograms?
While women of all ages should do breast self-exams monthly, it is recommended that women over the age of 40 receive annual mammograms.
Are mammograms really effective?
Conflicting studies have emerged about the effectiveness of mammograms in preventing breast cancer death. Though the screening may not be 100% effective (no cancer screening is), it is still the best tool we currently have to detect breast cancer at an early stage. GCS recommends annual mammograms for women over the age of 40.
Can men get breast cancer?
Breast cancer isn’t just a woman’s disease. Men also have breast tissue that can undergo cancerous changes. While women are about 100 times more likely to get breast cancer, any man can develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is most common between the ages of 60 and 70.
