We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, October 12, 2021
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month | FAQs about Psoriasis
August is Psoriasis Awareness month, which is an ideal month to be aware of psoriasis since the sun can help clear up some forms of psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation, https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/, says that “Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the United States.” Hopefully, by sharing information about psoriasis, we can mitigate the chances of getting it or treat the symptoms.
Q: What is psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder caused by an overactive immune system. According to Outcome Health’s article, https://www.outcomehealth.com/heartbeat/august-is-psoriasis-awareness-month, psoriasis are skin cells regenerating faster than normal rate, resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that become itchy and inflamed. Most often, psoriasis affects the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Q: Is there a link between psoriasis and cancer?
A: According to Harvard Health Publishing’ article, “Psoriasis and cancer: What’s the link?”, The JAMA Dermatology study focused on data from previous studies analyzed between April 9, 2018, and February 22, 2019. The researchers found that people with psoriasis had an increased risk of developing cancers including colon, kidney, laryngeal, liver, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, esophageal, oral, and pancreatic cancers. They also found that people with severe psoriasis who developed cancer also increased the overall risk of dying.
Q: Is psoriasis contagious?
A: Even though psoriasis looks ugly, The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/contagious, assures us that we cannot get psoriasis from someone else; therefore, it is not contagious.
Q: What triggers psoriasis and/or psoriasis flare-ups?
A: Stress is a common trigger and dry skin, infections such as strep throat, weakened immune systems, skin injuries, cold weather, smoking, diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, and medication use. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal & Skin, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-causes say that Doctors still do not understand what triggers psoriasis; however, many people who have the disease also have a family history of psoriasis.
Q: Who gets psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis.org https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/ says that “Men, women, and children of all colors can get psoriasis.” Symptoms can start anywhere from ages 15 to 25.
Q: How many kinds of psoriasis are there?
A: the AAD’s blog https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/look-like indicates that there are several different types of psoriasis. The articles say that most people have “plaque” psoriasis, which makes up about 80 percent of those diagnosed, and it is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis. Here is a list of a few different types of psoriasis: scalp, nail, guttate, inverse, pustular, generalized pustular. Visit the blog to learn more.
Q: Is there psoriasis treatment?
A: The National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-overview website, that psoriasis is a long-lasting disease. A treatment plan will develop a treatment plan depending on the psoriasis type you diagnosed. The treatments help keep the symptoms under control since currently, there is no cure for the disease. Your treatment may include medication put on your skin like creams, ointments, foams, or a pill. The other treatment may include phototherapy, where the doctor shines an ultraviolet light on your skin.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article helps shed some light on psoriasis. Unfortunately, this information does not suggest how people with psoriasis may reduce their risk of developing cancer. But several lifestyle modifications could help decrease the risk of getting cancer, such as quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, eating healthier, and regular moderate exercise.
To learn more about the cancers we treat, our treatment options, or our oncologists and medical team of professionals, contact us at253-382-6300.
References
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Outcome Health. (2020, August 17). https://www.outcomehealth.com/heartbeat/august-is-psoriasis-awareness-month.
Dominic Wu, M. D. (2019, December 5). Psoriasis and cancer: What’s the link? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/psoriasis-and-cancer-whats-the-link-2019120518320.
Is psoriasis contagious? American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/contagious.
National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Causes, Triggers, and Treatments. Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, February 5). Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-causes.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, February 5). Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-overview.
What does psoriasis look like? American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/look-like.
Have a safe weekend! We will see you on Tuesday, July 6th – at our regular scheduled time 8 am to 5 pm.
July marks the start of Sarcoma and Bone Cancer awareness month. Roughly 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma daily; however, 75% of the public have no idea what sarcoma is—# SarcomaAwarenessMonth.
Nearly 14,000 people will be diagnosed with a form of soft tissue sarcoma. According to the American Cancer Society’s statistics, about 5,500 people are expected to die of soft tissue sarcoma. These statistics include both adults and children.
Sarcoma (SAR-co-ma) is a malignant tumor arising in tissue (such as connective tissue, bone, cartilage, or striated muscle) of mesodermal origin (Merriam-Webster).
Baylor College of Medicine refers to sarcoma as the “forgotten cancer,” there are generally two categories of sarcoma cancer: soft-tissue and bone sarcoma. While sarcoma is about 1% of all diagnoses, there are more than 50 different subtypes, making it difficult to discover and diagnose.
Below are the Five Facts to know about sarcoma list from the National Foundation for Cancer Research:
What you need to know about the survival rates. The American Cancer Society’s website states that a relative 5-year survival rate for a specific stage of soft tissue sarcoma is 80%, meaning that people who have that cancer are, on average, about 80% as likely as people who do not have cancer to live for a least 5 years after being diagnosed. Learn more about the 5-year relative survival rate at the link.
What Salish Cancer Center can do for You. We diagnose and treat many forms of cancer. From the more common cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, to rarer diseases, such as brain cancer and cancers of the oral cavity, our oncologists and care professionals are experienced and passionate about cancer treatment. Our integrative and individualized cancer care philosophy makes Salish Cancer Center a premier cancer diagnosis and treatment destination.
To learn more about the cancers we treat, our treatment options, or our oncologists and medical team of professionals, contact us at 253-382-6300 or visit: www.salishcancercenter.com/treatments/
References
Cancer-fighting Lifestyle – 5 Facts to Know about Sarcoma. NFCR. (2021, April 1). https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blog5-facts-know-sarcoma/.
Key Statistics for Soft Tissue Sarcomas. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/soft-tissue-sarcoma/about/key-statistics.html.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, December 5). Sarcoma. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351048#:~:text=Sarcoma%20is%20a%20type%20of,tissues%20(soft%20tissue%20sarcoma).
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Sarcoma. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcoma.
Momentum, & Phifer, A. (2019, October 8). Understanding sarcoma, one of the rarest cancers. Baylor College of Medicine Blog Network. https://blogs.bcm.edu/2019/07/31/understanding-sarcoma-one-of-the-rarest-cancers/.
The most common types of adult brain tumors are gliomas, which form from glial cells, followed by meningeal tumors. The glial cells are the most abundant type of cell in the CNS. They protect the neurons (nerves that conduct messages) from damage. Meningeal cells form the membranous layers that surround the CNS. Brain tumors’ symptoms can vary widely depending on the location within the brain and type of tumor tissue. Common symptoms can include headaches, seizures, balance changes, or alteration of senses like vision, smell, or taste.
Treatment for brain cancer has greatly evolved with recent advances in research. The medical oncologists at Salish Cancer Center have worked with patients using stand-alone or combination therapies, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and, more recently, tumor treating fields for certain tumor types such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Treatment for symptoms may include anti-seizure drugs, steroids, and surgery. Coordination between specialists is a necessity.
As a Salish Cancer Center patient, you will also visit a naturopathic physician specifically trained in Integrative Oncology using diet, supplements, and lifestyle counseling. Our naturopathic doctors work with patients at all stages of the disease with symptom management, optimize your conventional treatment for the greatest effect, and support your overall health and well-being. Acupuncture treatments are often highly effective for many cancer-related conditions such as nausea, pain, and insomnia.
In December 2018 Mr. Mathis was diagnosed with an aggressive B cell lymphoma and began treatment at Salish Cancer Center and completed his first round of treatment in June of 2019 which put him in remission.
During his follow-up imaging a mass was detected in one of his lungs and was diagnosed to have “non-small cell lung cancer” (NSCLC). He underwent chemotherapy and radiation followed by immunotherapy which he completed on March 31,2021 achieving a complete response to his lung cancer.
He has kept a very positive mindset and strong spiritual faith throughout it all
~ SHAWNA SMITH, SALISH CANCER CENTER’S NURSE PRACTITIONER.
Mr. Mathis continued to work during his treatments while also dealing with other vascular and cardiac issues. “He has kept a very positive mindset and strong spiritual faith throughout it all,” says Shawna Smith, Salish Cancer Center’s Nurse Practitioner.
We congratulate Mr. Mathis’s strength and perseverance throughout his cancer treatments. Learn more about the variety of treatments we offer.
A message from Salish Cancer Center Leadership.
Did you know …
That every hour, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, someone dies of mouth and throat cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation’s March 25, 2021 blog post, an estimate of 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year alone.
Did you know …
Many of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is predominately caused by tobacco and alcohol usage.
Did you know …
Regular oral cancer examinations performed by your Dentist is the best method for detecting oral cancer in its early stages.
Did you know …
Those who are newly diagnosed today, half will be alive in 5 years.
Did you know …
The “Check Your Mouth” website is designed to encourage the public to check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer between dental visits and urges people to visit the dentist if symptoms do not improve or disappear after two or three weeks.
Did you know …
According to the “Check Your Mouth” a routine monthly self-exam, only takes 5 to 10 minutes! Check out the Self-Examination video for more details: https://player.vimeo.com/video/235399959
References
Check Your Mouth! (2020). Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://checkyourmouth.org/wp/#!/up
Hill, B. (n.d.). April is oral cancer Awareness month – 2021. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://oralcancerfoundation.org/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month-2021/
We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Meet Phetkeo – Salish Cancer Center’s First Courage Award Recipient
Phetkeo Lavivong is Salish Cancer Center’s first “Courage Award” recipient!
During Phetkeo’s visit with her daughter, Joanne (Pictured Left), Phetkeo was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Joanne and her young family moved her mom in with them so that Phetkeo could recover from surgery and chemo treatment.
Phetkeo made it through her surgery and completed chemotherapy with radiation! We celebrate Phetkeo’s courage and strength.
Learn more about the variety of treatments we offer.