2024 Giving Hope Gala

The Giving Hope Gala is an annual fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for the Salish Cancer Center’s Patient Financial Assistance Fund (PFAF).

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Doors open at 5 p.m.  – Dinner at 6 p.m.

Emerald Queen Casino Event Center
2920 East R Street, Tacoma WA 98404

March Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colon, Kidney, Anal, and Multiple Myeloma Cancer Awareness month.

Our experienced providers treat all cancer types!

Thank you to our patients for allowing us to care for you. Your fight is our fight!

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Native people and the second leading cause of cancer death. There are usually no symptoms until it’s too late; regular screenings can detect polyps in the colon early before they turn into cancer.

Screening recommendations:

The current screening recommendation age for average-risk persons is 45 years old.

The recommendation for higher-risk persons is younger than 45 years old.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is also called renal cancer. It is one of the ten most common cancers in adults.

Screening recommendations:

People at higher risk for kidney cancer are recommended to have regular CT, MRI, and Ultrasounds to look for kidney tumors.

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the anus. 

Screening recommendations:

Anal cancer is not common in the US, people at higher-risk are recommended to have regular anal cytology testing (anal pap test), or anoscopy.

High-risk indications:

• People having anal intercourse.
• Women who have had cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
• Anyone who is HIV-positive.
• Anyone with a history of anal warts.
• Women ages 45+ who are HPV 16 positive.

Mulitple Myeloma Cancer

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.

Screening is done through regular blood work.

Doctors Day March 30th 2024

March 30th is Doctors Appreciation Day.

Our team enjoyed the opportunity to show appreciation for our amazing doctors!

Dr. Stanlee Lu is our Hematologist/ Medical Oncologist and Dr. Craig Peterson is our Naturopathic Oncology Physician.

They work hard to provide such great compassionate care for our patients, they deserve some appreciation back from their team.

We also celebrated Dr. Lu’s Birthday. He loves Reese’s candy and got a suprise at his desk in the morning.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2023

The month of January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness month.

We encourage all patients to reach out to their primary care physician to get screened. Preventative cancer screenings can find cancers early before they’ve had time to spread and give patients more options. Cancer screenings can save lives.

On January 19th, we supported the American Indian Cancer Foundation’s #TurquoiseThursday campaign for Cervical Cancer Awareness and the importance of cancer screenings. We appreciate our cervical cancer patients for entrusting us with their care.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2022

This event was hosted by the American Cancer Society.

Our Salish team had a great time at the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Seattle Event on October 22nd! We were honored to be a proud sponsor this year.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support and placed donations for breast cancer research and resources!

Our table held Salish swag, information about our services and providers, and cedar rose pins. Everyone enjoyed the cedar roses! Cedar is a traditional healing medicine for Native Americans and it protects against diseases. We were so happy the people enjoyed the Native American tradition and that we could share it with them. We can’t wait for next year!

Cancer Lifeline Support Groups, Nutrition, & Yoga Classes

We are so excited to announce we have partnered with cancer lifeline to give more resources and support to our patients. Patients and caregivers are able to sign up for support groups, nutrition, and yoga classes for free! All classes are online due to covid right now.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

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.

Closed: July 5th 2021

Have a safe weekend! We will see you on Tuesday, July 6th – at our regular scheduled time 8 am to 5 pm.

Fast Facts About Sarcoma & Bone Cancer

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:

1. Sarcomas are rare: about one percent of all adult cancer diagnoses are sarcoma, therefore it is rare for adults. However, about 1700 children in the United States are diagnosed with either a bone or a soft tissue in sarcoma each year.
2. Sarcoma can develop nearly anywhere in the body. The most common areas sarcoma tumors grow are the legs, ands, arms, neck, chest, shoulders, abdomen, and hips. According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, 50-60% of soft tissue sarcomas show up in the arms and legs.
3. The cause of sarcomas is mostly unknown. The Mayo Clinic states that sarcoma cancers can show up in various places in your body.  A group of cancers begin in the bones and in the soft tissues. The soft tissue sarcoma forms in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of the joints.  The list of the variety of sarcoma types are found at the link and scroll to the word “Types.”
4. Sarcomas are difficult to detect and diagnose. Since sarcomas are rare and can take multiple forms in several locations, it is difficult to identify and often get misdiagnosed. The National Foundation for Cancer Research’s website state, that in sarcomas’ early stages, the soft tissue sarcomas rarely display any symptoms, only seen as a painless bump. As the tumor grows, you may start to feel some pain depending on the location of the tumor. Many people have a strong family history of soft tissue sarcomas.  Talk to your doctor about genetic testing.
5. Get a second opinion, if you had been recently diagnosed and here is why: Due to sarcomas being rare, many doctors have never seen or treated a patient with sarcoma. It is recommended to get a second opinion from a provider who specializes in sarcoma.

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.

• Endometrial / Uterine Cancer
• Kidney (Renal Cell and Renal Pelvis) Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Liver And Intrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
• Sarcoma
• Thyroid Cancer – Papillary, Follicular, Hurthle

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/.

May | Brain Cancer Awareness Month

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BRAIN CANCER INCLUDE GLIOMAS AND MENINGEAL TUMORS.

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.

WE FEATURE AN INTEGRATIVE AND INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO BRAIN CANCER TREATMENT.

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.