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In Cancer Awareness

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Gynecological cancers encompass all cancers in the female reproductive system. All women are at risk of developing these cancers, which increase with age and can vary depending on the cancer type.

According to the Foundation of Women’s Cancer, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer type among women worldwide.

Ovarian cancer is composed of three major categories: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, and stromal cell cancer.

Understanding the 3 Categories of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

Epithelial ovarian cancers are the most common of ovarian cancers, accounting for 85% to 89%. They rank fourth in cancer deaths among women in the U.S. and cause more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Epithelial ovarian cancers form in the surface cells of the ovary, or from the fallopian tube surface cells. They can be a part of a hereditary syndrome such as those with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutations. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are also epithelial cancers and have some of the same behaviors, risks and treatment approaches.

Germ Cell Cancers

Germ cell cancers account for nearly 5% of ovarian cancers, making it one of the less common forms of ovarian cancer than epithelial cancer.

Germ cell cancers start in the cells that develop into follicles or eggs in the ovaries. Typically, this cancer appears in adolescents and young women and often affects only one ovary.

Stromal Cell Cancers

Stromal cell cancers are another rare ovarian cancer. They start in the cells that produce female hormones and hold the ovarian tissues together. Similarly, there are several types of stromal cell cancers and presentation and treatment can vary.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

These symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

While these may be common symptoms many women
without cancer may have occasionally, patients with ovarian
cancer report that symptoms are persistent and often
progressive, and represent a change from normal for
their bodies.

EXPERT CARE

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Cancer Awareness

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Gynecological cancers encompass all cancers in the female reproductive system. All women are at risk of developing these cancers, which increase with age and can vary depending on the cancer type.

According to the Foundation of Women’s Cancer, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer type among women worldwide.

Ovarian cancer is composed of three major categories: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, and stromal cell cancer.

Understanding the 3 Categories of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

Epithelial ovarian cancers are the most common of ovarian cancers, accounting for 85% to 89%. They rank fourth in cancer deaths among women in the U.S. and cause more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Epithelial ovarian cancers form in the surface cells of the ovary, or from the fallopian tube surface cells. They can be a part of a hereditary syndrome such as those with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutations. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are also epithelial cancers and have some of the same behaviors, risks and treatment approaches.

Germ Cell Cancers

Germ cell cancers account for nearly 5% of ovarian cancers, making it one of the less common forms of ovarian cancer than epithelial cancer.

Germ cell cancers start in the cells that develop into follicles or eggs in the ovaries. Typically, this cancer appears in adolescents and young women and often affects only one ovary.

Stromal Cell Cancers

Stromal cell cancers are another rare ovarian cancer. They start in the cells that produce female hormones and hold the ovarian tissues together. Similarly, there are several types of stromal cell cancers and presentation and treatment can vary.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

These symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

While these may be common symptoms many women
without cancer may have occasionally, patients with ovarian
cancer report that symptoms are persistent and often
progressive, and represent a change from normal for
their bodies.

Women’s Cancer Care

Our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan in women’s health that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Treatment Options

Radiation Therapy for Lower Body Pain

These patients at Golden State Cancer Center had experienced chronic pain in a variety of areas in the lower body. After searching for a treatment they felt comfortable with and would also alleviate their pain, they came to our radiation oncologist, Robert Hesselgesser, MD.

Dr. Hesselgesser used targeted radiation treatment to significantly reduce their pain and return mobility to the impacted area.

EXPERT CARE

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Treatment Options

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays that target specific areas. Radiation can also be used to alleviate the pain of benign inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Your radiation oncologist will review all available treatment options and recommend a personalized plan for you based on national guidelines

ADVANCED TREATMENT

We have an experienced and compassionate team of experts including doctors, physicist, dosimetrist and radiation therapists who work together to carefully create and deliver a treatment plan designed to ensure the best possible outcome.

Our team utilizes advanced IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) and IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy).

Click on the button below to learn more.

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marketing@ionetwork.com
In Our Providers

Meet Dr. Hesselgesser, Radiation Oncologist

Robert D. Hesselgesser, MD, is board certified in radiation oncology and has a long history of successful clinical outcomes throughout his 45 years in practice.

Dr. Hesselgesser joined Golden State Cancer Center with the focus of providing radiation therapy for benign inflammatory conditions. He has helped patients achieve superior outcomes when all other conventional treatments have failed.

EXPERT CARE

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Cancer Awareness, Healthy Lifestyle

Back to School? Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen Just Yet

As you prepare to send your kids back to school, the to-do lists and back-to-school shopping start to pile up. It’s no surprise sun protection slips down the list of priorities as you move away from outdoor activities and focus on classroom needs.

But don’t put the sunscreen away just yet. Studies show that children sustain significant amounts of sun exposure while at school. About 23 percent of lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18. This exposure can have far-reaching effects. Because sun damage is cumulative, too much sun exposure during childhood can contribute to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life.

Consider the following tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation before your kids return to school.

Recess or Outdoor Activities:

Ask the school administration, teacher, or coaches about the planned breaks while the class is outside. UV rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Typically, students have outdoor recess or after-school sports between these peak sun hours. Ask if there are accommodations for shaded break areas. Covered areas like gazebos, roof structures, awnings, shade sails, and natural shade, such as thickly leaved trees, are some examples of shaded rest areas.

Clothing Choice:

Clothing choice is a basic form of sun protection. Dressing in densely woven and bright-colored clothes is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body. Send your children to school in densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics. The more skin you cover, the better, so choose long sleeves shirts and pants whenever possible.

Head and Neck Protection:

Send children to school with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect their face, neck, and eyes.

Sunscreen:

Make sunscreen part of the morning routine. At least 30 minutes before children go outside, parents should apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to their skin. Older children should learn to apply sunscreen themselves and make it a routine habit. To remain effective, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. At a minimum, remind children to reapply sunscreen before after-school sports and outdoor activities. One ounce of sunscreen (about the size of a golf ball) should be applied to the entire body. Remind children to cover those easy-to-miss spots, such as the back of the ears and neck, as well as the tops of the feet and hands.

Expert Skin Cancer Care

Bardmoor Cancer Center will take careful steps stage and grade the tumor to assess the best way to create and manage your treatment plan. Our goal is to achieve the very best outcome while preserving your quality of life. Click the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Cancer Awareness, Healthy Lifestyle

Back to School? Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen Just Yet

As you prepare to send your kids back to school, the to-do lists and back-to-school shopping start to pile up. It’s no surprise sun protection slips down the list of priorities as you move away from outdoor activities and focus on classroom needs.

But don’t put the sunscreen away just yet. Studies show that children sustain significant amounts of sun exposure while at school. About 23 percent of lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18. This exposure can have far-reaching effects. Because sun damage is cumulative, too much sun exposure during childhood can contribute to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life.

Consider the following tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation before your kids return to school.

Recess or Outdoor Activities:

Ask the school administration, teacher, or coaches about the planned breaks while the class is outside. UV rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Typically, students have outdoor recess or after-school sports between these peak sun hours. Ask if there are accommodations for shaded break areas. Covered areas like gazebos, roof structures, awnings, shade sails, and natural shade, such as thickly leaved trees, are some examples of shaded rest areas.

Clothing Choice:

Clothing choice is a basic form of sun protection. Dressing in densely woven and bright-colored clothes is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body. Send your children to school in densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics. The more skin you cover, the better, so choose long sleeves shirts and pants whenever possible.

Head and Neck Protection:

Send children to school with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect their face, neck, and eyes.

Sunscreen:

Make sunscreen part of the morning routine. At least 30 minutes before children go outside, parents should apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to their skin. Older children should learn to apply sunscreen themselves and make it a routine habit. To remain effective, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. At a minimum, remind children to reapply sunscreen before after-school sports and outdoor activities. One ounce of sunscreen (about the size of a golf ball) should be applied to the entire body. Remind children to cover those easy-to-miss spots, such as the back of the ears and neck, as well as the tops of the feet and hands.

Expert Cancer Care

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition

Prep For Success With These Meal Planning Tips

Are You Ready to Start Eating Well?

If you are about to start a new nutrition plan, set yourself up for success as you restock your fridge with these easy steps.

Whether you’re switching up your diet as part of a lifestyle change, or you’re about to start cancer treatment and are looking for foods to keep you strong, knowing your goals and having a plan to follow will make it easier to stick to your plan.

Take the Time to Prep Before Jumping In:

  • Make a list. Go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to see what foods you need to add, and maybe which foods need to be thrown out and replaced with a healthier substitute.
  • Half the battle is preparing meals. To help you win, make sure you choose meals with easy prep – even frozen dinners or ready-to-eat cooked foods work for this.
  • Set up a routine for grocery shopping to keep your kitchen stocked with the foods you need. If going through cancer treatment, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask your family or friends to help you shop on the days you need rest.
  • Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Discuss your goals, or what to expect if going through cancer treatment. They may have recommendations or advice to help you meet your goals and keep you healthy.

Starting Cancer Treatment?

Oftentimes, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a dietitian who will help you choose the best food and drinks specific to your needs during and after treatment.

Eating problems can sometimes be a result of cancer treatment. Because everyone is different, there is no way to know if you will have eating problems from treatment and, if so, how severe the effects are. Eating problems can be mild, but sometimes it’s a little more complicated. It will depend partially on the cancer diagnosis, what part of the body the cancer is at, and the treatment type.

Don’t be alarmed if you do start to develop eating problems. Talk to your doctor, there are many helpful medicines and other ways to manage dietary issues they can walk you through.

Expert Cancer Care

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition

Prep For Success With These Meal Planning Tips

Are You Ready to Start Eating Well?

If you are about to start a new nutrition plan, set yourself up for success as you restock your fridge with these easy steps.

Whether you’re switching up your diet as part of a lifestyle change, or you’re about to start cancer treatment and are looking for foods to keep you strong, knowing your goals and having a plan to follow will make it easier to stick to your plan.

Take the Time to Prep Before Jumping In:

  • Make a list. Go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to see what foods you need to add, and maybe which foods need to be thrown out and replaced with a healthier substitute.
  • Half the battle is preparing meals. To help you win, make sure you choose meals with easy prep – even frozen dinners or ready-to-eat cooked foods work for this.
  • Set up a routine for grocery shopping to keep your kitchen stocked with the foods you need. If going through cancer treatment, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask your family or friends to help you shop on the days you need rest.
  • Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Discuss your goals, or what to expect if going through cancer treatment. They may have recommendations or advice to help you meet your goals and keep you healthy.

Starting Cancer Treatment?

Oftentimes, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a dietitian who will help you choose the best food and drinks specific to your needs during and after treatment.

Eating problems can sometimes be a result of cancer treatment. Because everyone is different, there is no way to know if you will have eating problems from treatment and, if so, how severe the effects are. Eating problems can be mild, but sometimes it’s a little more complicated. It will depend partially on the cancer diagnosis, what part of the body the cancer is at, and the treatment type.

Don’t be alarmed if you do start to develop eating problems. Talk to your doctor, there are many helpful medicines and other ways to manage dietary issues they can walk you through.

Expert Cancer Care

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

LEARN MORE
marketing@ionetwork.com
In Cancer Awareness, Health Screenings

3 Common Types of Skin Cancer

Each year, there are 3.5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. As the most common cancer type, it is important to perform regular self-checks to catch any suspicious spots early. If caught soon enough, the treatment success increases significantly.

There are many types of skin cancer which can be more common in different areas of the body and may show up in a variety of forms. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is typically found on the head or neck and may first appear as a pale patch of skin or a waxy translucent bump. A telling sign is a blood vessel or indentation in the center of the bump. If the cancer spots develop on the chest, it appears similar to a brown colored scar or flesh-colored lesion. Watch for bleeding or oozing, this is a sign it is more developed.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma can also take the form of a lump on the skin. These are firm lumps and are rough on the surface, unlike basal cells which have a smooth and pearly appearance. This cancer type usually develops on the head, neck, hands or arms, but also may develop in other areas such as genital region or in scars or skin sores.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma appear as raised, flesh-colored moles that grow quickly. These are small tumors and typically appear on areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun such as the face, neck or scalp.

What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

Typically, skin cancer develop on exposed areas of the skin, making early detection more possible. It’s important to regularly examine your skin to catch any unusual changes to an existing mole or a suspicious growth.

Although skin cancer can develop in a variety of locations, and appear in different forms, there are common symptoms to look for when checking your skin for suspicious spots no matter the location. Here are some common signs of skin cancer to keep in mind:

  • An unusual skin growth or sore that has not gone away
  • Spots that are raised and/or bleed easily
  • The size and shape of the spot changes over time

When performing a self-screen, remember to check less exposed areas of the body, as these can still develop skin cancer although less likely: underneath nails, on the palms of hands, soles of feet, genitals and the eyes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist about your concerns.

Expert Cancer Care

Our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to explore available cancer screenings and treatment options.

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