Posted in Cancer

Coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer ripples out to those close to the person managing their illness. In this blog post we acknowledge 3 frequent themes caused by the ripple effects of cancer.   Being a care giver Navigating the unfamiliar environment of medicine and finding a course of treatment requires considerable courage and effort at a time of heightened worry. Understanding terminology and procedures to be able to support your loved one to make inf...

For many young people with cancer, fertility is another major source of fear and anxiety when it comes to cancer and cancer treatment. Depending on your gender, age, type of cancer, treatment regime and short or long term family plans, your fertility is something that should be discussed with your health care team ideally prior to commencing any treatment.  We are lucky to live in a world where medical advances in fertility have become the norm, and if you indeed are struggling with fe...

Knowing how to do a Breast Self Exam is an important skill, and a habit you should really be getting into once a month. It only takes a few minutes, and it can literally save your life. If breast cancer is detected early, and confined to just the breast, the 5 year survival rate is 96%. If however it has started to spread to the lymph nodes that drops down to 80% - that's a risk you don't want to take! "The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85 is 1 in 8...

What is Acupuncture & is it safe for Cancer Patients? Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine single use, disposable needles into surface areas on the body that can directly influence the internal organs and systems, as well as the muscles.  In the hands of a well-trained practitioner Acupuncture is considered safe for people undergoing cancer treatment and beyond and has been found to be cost effective for some conditions, with minimal side effects compared to some drugs and o...

What is Oncology Massage Therapy? Oncology Massage Therapy is a safe specialised form of massage therapy that is completely tailored to meet the unique and changing needs of someone currently undergoing cancer treatment or with a history of cancer.  Oncology Massage Therapy and Cancer Care It is important to understand that an Oncology Massage Therapy is completely different from traditional forms of massage.  Unlike traditional forms of massage, Oncology Massage gently supp...

If you are a patient at MIOG, the word inflammation will not be new to you. Whether we are talking about an anti-inflammatory diet, anti-inflammatory herbs (hello curumin!) and nutrients, or pro-inflammatory foods. But what is inflammation and why is it so important? What is inflammation? In very basic terms, inflammation is the immune system's response to an irritant. Ever had red eyes and irritation from hayfever, or hives form a food allergy? Whether an allergen, a cut or splinter,...