Cancer Services: For Body, Mind and Spirit

“YOU HAVE CANCER.”

This year, over 4000 people in the Baton Rouge area will hear these words and join the thousands of others who have already heard them.

For all of them and their families,

Cancer Services is here...

for body

Replenishing much-needed vitamins and nutrients through nutritional supplements

Providing mobility and independence by loan of hospital beds, wheelchairs and other equipment

Giving comfort and well-being though medical and post-surgical supplies

Improving physical function through exercise programs tailored to the needs of cancer survivors

mind

Easing the anxiety of navigating the complicated healthcare system

Relieving financial burdens with prescription assistance and mileage reimbursement to ensure patients get the treatment they need

Offering empathetic ears and the chance to share experiences, thoughts and feelings with others on the same journey through support groups

Empowering patients and family members to make sound decisions regarding their treatment and health with educational programs and up to date resource information

and spirit

Restoring confidence and self-esteem by sharing wigs, hats, scarves and other accessories

Calming the stresses associated with a life-altering diagnosis though yoga and reiki sessions

Improving one's ability to cope through personal counseling

Facilitating opportunities for children to forgo their illness, laugh, play and experience childhood



For more information about Cancer Services, visit our website, call 225-927-2273 or stop by our office at 550 Lobdell Ave. in Baton Rouge. We're open 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.

Q&A: Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer Services will host a survivorship luncheon for pancreatic cancer survivors and their family members on Monday, January 30 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For reservations, contact Natalie Depp at (225) 927-2273.

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Baton Rouge Advocate.

Q: What are some risks for pancreatic cancer?

A: According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is not known what causes pancreatic cancer. However, studies have shown that if one or more of the following applies, you have a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. If you:

• are over 60 years old;
• smoke (smokers have 3 times the risk);
• have diabetes;
• are male;
• are African-American;
• have had a mother, father, sister, or brother with pancreatic cancer;
• have a family history of colon or ovarian cancer;
• have chronic pancreatitis.

However, there are instances where people with none of these risk factors get pancreatic cancer and people who have some of these risk factors may not get pancreatic cancer. It is important to assess your risk with your doctor.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue. Also check out the PANCAN website for more information.

Q&A: Cervical Cancer

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Baton Rouge Advocate.

Q: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. What is cervical cancer and how do I get screened for it?

A: The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus. Abnormal cell growth which spreads below the surface of the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, is called cervical cancer. This differs from carcinomas found on the surface of the cervix. Surface carcinomas and other cervical lesions are, however, often precursors to cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that is passed on through sexual contact. Most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, but smoking, being HIV-positive, and having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk.

Pelvic exams and pap smears can detect surface changes caused by HPV before cervical cancer develops. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ guidelines say that women over 21 should be screened every two years. For women over 30 who have had three normal pap smears in a row, the guidelines suggest having a pap smear every three years. If your immune system is compromised due to HIV, long-term steroid use or an organ transplant, your doctor might suggest earlier or more frequent pap smears. The outlook for women whose cervical cancer is at a very early stage is excellent; therefore it is important for women to have regular pap smears.

For more information, contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, at (225) 927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.

2012 Cancer Services Open Houses

Every month,Cancer Services hosts an Open House inviting everyone in the Greater Baton Rouge area to learn more about the free programs and services offered to those living with cancer in this community. We encourage everyone to come tour our facility to see firsthand how we improve life for those living with cancer. You'll have the chance to speak with our staff, clients and board members to learn the place Cancer Services has in the community. Light refreshments served.

We are also able to schedule your group or company for a private tour tailored to your needs or interests. If you have questions or would like to attend, please call Connie at 225-927-2273.

Cancer affects everyone and until there’s a cure, Cancer Services is here to help. Come and see how.

Thursday, January 19th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, February 10th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Monday, March 19th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday, April 17th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Thursday, May 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, June 21st 4 - 6p.m.

Wednesday, July 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, August 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Tuesday, September 18th 4 - 6p.m.

Thursday, October 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, November 16th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, December 6th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Q&A: Physical Changes

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Baton Rouge Advocate.

Q: I’ve just completed my final cancer treatment and am wondering what physical changes are normal for survivors?

A: Physical changes after treatment greatly depend on what type of cancer you had, what type of treatment you received and your age during the time of treatment. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) compiled a list of common physical changes and problems that people have post-treatment that include:

• fatigue
• memory and concentration problems
• pain
• neuropathy
• lymphedema (swelling)
• mouth/teeth problems
• weight changes
• different eating habits
• trouble swallowing
• bladder and/or bowel control problems
• menopause symptoms

It is also common to worry about cancer recurrence. Almost all cancer survivors are concerned about the possibility that their cancer will come back. It is helpful, when coping with the fear of recurrence, to express your feelings, avoid blaming yourself for your cancer, and focus on what you can control. If you feel your fear may be excessive or simply want to express your feelings to other cancer survivors, Cancer Services offers free counseling services and support groups to anyone diagnosed with cancer.

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273, cbritton@cancerservices.org , or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.