July 29, 2010

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment

Making decisions about your cancer treatment isn't easy. But by talking with your doctor, you can find a treatment that works best for you and your family.

Brachytherapy Cuts Down Treatment Time

Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment option that can greatly reduce treatment times for patients. The treatment, which is available at some Avera hospitals, is an alternative to traditional radiation for several types of cancers.

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June 3, 2010

Exercise May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risks

Did you know that exercise can prevent the severity of certain cancers? Recent studies show that the risk for some cancers can be reduced through exercise.

Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?

For certain cancers, chemotherapy is a recommended treatment. Chemotherapy introduces drugs into the body that either cure the cancer in your body or keep it from spreading.

April 22, 2010

Talking With Children About a Cancer Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has cancer, chances are children in your family are affected by the diagnosis.

What If a Child Is Diagnosed With Cancer?

What if the cancer diagnosis is for your child instead of another family member or loved one?

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March 11, 2010

What to Expect During a Screening

Screenings for colorectal cancer help detect polyps in the colon and rectum that may be precancerous or cancerous. Screenings are recommended to begin at age 50.

Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but did you know that early detection can often lead to a full recovery?

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January 28, 2010

Program Helps Patients Look Good and Feel Better

Knowing a few tricks for keeping up your appearance during treatment can help pick you up during a difficult time.

Keep Up Your Appearance to Improve Confidence

It's normal to feel tired and emotionally low during treatments, and you may be discouraged if side effects change your looks. You may find that you feel more in control of your treatments when you take time for your appearance

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December 10, 2009

Coping with a Mix of Emotions During the Holidays

The holidays can be an emotionally charged time. For people dealing with an illness such as cancer, these emotions can be even more complex.

Have a Plan If You're Receiving Treatments

Receiving cancer treatments is difficult at any time of year, but it can be especially tough during the holiday season. If you are going through treatments, be sure to take care of yourself during this season.

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October 22, 2009

Annual Screenings Lead to Early Detection

Getting an annual mammogram is for your health, but it's also for those who care about you. During Breast Cancer Awareness month, take a moment to schedule a mammogram that can give peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Advocates Help Cancer Patients Cope

Avera provides compassionate care for cancer patients while using the latest medical technology during treatment.

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September 3, 2009

Chemotherapy: Ways to Cope

Chemotherapy (chemo), a cancer treatment, destroys cancer cells in the patient's body. In the process, healthy cells also can be affected. Some cancer patients notice few changes during chemo, while others may have side effects. 

Find Support With Other Cancer Patients

Avera has many organized support groups that patients can join at any time during or after treatments. Some people find that talking to other cancer patients helps.

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July 23, 2009

Get the Nutrition Your Body Needs During Treatment

People with cancer often lose their appetites, but it's important during treatment to eat as nutritiously as possible. Your Avera doctor or nutritionist can provide you with more information about your diet if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

Reduce Your Risk for Skin Cancer

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in his or her life. Discover quick tips to minimize your risk for skin cancer.

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July 2, 2009

Avera Brings Cancer Care Nearby Home

For many patients, being close to family and friends during cancer treatment is a large part of the healing process. Avera offers cancer care in all of its regional hospitals so you don’t have to travel long distances to get the care you need.

Reduce Your Cancer Risk: Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve your health. Smoking is the no. 1 cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Quitting the habit can greatly reduce your risk for cancer, and Avera can help if you decide to make this important change for your health.

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