Cancer Education Blog

In 2020 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates about 21,750 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While this is much lower than the 276,480 women estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, ovarian cancer is often more deadly and is not talked about as frequently. Therefore, knowing your risk for ovarian cancer and taking precautions before a diagnosis can help save your life and the lives of your family members.

Ovarian cancer begins when the genes that regulate cell growth mutate and allow abnormal cells to thrive. These rogue cells multiply at a rapid rate and eventually form a tumor. Left untreated, ovarian cancer can spread to other areas of your body. Ovarian cancer rates are highest in women in their early to mid-60s.

By Alison Johnson

Fifteen years ago, it was rare for someone to call an oncologist before they had a cancer diagnosis. Today, genetic counseling and testing is increasingly helping high-risk patients determine if they have a mutation that could cause disease.

Next-generation gene sequencing can now uncover hundreds of cancer-causing mutations in more than 80 genes in one tube of blood, delivering results in two to three weeks. That advanced technology can guide decisions on possible preventative measures, from lifestyle changes to extra screening tests to medications or prophylactic surgery.

LEE’S FRIENDS, an award-winning cancer support non-profit celebrating 41 years of service to the cancer community of Hampton Roads will celebrate this anniversary by awarding their Third Annual Legacy Award to Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), the largest Oncology/Hematology practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

By David Z. Chang, MD,PhD, FACP

Recent developments in breast cancer treatment have continued to fuel our movement toward tailored treatment for each individual patient.

Two of the newest and most promising fronts are targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Both aim to more effectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, thereby causing fewer debilitating side effects as compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Although completing ovarian cancer treatment is a significant event on your road to recovery, you may still need time to heal, physically and emotionally. It can take time to establish a regular routine and get comfortable with your new life after cancer treatment. Whether you want to reclaim the life you once knew or redefine it, keep in mind that it's essential to proceed at your own pace.

Transitioning from a cancer patient to a cancer survivor signifies that you have physically healed from cancer; however, it does not mean that you’ve physically healed from the effects of chemo, nor does it signify that you have healed emotionally. Emotional wellbeing is much harder to measure. And right now, you and your family could be experiencing a lot of different feelings. 

By Jared Kobulnicky, MD

One of the most promising developments in cancer treatment over the past few years is the rapid emergence of targeted therapy. 

Unlike chemotherapy and immunotherapy, targeted therapy attacks specific mutations in the DNA of cancer cells. The goal is to interfere with growth processes inside those cells – the signals that drive a disease – with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Family history is a term often tossed around by medical professionals and the media alike.  Do you know your family history? Do you know how to take your family history? Who is an important part of your family history – parents, grandparents, children, cousins, or beyond?  Do you understand the importance of sharing your family medical history with your healthcare provider? If you answered no to any of these questions, keep reading!  

The family medical history has rapidly become one of the most important cancer screening tools we have available and yet, unfortunately, so many people know very little about their family history or have been unwilling to share this information with their relatives. While there may be a difference in cultural norms that have previously prevented – or currently prevent – discussing personal health history, we challenge you to consider the benefit of asking and sharing health information with your family members.  

By Daniel Atienza, MD

At Virginia Oncology Associates, we see a large volume of breast cancer patients. Because breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, it’s important that we stay on top of how breast cancer treatments are changing and evolving so we can ensure our patients have access to the right care. We encourage patients to participate in clinical trials.

Women are surviving breast cancer at higher rates than ever. We can attribute that to multiple factors, including screening (it’s extremely important to keep your mammogram appointments), new, better tolerated therapy options, and improved supportive measures.