Perspectives from those who live it every day.
Cancer death rates in the U.S. took the “biggest single-year drop ever,” according to a new report by the American Cancer Society. Improvements in the screening and treatment of lung cancer, the 2nd most common cancer and leading cancer killer, are a main contributor to this positive trend. Julie Brahmer, M.D., Director of the Kimmel […]
Some days, when 37-year-old Kristina Baum laces up her running shoes and starts out on her daily training run, she says she feels like someone is taking a sledgehammer to her lungs. Other days, she feels fantastic. That’s really not too different from how other runners training for a marathon describe the ups and downs […]
One evening several years ago, MiKaela Olsen, D.N.P., sat on her porch with a neighbor and spoke firmly and frankly to her as both a friend and a professional. Olsen, a Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center clinical nurse specialist, was concerned. The neighbor, a mother of two young children, had breast cancer and was strongly […]
As our knowledge of breast cancer has grown, so have the number of therapy modalities and protocols used to treat this disease, from combinations of chemotherapy to targeted treatments that attack malignant cells carrying specific genetic variations. Overall, these developments have been positive, offering patients more and better options to fight their cancers, says breast […]
Of the more than 300,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. every year, about two-thirds are hormone receptor-positive, meaning a patient’s cancer is fueled by estrogen. That’s made hormone-blocking drugs a powerful weapon against this disease. However, explains breast cancer expert Karen Smith, M.D., these drugs can have significant side effects—some so uncomfortable […]
Numerous studies have shown that even a modest amount of weight loss can improve a variety of health-related metrics and quality of life for those who are overweight or obese. Attaining a healthy weight is important for breast cancer survivors, says new Kimmel Cancer Center breast cancer expert Jennifer Sheng, M.D. Studies have shown that […]
Janice Paulshock is a busy woman. The 58-year-old resident of Harford County, a Maryland suburb, works full-time; is a committed mother and grandmother; runs to keep in shape; participates in charity bike rides to raise money for multiple sclerosis, from which her husband suffers; and volunteers to support current patients and medical students at Johns […]
“If you looked at me, you would have no idea I have cancer,” acknowledges Maikki Nekton, a 37-year-old social worker and self-described workaholic with piercing blue eyes and a smile that lights up her whole face. If you didn’t know Maikki, you’d be even more shocked to find out that she’s been given a loose […]
For some people, survivorship is the goal of treatment. For Barb Cavelius it is a way of life. Barb taught in Baltimore public schools for 26 years. In retirement she has transformed her love for her students into heartfelt affection for her co-survivors. Because she is grateful for every day she is in remission, Barb […]
Julie Brahmer, M.D., is an active clinical leader in the treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma. As the director of the Thoracic Oncology Program and professor of oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, her research and clinical practice focuses on the development of new therapies for the treatment and prevention […]