BCAN's Patient Handbook - Bladder Cancer Basics for the Newly Diagnosed



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The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is proud to announce that we have been designated a Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Charity Partner! BCAN has been allocated 25 guaranteed entries for the 38th Annual Marine Corps Marathon to be held on October 27, 2013; an event that sold out in 2 hours and 41 minutes in 2012.
  • We are looking at building “Team BCAN” to not only run in the event and raise awareness for bladder cancer but to raise needed funds for fostering research and patient education. According to the Marine Corps Marathon, there is not a required qualifying time to participate in the event, but all runners should maintain at least a 14 minute mile pace. In order to become a member of “Team BCAN” and officially have a slot in this year’s race, you must be registered through BCAN.
  • No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
  • If you are interested in becoming a member of BCAN’s team or have any questions, please contact Larry Rzepka, BCAN’s Executive Director, at lrzepka@bcan.org.
  • It’s Complementary Archives

    Alternative and Complementary Medicine

    Art Therapy

    Winter 2006

    Recent research from Northwestern Memorial Hospital found that art therapy can reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain and anxiety in cancer patients.

    Communicating with Your Physician about Alternative Medicine

    Summer 2008

    In this “It’s Complementary”, we examine the importance of discussing alternative medicine methods with your doctor.

    Learn More about Complementary and Alternative Medicine

    Spring 2007

    Information about how you can supplement your cancer treatment.

    Medical Field Recognizes and Places Value in Complementary and Alternative Medicine

    Winter 2008

    Cancer patients utilize many types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help deal with their disease. That usage is now formally recognized by three federal agencies with the appointment of the first recipient of a new fellowship in medical oncology and CAM.

    Naturopathic Medicine

    Fall 2007

    Naturopathic medicine, or Naturopathy, is a distinct healthcare profession that combines natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in health and medicine. It uses a wide range of approaches such as nutrition, herbs, manipulation of the body, exercise, stress reduction and acupuncture. A cancer patient might consider using naturopathic medicine as a complementary therapy in conjunction with his or her regular conventional treatments, primarily for symptom relief.

    Quick Fix Frauds

    Spring/Summer 2009

    Although medicines and devices to treat people with cancer must have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are marketed, there are still many individuals and companies who hawk bogus cancer treatments. And the internet makes it easier for them than ever before. Because fraudulent information can travel around the web in an instant, the FDA is taking increased action to warn consumers about online cancer fraud.

    Diet

    Dietary Supplements against Bladder Cancer

    Winter 2009

    New reports are indicating that a high consumption of foods like yogurt and foods that contain Selenium, such as nuts, may have preventative properties.

    Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria

    Fall 2006

    Since the mid-1990s Americans have tripled their spending on probiotic supplements. In fact, probiotics is being researched more aggressively today than ever before as a complementary technique relative to a variety of illnesses. According to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), scientific understanding or probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating health conditions is at an early stage but moving ahead.

    You Are What You Eat

    Winter 2010

    We are learning now that what you eat—and what you don’t eat—can have a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of cancer. Without knowing it, you may be eating many foods that fuel cancer, while neglecting the powerful foods and nutrients that can protect you. Changes in your diet, along with other lifestyle modifications, might help you minimize your risk of disease or possibly slow or stop cancer from developing

    Exercise

    Tai Chi

    Summer 2006

    According to the American Cancer Society, tai chi is recognized as an exercise that provides the same cardiovascular benefits as moderate exercise, such as lowered heart rate and blood pressure.

    Relaxation

    Cancer and Massage

    Fall 2008

    In a recent article in Prevention magazine, Dr. Andrew Weil reported that there is a lack of credible evidence to suggest that massage may spread cancer cells around the body, saying that the notion was simply untrue. In fact, says Dr. Weil, there is proof that massage can be helpful in a variety of ways for people who have cancer.

    Cancer, Stress and Music

    Fall 2009

    Anyone who has dealt with cancer, or any other major disease, knows how stressful the experience can be. In this “It’s Complementary”, we look at the relationship music has with stress reduction and healing.

    Knowing Yourself and Getting Rid of Stress

    Spring 2008

    Want to know exactly how much stress you have in your life right now? The Health Encyclopedia at AOL offers an interactive tool to help you.

    Meditation

    Spring 2006

    Meditation is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses concentration or reflection to relax the body and calm the mind. It has been defined as the intentional self-regulation of attention, a mental focus on a particular aspect of one’s inner or outer experience. Many people, including cancer survivors, use meditation for health purposes to increase physical relaxation, mental calmness and psychological balance; to cope with one or more diseases and conditions or for overall wellness.

    Reiki

    Summer 2007

    There have been a number of modalities used over the years to promote or maintain the balance of energy fields in the body. One of these modalities, Reiki, is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that is also said to promote healing.

    Yoga, Coping, Healing and Cancer

    Winter 2007

    While there has been no specific link to the benefits of yoga relative to bladder cancer, many complementary medicine enthusiasts are convinced that, due to the mental and physical aspects of yoga, it may be particularly useful for people battling many types of cancer, either early in the diagnosis and treatment process or in long-term survival.