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RobertWascherMD
(Physician
- Surgery - Surgical Oncology
(Verified)
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| Communities: Breast Cancer , Melanoma , Skin Cancer | Thank You's: 1 |
| Member Since: Jan. 2012 | Questions: 0 |
| Answers: 8 |
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Professional Statement
Dr. Wascher is a Surgical Oncologist, professor of surgery, and a widely published author.
In 2011, Dr. Wascher joined the faculty at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he currently serves as a senior Surgical Oncologist. Dr Wascher also remains an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of California at Irvine, and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Wascher graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a B.S. degree in the Biological Sciences (Honors in Research), with an emphasis in Cognitive Neurosciences. Subsequently, Dr. Wascher received his M.D. degree (magna cum laude) from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing medical school on a U.S. Army scholarship, Dr. Wascher performed his internship, in Surgery, at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco. Following his internship, Dr. Wascher spent a year at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he performed a clinical fellowship in Neurosurgery.
Dr. Wascher completed residency training in Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, and was then assigned to Darnall Army Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas. While assigned to Fort Hood, Dr. Wascher served as the Chairman of the Cancer Program at Darnall Army Hospital, as well as the Chief of General Surgery. Subsequently, Dr. Wascher completed a 3-year research and clinical fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, in Santa Monica, California. After completion of his fellowship, Dr. Wascher returned to Tripler Army Medical Center as the Chief of Surgical Oncology, and as Director of Research for Tripler Army Medical Center’s General Surgery Residency Program. While stationed in Honolulu, Dr. Wascher was also appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Cancer Prevention & Control Program at the University of Hawaii’s renowned Cancer Research Center, and also served on the State of Hawaii’s Life Sciences Council.
In 2006, Dr. Wascher retired from the Army at the rank of Colonel, and was appointed as the Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. In December of 2008, Dr. Wascher joined the Kaiser Permanente health care system in Orange County, California.
Dr. Wascher is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology. He is also a full member of the following professional organizations and societies: the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the Southwest Oncology Group, the Gynecologic Oncology Group, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Community Clinical Oncology Program. Dr. Wascher is also a registered researcher with the NIH.
Dr. Wascher is the author of numerous papers, articles, columns, and books and book chapters on cancer biology and cancer (and other disease) prevention and treatment, as well as other important public health topics. Dr. Wascher is also the founder and editor of Weekly Health Update, a leading global health information website (www.doctorwascher.com). He has also frequently appeared on television and radio programs to discuss many cancer and non-cancer health topics. Dr. Wascher also serves as a Medical Expert and Consultant in Oncology, Surgery, Social Media & Medicine, and in other healthcare-related areas, for multiple national and international organizations.
Dr. Wascher is the author of the landmark book, “A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race,” one of the few evidence-based cancer prevention books ever written for the lay public.
In 2011, Dr. Wascher joined the faculty at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he currently serves as a senior Surgical Oncologist. Dr Wascher also remains an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of California at Irvine, and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Wascher graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a B.S. degree in the Biological Sciences (Honors in Research), with an emphasis in Cognitive Neurosciences. Subsequently, Dr. Wascher received his M.D. degree (magna cum laude) from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing medical school on a U.S. Army scholarship, Dr. Wascher performed his internship, in Surgery, at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco. Following his internship, Dr. Wascher spent a year at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he performed a clinical fellowship in Neurosurgery.
Dr. Wascher completed residency training in Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, and was then assigned to Darnall Army Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas. While assigned to Fort Hood, Dr. Wascher served as the Chairman of the Cancer Program at Darnall Army Hospital, as well as the Chief of General Surgery. Subsequently, Dr. Wascher completed a 3-year research and clinical fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, in Santa Monica, California. After completion of his fellowship, Dr. Wascher returned to Tripler Army Medical Center as the Chief of Surgical Oncology, and as Director of Research for Tripler Army Medical Center’s General Surgery Residency Program. While stationed in Honolulu, Dr. Wascher was also appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Cancer Prevention & Control Program at the University of Hawaii’s renowned Cancer Research Center, and also served on the State of Hawaii’s Life Sciences Council.
In 2006, Dr. Wascher retired from the Army at the rank of Colonel, and was appointed as the Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. In December of 2008, Dr. Wascher joined the Kaiser Permanente health care system in Orange County, California.
Dr. Wascher is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology. He is also a full member of the following professional organizations and societies: the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the Southwest Oncology Group, the Gynecologic Oncology Group, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Community Clinical Oncology Program. Dr. Wascher is also a registered researcher with the NIH.
Dr. Wascher is the author of numerous papers, articles, columns, and books and book chapters on cancer biology and cancer (and other disease) prevention and treatment, as well as other important public health topics. Dr. Wascher is also the founder and editor of Weekly Health Update, a leading global health information website (www.doctorwascher.com). He has also frequently appeared on television and radio programs to discuss many cancer and non-cancer health topics. Dr. Wascher also serves as a Medical Expert and Consultant in Oncology, Surgery, Social Media & Medicine, and in other healthcare-related areas, for multiple national and international organizations.
Dr. Wascher is the author of the landmark book, “A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race,” one of the few evidence-based cancer prevention books ever written for the lay public.
Professional Info
Credential:
MD
Primary specialty:
Surgery - Surgical Oncology
Medical school:
Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency:
Tripler Army Medical Center
Internship:
Letterman Army Medical Center
Fellowship:
John Wayne Cancer Institute, Brooke Army Medical Center
Board certifications:
American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology
Professional memberships:
American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group
Areas of expertise:
Breast cancer, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and tumors of the stomach
Hospital affiliation:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Practice phone number:
1-800-615-3055
Webpage:
http://www.doctorwascher.com/
Personal Bio (My story)
I strongly believe every patient should have as much information as possible about the biology of their cancer, as well as information about all of the available evidence-based approaches to treating their cancer.
I view each patient as a unique person, with unique concerns and needs, and I embrace the Cancer Treatment Centers of America core concept that an empowered patient will make the best possible decisions regarding their treatment.
Ultimately, as with all specialists who care for patients with cancer, my goal is to seek the best possible outcomes for every patient, and with the least possible risk. Using a multidisciplinary approach, I seek to provide every patient with compassionate, competent, honest, and evidence-based care that never quits.
I view each patient as a unique person, with unique concerns and needs, and I embrace the Cancer Treatment Centers of America core concept that an empowered patient will make the best possible decisions regarding their treatment.
Ultimately, as with all specialists who care for patients with cancer, my goal is to seek the best possible outcomes for every patient, and with the least possible risk. Using a multidisciplinary approach, I seek to provide every patient with compassionate, competent, honest, and evidence-based care that never quits.
RobertWascherMD Activities
That would be a very tall order, as the topic of cancer prevention (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/news/dr-wascher.cfm) is very complex, and also contains many areas of ongoing controversy! A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913) is the only comprehensive and current research-based and cancer prevention book written for lay readers, and it is available in both print and e-book formats. If you have a serious interest in living an evidence-based cancer prevention lifestyle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXxgEZ4bE8w), it would be best for you to acquire a copy of this bestselling book. That being said, even a basic approach to living a cancer-prevention lifestyle should involve abstinence from tobacco, minimal alcohol intake, and a diet low in meat and other animal-based foods but rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
That would be a very tall order, as the topic of cancer prevention (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/news/dr-wascher.cfm) is very complex, and also contains many areas of ongoing controversy! A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913) is the only comprehensive and current research-based and cancer prevention book written for lay readers, and it is available in both print and e-book formats. If you have a serious interest in living an evidence-based cancer prevention lifestyle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXxgEZ4bE8w), it would be best for you to acquire a copy of this bestselling book. That being said, even a basic approach to living a cancer-prevention lifestyle should involve abstinence from tobacco, minimal alcohol intake, and a diet low in meat and other animal-based foods but rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Cancer Prevention Books, Cancer Books, Cancer Prevention, Books, Cancer
1
Answer |
2 months ago
Metformin, an oral medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes, may significantly reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer in diabetics, including cancers of the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectum (although the published research in this area is overwhelmingly based upon retrospective, and hence less accurate, data). The vast majority of metformin cancer prevention studies have been performed in diabetics who are already taking metformin (http://doctorwascher.com/Archives/7-12-09.htm). As diabetes is, by itself, a significant risk factor for cancer, it is unclear at this time if metformin can significantly decrease cancer risk in non-diabetic patients. Therefore, the use of metformin for breast cancer risk reduction should be considered investigational at this time (in both diabetics and non-diabetics). Fortunately, there are multiple ongoing prospective clinical trials looking at the role of metformin as a cancer prevention agent in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Unfortunately, it will likely take 5 to 10 years before the data from these trials has been collected and analyzed.
Metformin, an oral medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes, may significantly reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer in diabetics, including cancers of the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectum (although the published research in this area is overwhelmingly based upon retrospective, and hence less accurate, data). The vast majority of metformin cancer prevention studies have been performed in diabetics who are already taking metformin (http://doctorwascher.com/Archives/7-12-09.htm). As diabetes is, by itself, a significant risk factor for cancer, it is unclear at this time if metformin can significantly decrease cancer risk in non-diabetic patients. Therefore, the use of metformin for breast cancer risk reduction should be considered investigational at this time (in both diabetics and non-diabetics). Fortunately, there are multiple ongoing prospective clinical trials looking at the role of metformin as a cancer prevention agent in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Unfortunately, it will likely take 5 to 10 years before the data from these trials has been collected and analyzed.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Cancer Prevention, Reduce Breast Cancer Risk, Metformin, Breast Cancer Prevention, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Risk, Reduce Cancer Risk
1
Answer |
2 months ago
As I discuss in detail in my evidence-based book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913), the overwhelming majority of disease prevention research, including cancer prevention research, is based upon low-level types of research, including survey-based public health studies and retrospective clinical studies. While these methods of research are rather quick and inexpensive to perform, the data that they produce is highly prone to various forms of bias. That is to say, their conclusions are often not highly accurate. On the other hand, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research trials, when performed properly, provide the highest level of research evidence available. However, because this type of research is so demanding, and so expensive to perform, very few cancer prevention studies are performed using this high-level approach. With this in mind, it’s important to acknowledge that the vast majority of research on Vitamin D (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/news/vitamin-D-deficiency.cfm) as a cancer prevention agent is based upon methods that produce rather weak (and often contradictory) data. However, among all of the known vitamins, it is fair to say that only Vitamin D is still a reasonable contender as a potential cancer prevention agent, and particularly for people with low levels of this vitamin in their blood. Specifically, based upon available research data, Vitamin D appears to be potentially most effective as a prevention agent for colorectal cancer, with most studies suggesting a 25 to 30 percent reduction in the risk (http://www.doctorwascher.com/vitamin-d/vitamin-d-significantly-reduces-colorectal-cancer-risk.html) of colorectal cancer in patients who take Vitamin D supplements. In terms of recommending a daily dose for Vitamin D supplementation, there is no consensus as to how much Vitamin D should be taken as a supplement, although healthy patients can usually tolerate 1,000 to 3,000 IU per day without serious side effects. However, unfortunately, I cannot make specific recommendations regarding the optimal amount of daily Vitamin D intake at this time. Moreover, Vitamin D can be toxic when taken in high doses, and can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, calcifications in the soft tissues of the body, GI tract ulcers, and other serious health problems. Therefore, if you are considering the addition of daily Vitamin D supplements as part of a cancer prevention lifestyle (as I discuss in my book), I recommend that you first discuss this with your personal physician. I would also recommend routine testing of your Vitamin D levels, to reduce the risk of Vitamin D toxicity.
As I discuss in detail in my evidence-based book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913), the overwhelming majority of disease prevention research, including cancer prevention research, is based upon low-level types of research, including survey-based public health studies and retrospective clinical studies. While these methods of research are rather quick and inexpensive to perform, the data that they produce is highly prone to various forms of bias. That is to say, their conclusions are often not highly accurate. On the other hand, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research trials, when performed properly, provide the highest level of research evidence available. However, because this type of research is so demanding, and so expensive to perform, very few cancer prevention studies are performed using this high-level approach. With this in mind, it’s important to acknowledge that the vast majority of research on Vitamin D (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/news/vitamin-D-deficiency.cfm) as a cancer prevention agent is based upon methods that produce rather weak (and often contradictory) data. However, among all of the known vitamins, it is fair to say that only Vitamin D is still a reasonable contender as a potential cancer prevention agent, and particularly for people with low levels of this vitamin in their blood. Specifically, based upon available research data, Vitamin D appears to be potentially most effective as a prevention agent for colorectal cancer, with most studies suggesting a 25 to 30 percent reduction in the risk (http://www.doctorwascher.com/vitamin-d/vitamin-d-significantly-reduces-colorectal-cancer-risk.html) of colorectal cancer in patients who take Vitamin D supplements. In terms of recommending a daily dose for Vitamin D supplementation, there is no consensus as to how much Vitamin D should be taken as a supplement, although healthy patients can usually tolerate 1,000 to 3,000 IU per day without serious side effects. However, unfortunately, I cannot make specific recommendations regarding the optimal amount of daily Vitamin D intake at this time. Moreover, Vitamin D can be toxic when taken in high doses, and can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, calcifications in the soft tissues of the body, GI tract ulcers, and other serious health problems. Therefore, if you are considering the addition of daily Vitamin D supplements as part of a cancer prevention lifestyle (as I discuss in my book), I recommend that you first discuss this with your personal physician. I would also recommend routine testing of your Vitamin D levels, to reduce the risk of Vitamin D toxicity.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Supplements, Cancer Risk, Vitamin D, Vitamins, Reduce Cancer Risk, Nutrition, Vitamin Supplements, Cancer
1
Answer |
2 months ago
What is a surgical oncologist and what types of cancer does the surgical oncologist typically treat?
While the scope of practice varies from one Surgical Oncologist (http://www.cancercenter.com/glossary/surgical-oncology.cfm) to another, General Surgical Oncologists, like the surgical specialists we have here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, treat a broad variety of cancer types, including the following cancers: head and neck cancer (thyroid cancer, parathyroid gland tumors, salivary gland tumors, and tumors of the oral cavity, for example), cancers of the GI tract (including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum), cancers of the abdominal cavity and peritoneum, cancers of the liver and bile ducts, pancreatic cancer, tumors of the adrenal glands, skin cancers (including melanoma), cancers of the lymph nodes, breast cancer, cancers of the muscle and connective tissues (sarcomas), and other types of cancer as well. Some Surgical Oncologists maintain expertise in multiple types of cancer, while others may choose to specialize in only one or a couple of cancer types. In addition to General Surgical Oncologists, there are an increasing number of other surgical subspecialists who also perform additional specialized fellowship training to become Surgical Oncologists in their primary specialty, including Gynecologic Oncologists, Head & Neck Surgery Oncologists, Urological Oncologists, Neurosurgical Oncologists, Orthopedic Oncologists, and Pediatric Surgery Oncologists, among others.
While the scope of practice varies from one Surgical Oncologist (http://www.cancercenter.com/glossary/surgical-oncology.cfm) to another, General Surgical Oncologists, like the surgical specialists we have here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, treat a broad variety of cancer types, including the following cancers: head and neck cancer (thyroid cancer, parathyroid gland tumors, salivary gland tumors, and tumors of the oral cavity, for example), cancers of the GI tract (including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum), cancers of the abdominal cavity and peritoneum, cancers of the liver and bile ducts, pancreatic cancer, tumors of the adrenal glands, skin cancers (including melanoma), cancers of the lymph nodes, breast cancer, cancers of the muscle and connective tissues (sarcomas), and other types of cancer as well. Some Surgical Oncologists maintain expertise in multiple types of cancer, while others may choose to specialize in only one or a couple of cancer types. In addition to General Surgical Oncologists, there are an increasing number of other surgical subspecialists who also perform additional specialized fellowship training to become Surgical Oncologists in their primary specialty, including Gynecologic Oncologists, Head & Neck Surgery Oncologists, Urological Oncologists, Neurosurgical Oncologists, Orthopedic Oncologists, and Pediatric Surgery Oncologists, among others.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Medical Specialties, Surgical Oncologist, Cancer
1
Answer |
2 months ago
Those are excellent questions, and they are the basis for my evidence-based book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913), which is the only current research-based cancer prevention book written specifically for lay readers. First, let me start by noting that the overwhelming majority of disease prevention research (http://www.doctorwascher.com/tag/prevention), including cancer prevention research, is based upon rather “low-level” types of research, including survey-based public health studies and retrospective clinical studies. While these methods of research are relatively quick and inexpensive to perform, the data that they produce is highly prone to various forms of bias. That is to say, their conclusions are often not highly accurate. On the other hand, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research trials, when performed properly, provide the highest level of research evidence available. However, because this type of research is so demanding, and so expensive to perform, very few cancer prevention studies are performed using this “high-level” research approach. With this in mind, even rather conservative estimates of cancer risk associated with lifestyle and dietary factors suggest that somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of all cancer cases are directly linked to modifiable lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors. (Some important cancer risk factors cannot be modified at this time, including the genes that we inherit from our parents, increasing age, and gender.) What is especially important to note is that some of the very worst cancer killers are the very same cancers that are most closely linked to modifiable lifestyle and dietary factors, including lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, and other common major cancers. At this time, we are able to effectively cure approximately 60 to 65 percent of all cancers. However, for many of the “bad actor” cancers, the likelihood of cure, even with aggressive treatment, remains very low at this time. As I say in A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, “…an ounce of cancer prevention is worth a ton of cancer cure!”
Those are excellent questions, and they are the basis for my evidence-based book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913), which is the only current research-based cancer prevention book written specifically for lay readers. First, let me start by noting that the overwhelming majority of disease prevention research (http://www.doctorwascher.com/tag/prevention), including cancer prevention research, is based upon rather “low-level” types of research, including survey-based public health studies and retrospective clinical studies. While these methods of research are relatively quick and inexpensive to perform, the data that they produce is highly prone to various forms of bias. That is to say, their conclusions are often not highly accurate. On the other hand, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research trials, when performed properly, provide the highest level of research evidence available. However, because this type of research is so demanding, and so expensive to perform, very few cancer prevention studies are performed using this “high-level” research approach. With this in mind, even rather conservative estimates of cancer risk associated with lifestyle and dietary factors suggest that somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of all cancer cases are directly linked to modifiable lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors. (Some important cancer risk factors cannot be modified at this time, including the genes that we inherit from our parents, increasing age, and gender.) What is especially important to note is that some of the very worst cancer killers are the very same cancers that are most closely linked to modifiable lifestyle and dietary factors, including lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, and other common major cancers. At this time, we are able to effectively cure approximately 60 to 65 percent of all cancers. However, for many of the “bad actor” cancers, the likelihood of cure, even with aggressive treatment, remains very low at this time. As I say in A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, “…an ounce of cancer prevention is worth a ton of cancer cure!”
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Cancer Prevention, Cancer Risk, Cancer Environmental Risk Factors, Research, Reduce Cancer Risk, Lifestyle, Cancer
1
Answer |
2 months ago
Pre-melanoma (http://www.cancercenter.com/melanoma/melanoma-information.cfm), also often referred to as “atypical nevus,” or “dysplastic nevus,” refers to moles (nevi) that do not have uniform pigmentation or shape or borders, but which, at the same time, have not yet progressed into actual melanoma when viewed under the microscope. While there is no standard clinical definition of pre-melanoma, dermatologists and surgeons often informally refer to these types of pigmented skin lesions as “FLMs,” or “funny looking moles.” We know that these atypical moles are at increased risk of progressing to melanoma if they are not removed. Also, some patients may have multiple atypical nevi as part of the Familial Atypical Mole and Melanoma (FAMM) syndrome. Patients with FAMM syndrome may have dozens, or even hundreds, of atypical nevi, and are at significantly increased risk of developing melanoma.
Pre-melanoma (http://www.cancercenter.com/melanoma/melanoma-information.cfm), also often referred to as “atypical nevus,” or “dysplastic nevus,” refers to moles (nevi) that do not have uniform pigmentation or shape or borders, but which, at the same time, have not yet progressed into actual melanoma when viewed under the microscope. While there is no standard clinical definition of pre-melanoma, dermatologists and surgeons often informally refer to these types of pigmented skin lesions as “FLMs,” or “funny looking moles.” We know that these atypical moles are at increased risk of progressing to melanoma if they are not removed. Also, some patients may have multiple atypical nevi as part of the Familial Atypical Mole and Melanoma (FAMM) syndrome. Patients with FAMM syndrome may have dozens, or even hundreds, of atypical nevi, and are at significantly increased risk of developing melanoma.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Biopsy, Melanoma Risk Factors, Pre-melanomas, Dermatologist, Melanoma Risk, Melanoma
1
Answer |
2 months ago
In terms of lifestyle and dietary factors that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, there is a rather large number of potential cancer prevention cancer agents that one can consider (for a complete discussion of this rather complex topic, please see my book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race - http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913). Here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Nutritionists and Naturopathic Physicians are experts on how diet and supplements can affect cancer prevention and treatment. The most consistent research findings suggest that the following aspects of what I call a “cancer prevention lifestyle” are associated with the greatest decrease in cancer risk: Mediterranean diet (a diet low in meat and other animal products; rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains; and the modest use of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated cooking oils such as olive oil and canola oil) (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/600.cfm) ; avoidance of obesity and diabetes; avoidance of tobacco; and three to five hours of at least moderate physical activity per week. Regarding nutritional supplements and vitamins as cancer prevention agents, most of the available research data with respect to nutritional supplement and vitamin use in patients with a generally healthy diet suggests that there is likely to be very little, if any, benefit in terms of significantly reducing one’s risk of developing cancer. While the data remains contradictory, the only vitamin for which compelling research data is available to suggest a role in cancer prevention is Vitamin D (particularly with respect to colorectal cancer prevention). Vitamin E and beta-carotene, when taken as supplements, may actually have adverse health effects, while several large prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that Vitamin C supplements do not appear to decrease cancer risk (or cardiovascular disease risk), either. In women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, various anti-estrogen medications can be taken to significantly reduce their lifetime risk of developing this form of cancer. The diabetes drug metformin and the curry spice turmeric have also been shown to have potential anti-cancer effects, and these two agents are currently being intensively studied, as well. In summary, there probably aren’t any “magic bullet” anti-cancer agents available at this time. However, the evidence-based strategies that I describe in A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race have been associated with a 40 to 80 percent reduction in cancer risk in large public health studies from the United States and Europe.
In terms of lifestyle and dietary factors that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, there is a rather large number of potential cancer prevention cancer agents that one can consider (for a complete discussion of this rather complex topic, please see my book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race - http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Prevention-Guide-Human-Race/dp/1608446913). Here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Nutritionists and Naturopathic Physicians are experts on how diet and supplements can affect cancer prevention and treatment. The most consistent research findings suggest that the following aspects of what I call a “cancer prevention lifestyle” are associated with the greatest decrease in cancer risk: Mediterranean diet (a diet low in meat and other animal products; rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains; and the modest use of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated cooking oils such as olive oil and canola oil) (http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-center-news/600.cfm) ; avoidance of obesity and diabetes; avoidance of tobacco; and three to five hours of at least moderate physical activity per week. Regarding nutritional supplements and vitamins as cancer prevention agents, most of the available research data with respect to nutritional supplement and vitamin use in patients with a generally healthy diet suggests that there is likely to be very little, if any, benefit in terms of significantly reducing one’s risk of developing cancer. While the data remains contradictory, the only vitamin for which compelling research data is available to suggest a role in cancer prevention is Vitamin D (particularly with respect to colorectal cancer prevention). Vitamin E and beta-carotene, when taken as supplements, may actually have adverse health effects, while several large prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that Vitamin C supplements do not appear to decrease cancer risk (or cardiovascular disease risk), either. In women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, various anti-estrogen medications can be taken to significantly reduce their lifetime risk of developing this form of cancer. The diabetes drug metformin and the curry spice turmeric have also been shown to have potential anti-cancer effects, and these two agents are currently being intensively studied, as well. In summary, there probably aren’t any “magic bullet” anti-cancer agents available at this time. However, the evidence-based strategies that I describe in A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race have been associated with a 40 to 80 percent reduction in cancer risk in large public health studies from the United States and Europe.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Cancer Prevention, Cancer Risk, Reduce Cancer Risk, Anti-cancer Agents
1
Answer |
2 months ago
After a biopsy is performed, a pathology doctor will look under the microscope to see how deeply the melanoma (http://www.cancercenter.com/melanoma.cfm) invades into the various different layers of the skin. They will also look at other factors, including how thick the tumor is, whether or not there is ulceration of the tumor, as well other important factors. For a melanoma to be considered “invasive,” the tumor has to invade deeply enough into the upper layers of the skin where lymphatic vessels are present. (Like many types of cancer, melanoma can easily spread through these lymphatic channels, and then on to the lymph nodes.) If the melanoma tumor only involves the most superficial skin layer, and not the layers that contain lymphatic vessels and blood vessels, then it is referred to as “melanoma in situ.” Unlike invasive melanoma, melanoma in situ (“non-invasive” melanoma) does not have the ability to spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.
After a biopsy is performed, a pathology doctor will look under the microscope to see how deeply the melanoma (http://www.cancercenter.com/melanoma.cfm) invades into the various different layers of the skin. They will also look at other factors, including how thick the tumor is, whether or not there is ulceration of the tumor, as well other important factors. For a melanoma to be considered “invasive,” the tumor has to invade deeply enough into the upper layers of the skin where lymphatic vessels are present. (Like many types of cancer, melanoma can easily spread through these lymphatic channels, and then on to the lymph nodes.) If the melanoma tumor only involves the most superficial skin layer, and not the layers that contain lymphatic vessels and blood vessels, then it is referred to as “melanoma in situ.” Unlike invasive melanoma, melanoma in situ (“non-invasive” melanoma) does not have the ability to spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.
New answer by RobertWascherMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Biopsy, Melanoma Surgery, Melanoma Tests, Melanoma, Invasive Melanoma
1
Answer |
2 months ago
RobertWascherMD's Profile
Cancer questions and answers.
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