by Jessica Mason | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., largely because it’s often found at a later stage. But the earlier it’s caught, the more treatment options there are. Understanding your personal risk and whether screening is right for you can be lifesaving.
Understanding Lung Cancer Risk
Lung cancer risk is influenced by a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. Here’s what to know:
- Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes damages lung tissue and significantly increases your risk over time. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can raise lung cancer risk.
- Pack-year history (e.g., 1 pack a day for 20 years = 20 pack-years) is used to measure long-term exposure.
- Former smokers are still at risk, especially within the first 15 years of quitting.
- Secondhand smoke also increases risk, particularly with long-term exposure.
- Environmental exposure to radon gas (a naturally occurring radioactive gas) is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
- Occupational exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and silica dust can raise risk, especially in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.
- Radiation therapy to the chest, often for previous cancers (like breast or lymphoma), can slightly increase risk over time.
- Family history of lung cancer may signal inherited genetic susceptibility.
- Certain dietary supplements, like beta carotene taken in high doses by smokers or former smokers, have actually been shown to increase lung cancer risk.
- Chronic lung conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis can also elevate risk.
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you will get cancer, but it does mean screening might be worth discussing with your doctor.
The Role of Screening in Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening means finding disease before symptoms appear, when it’s most treatable. The only recommended test for early detection is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which uses lower levels of radiation than a standard CT scan to create detailed images of the lungs.
LDCT can detect small nodules or abnormalities before they grow or speed. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed that LDCT reduces lung cancer deaths by about 20% compared to chest X-rays.
Who Should Be Screened?
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends annual LDCT lung cancer screening if you meet all of the following:
- You’re between 50 and 80 years old
- You have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history
- You currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
- You are in relatively good health and would be eligible for treatment if cancer is found
If you don’t meet all of these criteria, talk to your provider, especially if you have other risk factors, such as occupational or environmental exposures.
Benefits of LDCT Screening
- Catches lung cancer at an early, more treatable stage
- Reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer
- Offers peace of mind when results are normal
The decision to screen should be made together with your care team, based on your full medical history and personal values.
Taking the Next Step
If you think you may qualify for lung cancer screening or you’re unsure, start by:
- Talking with your doctor about your smoking history and risk factors
- Requesting a risk assessment to see if LDCT is recommended
- Finding a high-quality screening center that follows national guidelines
- Making a quit plan. If you’re still smoking, stopping now can dramatically lower your risk
- Committing to yearly follow-up if screening is recommended
Even if you’ve quit smoking, your lungs deserve regular attention. Screening is about giving yourself the best chance at early detection and better outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Lung cancer screening isn’t right for everyone, but for those at higher risk, it could save your life. If you’re unsure, a simple conversation with your provider is a good first step. You don’t have to face your risk alone; your care team is here to help.
by Jessica Mason | Nov 4, 2025 | Uncategorized
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat, but increased awareness, earlier diagnosis, and new treatment advances are giving patients more options than ever. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or someone you love, it helps to understand the signs, risks, and developments in care.
Why Pancreatic Cancer is Often Diagnosed Late
The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach and plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Because of its location, pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms until it is more advanced.
Most cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts. Less common types include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle or confused with other conditions. Common warning signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal or back pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dark colored urine or itching
- Greasy, light-colored, or foul-smelling stools
- New-onset diabetes, particularly in older adults
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, speak with your healthcare provider.
Who Is at Risk for Pancreatic Cancer?
Some risk factors for pancreatic cancer are outside of your control, while others can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Key risk factors include:
- Age over 60
- Smoking
- Family history of pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancer
- Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or Lynch syndrome
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Type 2 diabetes, especially if recently diagnosed
- Obesity
- A diet high in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables
- Excessive alcohol use, especially when linked to chronic pancreatitis
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals used in metalworking and dry cleaning
If you have multiple risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier monitoring or genetic counseling.
How Pancreatic Cancer is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically starts after symptoms arise. Since there is no standard screening test for the general population, doctors rely on imaging and laboratory testing to evaluate symptoms. This may include:
- CT or MRI scans to locate tumors
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or ERCP to examine or biopsy the pancreas
- CA 19-9 blood test, which may indicate cancer activity
- Genetic and tumor testing to guide personalized treatment
Individuals with a strong family history may be candidates for high-risk surveillance programs.
Treatment Options and What’s New
Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on several factors including cancer stage, location, and a patient’s overall health. Options include:
- Surgery such as the Whipple procedure when the cancer is caught early and localized
- Chemotherapy either before or after surgery, or as a primary treatment
- Radiation therapy to help shrink tumors or treat symptoms
- Targeted therapy for patients with specific genetic mutations
- Immunotherapy in select cases, such as tumors with mismatch repair deficiency or microsatellite instability
Recent advancements include:
- Increased use of molecular profiling to guide treatment decisions
- Access to clinical trials exploring new drug combinations and immunotherapy
- Better imaging technology to identify cancer earlier and more accurately
Support Through Every Step
Pancreatic cancer is not just a physical challenge. Emotional, nutritional, and practical support are equally important. Patients and caregivers may benefit from nutrition guidance, palliative care to manage symptoms, genetic counseling, support groups or one-on-one emotional support, or survivorship planning.
We are committed to supporting every part of the journey, not just the medical treatment.
What You Can Do to Lower Risk
There is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, but you can reduce your risk by:
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating more whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Avoiding excessive alcohol
- Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or pancreatitis
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, ask your doctor whether genetic counseling or early detection testing is right for you.
by Jessica Mason | Oct 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
October is National Health Literacy Month, a reminder that quality cancer care isn’t only about treatments, but also about helping patients truly understand their diagnosis and options. Navigating a cancer diagnosis often involves learning unfamiliar medical terms, weighing complex treatment choices, and making difficult decisions under emotional stress. Clear, accessible communication can make the difference between confusion and confidence, empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
The Underestimated Importance of Health Literacy
Health literacy: the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use healthcare information is critical for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Low health literacy has been linked to:
- Poorer quality of life in cancer patients
- Difficulty understanding and processing complex diagnosis and treatment information
- Greater challenges participating in shared decision-making
- Risks of miscommunication leading to errors in treatment adherence
In fact, research shows that patients with higher health literacy survive nearly nine months longer on average than those with lower literacy levels, across various cancers.
Common Barriers to Understanding
When someone hears “You have cancer,” the emotional impact alone can make everything hard to process. Beyond that, barriers include:
- Complex medical jargon and densely written materials
- Reading levels that exceed typical comprehension, many health documents are at a high school senior level or above
- Sociodemographic challenges such as older age, limited education, low income, or limited English proficiency
- Institutional gaps like rushed conversations and unclear handouts
These obstacles can leave patients confused and anxious when they most need clarity.
Why It Matters – Especially in Cancer Care
Patients with low health literacy are less likely to stick to screening schedules, understand treatment plans, or manage follow-up care effectively. Cancer diagnoses are emotionally intense, patients often must weigh surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation with little room for mistakes. Misunderstanding can lead to delayed treatment or poor adherence.
What You Can Do This Health Literacy Month
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or provider, here’s how to make communication count:
- Ask questions: repeat them back in your own words to make sure everyone is clear.
- Request plain-language explanations of your diagnosis, treatment options, and side effects.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments to help take notes, ask questions, or offer support.
For providers: slow down, simplify your language, and confirm understanding through teach back.
Cancer is hard enough. Health literacy shouldn’t make it harder. This October, during Health Literacy Month, we want to help build bridges so that every person facing a cancer diagnosis can feel heard, understood, and empowered to act.
At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, we strive to provide clear, compassionate communication and support. If you or a loved one is navigating a cancer diagnosis, we’re here to walk every step with you.
Call us at 843-790-8280 to learn how we help patients understand and feel confident throughout their care journey.
by Jessica Mason | Sep 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
Leukemia and lymphoma awareness helps drive early detection, better treatment outcomes, and vital support for patients and families. As two of the most common types of blood cancer, both conditions affect the body’s ability to fight infection, but with earlier diagnosis and ongoing advances in treatment, there’s more hope than ever for patients facing these diseases.
What Are Leukemia and Lymphoma?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It typically begins in the cells that would become white blood cells, leading to the production of abnormal cells that crowd out healthy ones. Leukemia is categorized based on how quickly it progresses, either fast-growing (acute) or slow growing (chronic), and by the type of white blood cells it affects. The main types include, but are not limited to:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): Most common in young children but can also occur in adults.
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A fast-growing leukemia that is more common in adults, though it can also affect children.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): The most common chronic leukemia in adults. Some people may feel well for years before needing treatment.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Primarily affects adults. Symptoms may be mild or absent for a long time before progressing more rapidly.
- Other rare types: These include hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It begins in lymphocytes; a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. There are two main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: This type starts in B lymphocytes (B cells) and typically affects lymph nodes in the upper body. It often spreads in an orderly pattern from one node to the next.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): Also begins in lymphocytes but can develop in lymph tissue throughout the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, and digestive tract. NHL includes many subtypes, ranging from slow growing to more aggressive forms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs of leukemia and lymphoma can be subtle or resemble other conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever or night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone or joint pain
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can develop blood cancer, certain factors may increase risk:
- Age: leukemia is more common in order adults, though some types affect children
- Gender: lymphoma and leukemia are slightly more common in males
- Family History: a history of blood cancers may raise your risk
- Immune System Disorders: autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive therapy may be contributing factors
- Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation
- Previous chemotherapy and radiation, smoking (AML)
Understanding your risk factors and staying proactive with your health can lead to earlier diagnosis and more treatment options.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis may involve blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging, or lymph node biopsies, depending on the symptoms and suspect type of cancer. Treatment is highly individualized and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Our oncology care team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type and stage of the patient’s cancer, as well as overall health and treatment goals.
by Jessica Mason | Aug 25, 2025 | Uncategorized
When facing a cancer diagnosis, most people focus on treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy. But another essential part of cancer care often goes underrecognized: supportive and palliative care.
These services help manage side effects, ease emotional burdens, and provide personalized support that improves comfort and quality of life. It’s important to understand what supportive and palliative care really mean—and how they can make a meaningful difference throughout the cancer journey.
What’s the Difference Between Supportive and Palliative Care?
- Supportive care includes a wide range of services designed to help patients manage the side effects of cancer and its treatment, cope with emotional challenges, and maintain well-being throughout the course of care.
- Palliative care is a specialized type of supportive care that focuses on relieving symptoms, pain, and stress related to serious illness. It’s appropriate at any stage of cancer, not just end-of-life, and is often provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatment.
Both aim to improve quality of life for patients and families by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Why Supportive and Palliative Care Matter
Cancer doesn’t just affect the body; it impacts every part of life. Treatment can be physically taxing and emotionally overwhelming. Supportive and palliative care helps patients and families navigate these challenges with strength and clarity.
Benefits include:
- Relief from symptoms like fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety, or shortness of breath
- Emotional support through counseling, social work, or spiritual care
- Guidance on nutrition, activity, and sleep to help patients feel their best
- Support for families and caregivers during treatment and beyond
- Improved communication and decision-making between patients, caregivers, and care teams
What Services Are Included?
Supportive and palliative care services can vary by practice and clinic, but often include:
- Symptom and pain management
- Palliative care consults
- Emotional support and counseling
- Spiritual care
- Advance care planning
- Psychosocial support
In addition to supportive and palliative care, many oncology practices offer a range of patient support services designed to enhance your well-being during and after treatment. These may include survivorship programs, nutrition counseling, social work and financial guidance, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and wellness classes. Together, they support your long-term quality of life and help you feel more confident and supported throughout your care. Ask our care team about the full range of services available—we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Who Can Benefit?
The short answer: anyone affected by cancer.
Supportive and palliative care are appropriate whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, recovering after treatment, or living with advanced cancer. These services are personalized to your needs and can begin at any point in your care, not just when symptoms become overwhelming.
All Parts of Your Care, Connected
Supportive and palliative care involves a coordinated team of experts working alongside your oncology team. This often includes doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, chaplains, and other specialists, all focused on your comfort, clarity, and quality of life.
Supportive and palliative care are not “extras”; they are essential parts of whole-person cancer care. They help ensure that your symptoms are managed, your voice is heard, and your emotional and physical needs are supported every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is navigating cancer, ask your care team about supportive and palliative care services available to you. You deserve care that supports all of you, not just illness.
by Jessica Mason | Aug 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
As summer temperatures peak and humidity lingers, cancer patients face unique challenges in the heat. Treatment and recovery can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature, stay hydrated, and avoid complications like heat exhaustion. With a few simple precautions, patients can stay safe and comfortable—even in the late-summer heat.
Why Cancer Patients Need to Be Extra Cautious in the Heat
Cancer and its treatment, especially chemotherapy, radiation, and some immunotherapies, can make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, stay hydrated, and fight infection. Certain medications may increase your risk of sun sensitivity, fatigue, or even heat stroke. And if your immune system is weakened, crowded summer events may increase your exposure to illness.
Simple Steps to Beat the Heat
- Stay Hydrated: this is especially important, and often more difficult, for cancer patients during the summer months. Both cancer and its treatments can increase your risk of dehydration due to a range of side effects like reduced interest in food and drink, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Instead of waiting until you’re thirsty, try sipping water regularly throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further and worsen symptoms.
- Time It Right: if you want to get fresh air and exercise, try to go outside early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler. Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Dress for the Weather: choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Light colors can help reflect the sun’s rays. Don’t forget sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to help protect your eyes—chemotherapy and radiation can make them more sensitive.
- Protect Your Skin: cancer treatments can make your skin more fragile or prone to sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours, or after sweating or swimming. Shade is your best friend.
- Listen to Your Body: heat-related illness can come on Symptoms like dizziness, muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or confusion could signal dehydration or heat exhaustion. If you experience any of these, move to a cool place and contact your care team right away.
- Keep it Cool Indoors: if you don’t have air conditioning at home, find public places with climate control, such as libraries, shopping centers, or designated cooling centers in your area.
- Maintain a Summer-Ready Emergency Kit: make sure you have access to water, snacks, any necessary medications, a charged phone, and contact information for your oncology care team.
When to Call Your Care Team
Let your doctor know if you:
- Experience any signs of dehydration or heat illness
- Have difficulty staying cool
- Notice changes in your skin (rashes, sunburn, peeling)
- Have persistent nausea, dizziness, or fatigue after being in the heat
Our care team can offer you or a loved one personalized advice tailored to your treatment and symptoms, and help you adjust your plans as needed to stay safe.
Enjoying Summer Safely
Even in the final stretch of summer, connection and joy are still possible with a little extra care. With the right precautions, cancer patients can safely enjoy the season’s final weeks. By staying aware of the risks and making smart choices, cancer patients can enjoy the sunshine without putting their health at risk.
For more guidance or questions about how your treatment may affect your end of summer plans, don’t hesitate to contact our team at any time.
