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How to choose between radiation or surgery for prostate cancer

Getting diagnosed with prostate cancer can feel overwhelming.  Some prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t need treatment right away. In those cases, doctors may recommend active surveillance, sometimes called watchful waiting, which means carefully watching the cancer over time. This often includes regular PSA blood tests and sometimes a prostate biopsy every year or two. If treatment is needed, radiation therapy and surgery (called a […]

When is it time to consider hospice?

When someone you love is nearing the end of life, it’s never easy. Knowing when and how to begin hospice care, though, can help ease the transition. If a friend or family member is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease, the first step is usually to find the most appropriate way of treating that […]

How Does Surgery Work to Treat Cancer?

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions they may ask is: How will it be treated? There are many ways to treat cancer, and surgery is one of the most common options. Surgery has been used to treat cancer for many years. For some people, it is the first and most important step in their treatment […]

Who is a candidate for histotripsy?

Histotripsy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy liver tumors without the need for incisions or needles. This procedure offers hope to patients seeking alternatives to traditional cancer treatments. But who exactly is eligible for histotripsy? Let’s explore the criteria, benefits and considerations to determine candidacy.​ Understanding histotripsy Histotripsy employs high-intensity ultrasound […]

Is thyroid cancer treatable?

Any type of cancer diagnosis is scary. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it’s important to know that you have options and the disease is treatable. The five-year survival rate for the most common types of thyroid cancer is higher than 90 percent! How is thyroid cancer treated? After you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer […]

What is a low-dose CT and why is it important?

In modern medicine, technology plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions with greater precision and less risk to patients. One such advancement is the low-dose CT (computed tomography) scan (LDCT), which has become an invaluable tool in diagnostic imaging. But what exactly is a LDCT, and how does it differ from traditional […]

How is cancer surgery used as part of treatment?

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Of that number, approximately 60 percent will have cancer surgery as part of their treatment plan. When it comes to cancer, surgery can be used in many ways. For one, surgery may be […]

How hospice care can benefit cancer patients

Over the last few decades, advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have made the disease more survivable. With that said, thousands of Americans still die of cancer each year. Hospice care can help when they near the end of life. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 2 million Americans will be […]

Addressing the needs of cancer survivors

June is Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the strength, resilience and courage of those who have battled cancer. Surviving cancer is a monumental achievement, but the journey doesn’t end with remission. Survivors often face a range of challenges that require ongoing support and care. Let’s shed light on some critical areas where survivors may need assistance […]

What are the advantages of histotripsy?

In the realm of cancer treatment, innovation is key to unlocking new avenues of hope for patients and clinicians alike. Among the arsenal of emerging technologies, histotripsy stands out as a groundbreaking approach with the potential to revolutionize how we combat certain types of cancer. In this blog, we break down the different key benefits to […]

What to expect after your first round of radiation therapy 

Whether you recently began undergoing cancer treatment or are beginning radiation therapy as a new type of treatment, you may have many questions about what to expect. That’s only natural! Undergoing any type of medical treatment, even when it’s not related to cancer, can be nerve-wracking and a little bit scary. Knowing what to expect […]

What should I expect if I need cancer surgery?

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer this year, including more than 61,000 people in Georgia alone. Many of those people will be treated with some type of cancer surgery. In fact, up to 60 percent of cancer patients will undergo cancer surgery, either […]

What is chemotherapy & how does it work?

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.9 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will receive chemotherapy as part of a treatment plan. Chemotherapy refers to any chemical agent (or medication) used to treat any medical condition. The term itself is not specifically tied to cancer treatment, but […]

Benefits of speech therapy for head & neck cancers

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month (BSHM) and the perfect time to highlight one of the lesser known roles that a speech therapist can play within your life. Speech therapists not only work with individuals who have difficulties speaking clearly, but a large part of this field includes treating individuals who have Dysphagia, or […]

What is the best prostate cancer treatment for me?

Nobody wants to be told they have prostate cancer. Thankfully, the list of treatment options have never been better for prostate cancer patients. What Kind of Treatments Are Available? There are several treatment options for localized prostate cancer that has not spread outside of the prostate gland. The following are the common treatment options for […]

What’s next? 5 steps to take after a cancer diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s natural to have many questions and emotions. A cancer diagnosis can feel chaotic and overwhelming. But a few basic steps can help you find your way. Nearly any time you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is break what’s in front of you into bite-size pieces. […]

Why two is better than one when it comes to cancer care

When you’re facing cancer, you want a winning team on your side. Even better, two. That’s why Northeast Georgia Medical Center is a proud network affiliate of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University – Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. “The importance of this affiliation between NGMC and Emory is invaluable for this […]