Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology

Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. According to the 

, an estimated 21,410 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2021, and about 13,770 women will die from the disease.

As a woman, you are at risk. Let's discuss the symptoms as well as your risk factors and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer vary and may include bloating, abdominal pressure or pain, feeling full quickly after eating small amounts of food, frequent urination, constipation or diarrhea. Many of these symptoms are easily mistaken as common digestive issues. However, if these symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks and are new or unusual for you, it's time to visit a doctor for testing.

Other less common symptoms of ovarian cancer include chronic fatigue, back pain, pain during intercourse and menstrual irregularities.

What Is My Risk of Developing Ovarian Cancer?

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, race/ethnicity, family history and genetics. Age-related changes in the ovaries make older women more likely to develop this type of cancer. But while ovarian cancer mainly affects older women (ages 50+), it can happen to any woman at any age.

People with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers are at an increased chance of developing the disease, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also be at higher risk.

If you have the signs and/or symptoms of ovarian cancer, your doctor will probably perform a number of tests, including a complete pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and radiological tests. Some physicians will recommend a CT scan and blood tests as well. Because these tests offer no definitive answers when used individually, the best way for your doctor to make the most accurate diagnosis is by using the different tests in combination with one another.

If a tumor is detected, your doctor may perform laparoscopic surgery to remove some tissue to test for the presence of ovarian cancer and determine the extent of the spread of cancer cells.

What are My Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer treatment options can vary depending on the type of ovarian tumor and the extent of the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Treatment options for ovarian cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

During surgery, doctors attempt to remove all visible and detectable tumors. Chemotherapy may then be used to destroy any residual cancer cells that may not have been removed through surgery. Other targeted therapies and drugs like angiogenesis inhibitors may be recommended in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Radiation may be used if the patient is not a good candidate for surgery—or sometimes before or after surgery to improve results.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

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Learn more about the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

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Radiation therapy has various physical side effects, but the process of cancer treatment undoubtedly impacts your mental well-being, as well. Experimental evidence from the National Cancer Institute suggests that psychological stress can affect a tumor’s ability to grow and spread. This implies that a healthy mind translates to a healthy body.

Stress is inevitable; that’s a universal truth. Fortunately, there are several ways you can cope with its effects. Here are five of our favorite options for overcoming stress and anxiety to promote your mental wellness and emotional resilience during your radiation therapy.

Light exercise or a fitness routine consisting of strength and aerobic exercises are recommended for patients under cancer care. If you need to start with an easier alternative to build up your stamina, try light yoga or walking for at least 10 minutes a day. The idea is to get your blood pumping to reduce stress hormones and stimulate the production of happy hormones called endorphins.

Regularly practicing meditation and mindfulness offers long-term benefits, especially in reducing stress and anxiety. Cancer Research UK found out that meditation can:

Find the perfect spot and meditate for 20 to 30 minutes a day to ease your agitation and restlessness.

Sleeping for seven to eight hours a night meets the basic requirement for your body to function properly. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try these:

Ensure your surroundings are conducive (dark, cool temperature)

Avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants

Discontinue the use of electronic or light-producing devices 30 minutes before bedtime

4. Social and Emotional Support: Get With Your Tribe

Having cancer and going through treatment can make you feel isolated. Surround yourself with people who can provide emotional and motivational support; they’re an essential lifeline. For health reasons, you may turn to an online social support group of fellow cancer patients, but video chats or even phone calls with family and friends are also beneficial.

Nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods also nourishes your mind. Your doctor may recommend a calorie-dense and high-protein diet for weight maintenance. Whatever your recommended eating plan, your healthful diet should still include:

Probiotics and prebiotics (fermented foods or supplements)

Cut out refined foods, processed meats, high-sodium foods and beverages loaded with sugar. And if you want to boost your metabolism and maintain your weight, eat meals frequently in smaller portions–about 6 to 8 times a day. Choose colorful or flavorful foods that tempt your eyes and delight your taste buds.

Here are five options for overcoming stress and anxiety to promote your mental wellness and emotional resilience during your radiation therapy.

5 Ways to Support Your Mental Wellness During Radiation Therapy

Gel polishes have become popular options for long-lasting, chip-free manicures and pedicures in recent years.

The strength in gel polish comes from a UV curing process. The polish contains chemicals called photoinitiators, which require UV light to harden. This photoreaction process strengthens and sets the gel and speeds up the nail drying time.

However, this convenience may come at a cost as nail lamps expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet light. So, if you’re getting gel service every couple of weeks, you’re increasing UV exposure and your risk of 

There are three types of UV rays; all are damaging to the skin, but only two reach the earth’s surface–UVA and UVB. UV rays come naturally from the sun, providing the production of beneficial vitamin D but also causing sunburns after prolonged exposure.

Artificial sources of UV rays—and radiation—include lamps used extensively in the food industry and medical laboratories for disinfecting surfaces and phototherapy. UV lamps are also used for curing resins and in suntanning beds. 

While UV radiation has benefits (natural vitamin D production), long-term exposure can be harmful and cause signs of premature aging like wrinkles and leathery skin. These rays can deeply penetrate the skin, damaging DNA in the skin cells and weakening the immune system, making it hard for the body to fend off infections and increase skin cancer risk, including melanoma.

Nail lamps emit varying amounts of UV radiation because they come in different light wavelengths and their intensities depend on the bulb wattage. Therefore, higher-wattage UV lamps emit more radiation. The number of bulbs in the lamp also differs. Another factor that affects the lamp’s ability to cure gel polish is how close the bulbs are to the fingernails. Therefore, for the UV lamp to cure the gel faster, bulbs may be placed close to the nails, increasing UV exposure to the surrounding skin. Some models allow the technician to move the lamp progressively closer during the curing process.

Skin Cancer Can Develop on Hands, Feet and Under Nails

Skin cancer can develop under the nails on both feet and hands, as well as on fingers and toes. Melanoma under the nail can look like a light- to dark-brown colored band on the nail, usually vertical. Any dark band on the nail that slowly expands and covers more of the surface or dark nail pigmentation that expands to the surrounding skin should be examined. Also, see your doctor if you see reddish sores, scaly spots or warts on your hands or feet, particularly if they seem to take a longer than normal time to heal.

What you should know about UV manicures and cancer risk.

Could Your UV Manicure Increase Your Risk for Skin Cancer?

Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of our diet, and nutritionists, doctors and dietitians all recommend the inclusion of vegetables and fruits in well-rounded meals.

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in your diet is proven to be effective against one of the world’s leading causes of death: cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis of cohort studies following 469,551 participants discovered that an increased intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by four percent for each serving.

The risk of certain cancers, diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases can also be reduced by incorporating fruits and vegetables into your way of eating, so long as it remains balanced and is complemented by an active lifestyle.

Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables into Your Diet

You can include fruits and vegetables in your diet by considering the serving sizes for the daily recommended intake. Depending on your age and certain conditions, five servings per day of fruits and vegetables is the magic number for daily intake as recommended by the National Cancer Institute. All you need is two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables per day to get your five servings.

The fruits can be fresh, chopped or canned (with no sugar added), while vegetables are best raw, lightly cooked (such as steaming, flash cooking) is a better option than cooking veggies to mush, since they’ll retain more of their beneficial minerals and nutrients.

So, guys, it’s time to dig into five servings a day to live longer, fuller lives and reduce the risks of free radicals – all thanks to the immunity-enhancing antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

Remember when you were a child and your parents said to eat your vegetables to grow up strong and healthy? Well, it’s still true.

Hey, Guys, It’s Time to Eat Your Veggies

Adding sunscreen to your daily skincare routine may be one of the best decisions you will make in your life. As you age, you’ll undoubtedly notice the benefits.

But with so many options on the shelf, how do you choose the right one?

Sunscreens, whether chemical- or mineral-based, have the same purpose: to protect your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays that come from natural light. The damage can cause sunburns and contribute to the onset of 

, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. (Melanoma is not always linked to sun exposure.)

Chemical sunscreens contain organic or carbon-based compounds such as:

These sunscreens have a thinner consistency and are more quickly absorbed but need 10 to 15 minutes to become effective. This type is easily applied under makeup and used daily.

Sunscreens with active mineral compounds include:

These formulations deflect harsh UV rays of the sun from the skin's surface, protecting from both UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays are what cause signs of aging, while UVB rays cause sunburns.) They cannot be thoroughly blended and—unless mixed with a tint—will leave a white film on the skin, but they provide instant protection.

Compared to the chemical sunscreens, they are thicker and also have a longer shelf life.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF 30 for everyday use. SPF is the measurement of how long UVB protection will last.

Sunscreens with a broad spectrum contain a photostabilizer. UVA filtering compounds combine with both chemical and mineral compounds to help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. They’re blended into moisturizers, lip balms, lotions, face powders, liquid foundations and sunscreen lotions, sprays and sticks.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, consider that when choosing sunscreen. Fewer chemicals may be the better choice for sensitive skin. Thinner formulations may be your go-to if you’re worried about breakouts.

Our very best advice is this: Any time you know you’ll be in the sun, use a water-resistant SPF of 50 or higher sunscreen, wear a hat and stay in a shaded area for extra protection.

More than a thousand men and women diagnosed with cancer each year turn to our trusted 

call us, ask us a question or consult with us

 to get a second opinion so you, too, can experience the difference.

Learn the differences between sunscreen types and what to look for.

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Winter can be hard for many people, but for patients with 

, slippery streets and cold weather are more than a hazard—they can also be a health risk. Learn how cold weather affects cancer patients and how you can stay safe during the winter.

Patients with cancer are more susceptible to hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition where the human body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, causing the body temperature to become dangerously low. Side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, dehydration and anemia, can make patients more susceptible to hypothermia as they may lose heat much faster.

Frostbite is a bigger risk for patients with cancer

Some treatments can cause peripheral neuropathy, which carries numbness in the extremities as a potential side effect. Patients who have peripheral neuropathy are more likely to get frostbite since they can't feel how cold their fingers and hands are in cold weather already.

Patients will have a higher risk of falling

Patients can have a higher risk of fracture if they are receiving treatments that affect bone density. Patients with cancer also need to be especially careful if they have thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with blood cancers that cause low platelet counts. Since platelets help blood clot, a low count can mean that bruising or serious bleeding can happen when injured. Patients who have numbness in their feet are also more prone to falls.

Having A Higher Risk for Complications with the flu

Cancer therapy may weaken patients’ immune systems. It is necessary that they get their flu shot since they don't have enough white blood cells to fight infections. This is why patients with cancer have a higher chance of having complications from the flu than a healthy person.

Follow these tips to protect your health or a loved one in winter and stay safe:

Stay inside as much as you can when temperatures are freezing or when low temperatures are accompanied by rain or high winds.

Make sure your walkways are always cleared of ice and snow.

If you need to go outside, make sure to bundle up in layers. Put on a hat that covers your ears, especially if therapy has caused you to lose your hair. Wear heavy gloves, thick socks and warm boots with good treads.

Protect your skin. Therapy can make your skin itchy, dry and cracked, especially when the humidity level drops. Use lip balm and moisturizers regularly and avoid long, hot showers and baths. Consider getting a humidifier.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids regularly.

If you’d rather avoid winter and the risks it carries for cancer patients, you can always consider health tourism. It’s the practice of traveling to a popular tourist destination with the purpose of receiving therapeutic treatment. For example, Florida has mild, pleasant winters, which make it an ideal location for “health tourism!” Winter won't last forever, even if you sometimes feel that way, so celebrate each sunny day!

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to

call us, ask us a question, or consult with us

Winter brings added challenges for patients with cancer. Here's what you need to know to take into consideration as the weather gets colder.

How Cold Weather Affects Patients with Cancer

Fear of having cancer is not unusual, but there are a few actions you can take to help calm those fears:

Acknowledge your fears and look for ways to deal with your feelings. Many people try to ignore or hide “negative” feelings like anxiety and fear. Ignoring them only makes them grow stronger and potentially become overwhelming. Talking about them may help you discover the reasons behind them. You can also write down your thoughts in a journal.

Criticizing yourself for being afraid or telling yourself not to worry will not likely make these feelings go away. Accept that you are experiencing some anxiety. Sometimes, talking to your health care specialist may help you realize that what you are afraid of is probably unlikely to happen. You can also join a support group or talk to a therapist.

Knowing your cancer risk or prognosis and planning for the future can help you feel more in control of your health.

The surest way to know you don’t have cancer is to complete the screenings your physician recommends.

Finding ways to cope with stress will help lower your level of anxiety. Try different ways of dealing with stress to find out what works best for you. These might include:

Spending time with and friends and family;

Focusing on hobbies and other things you enjoy;

Meditating, taking a walk, or enjoying a bubble bath;

Practicing yoga or other forms of exercise;

Watching a funny movie or reading a funny book, and

Remember that many discomforts like colds, headaches or achy joints are normal. Your 

Although no single type of food can protect you against cancer, an overall healthy diet can support the immune system and improve your well-being. Healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep can help you feel better, both emotionally and physically. Avoiding unhealthy habits, like excessive drinking or smoking, can help you feel like you have more control over your health.

Here are some other diet and activity recommendations for cancer prevention 

Carry as little extra body fat as possible, but don’t become underweight;

Practice physical activity for at least half an hour every day;

Avoid using supplements unless recommended by your medical professional;

Eat more vegetables, whole grains, fruits and legumes (like beans);

Avoid sweetened drinks and limit the consumption of added-sugar foods;

Limit your consumption of processed meats;

If any, limit your daily intake to two alcoholic drinks for men and one for women, and

Fear of having cancer is not unusual, but there are a few actions you can take to help calm those fears