Skin Cancer + Original Articles

7 Contagious Skin Conditions

The symptoms may sound scary, but most of these conditions can be successfully treated with simple medications. Ouch! The skin you’re in can be plagued by a variety of conditions that itch, ooze, sting, and burn. To help keep your skin healthy, it’s important to take good care of it. "The skin is designed to be your wall against the outside environment," say Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

The Link Between Citrus Peels and Skin Cancer Protection

Can citrus zest prevent skin cancer? It may. While more research needs to be done, there is an association between citrus peel consumption and a reduced rate of skin cancer. Don t toss that sunscreen just yet, though! Looking for a tasty way to prevent skin cancer? Try adding grapefruit, orange, or lemon zest to your diet. A study says that the pulp and peel of citrus fruits can help prevent skin cancer. D-limonene and perillyl alcohol are the chemicals found in citrus peel that make oranges and lemons shiny.

10 Ways to Avoid Job Stress When You Have Cancer

While there are many benefits to working while sick, you ll still have to cope with job stress and the side effects of treatment. Here s help. When you're undergoing cancer treatment, you might be tempted to take a leave of absence from your job. But continuing to work can be good for your mental health, according to Melanie Whetzel, a senior consultant on the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) cognitive/neurological team.

Consider Becoming a Platelet Donor

Many patients undergoing chemotherapy are in need of platelets. Here's how you can help. Platelets—vital to good health—are tiny fragments of blood cells that help prevent bruising or serious bleeding. "They plug up tiny breaks in the blood vessels that occur in normal individuals, and low levels of platelets can lead to serious problems," explains Andrew Yeager, MD, of the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

What's Your White Blood Cell Count?

In addition to knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol numbers, you should also know your white blood cell count. Here's the lifesaving reason why. If you're like many people, you probably have an annual physical exam that includes tests such as a complete blood count, blood sugar, and cholesterol. And chances are that the results you focus on are the cholesterol and triglycerides—if they're elevated, your health care provider may tell you to make some dietary changes to get them back into the normal range.

Staying Headstrong During Your Fight With Cancer

Cancer is hard on your body and can impact your mind as well. Learn what you can do to gain a sense of control. If you've recently been diagnosed with cancer, you may be feeling stressed and anxious about the future. Kevin Stein, PhD, managing director of the Behavioral Research Center for the American Cancer Society says it's common to be overwhelmed with the process of working with your doctor to determine what course of treatment to take.

Keeping Cancer a Secret

Planning to keep your diagnosis to yourself? Read this first. If you've recently been diagnosed with cancer, you may be tempted to keep this information private. The desire for secrecy is a common one, and there are many reasons for it. Some patients "are in denial, don't want to face their fears or mortality, and are afraid of the pitying looks they'll get from people," says Carole Lieberman, MD, a Beverly Hills-based psychiatrist.

Telling Your Kids You Have Cancer

Revealing your diagnosis to your kids can be frightening, for you as well as for them. Here are some guidelines for healthy family communication. For a parent, there may be nothing scarier than being diagnosed with a serious illness. In addition to your own fears for the future, you're worrying about your children: How will they manage when you're sick? Should you keep your game face on or do you...

7 Deadly and Not-So-Deadly Skin Sins

Here's how not to care for your skin. Taking heed of these seven common blunders will help renew your complexion and possibly even save your life. From time to time, it's possible to miss the mark and slip into a bad habit. And although eating the occasional burger, skipping a week of exercise, or forgetting to wash your face one day won't hurt you, continually committing these offenses can become harmful.

Diagnosed With Cancer? Take Care of Your Mental Health

When you're dealing with a condition such as cancer, caring for your mental health is key. Here are some helpful pointers. From diagnosis on, cancer patients experience a wide range of emotions. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it's common for patients to feel worry, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. While these are understandable reactions to an illness, they can have serious consequences if not properly managed.

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