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October 2021
October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of regular screening with mammograms for early detection and treatment. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that as many as 87% of women missed having their screening mammogram because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimated that this delay may possibly result in an additional 2,487 breast cancer deaths, many of which will be diagnosed at a later stage, complicating treatment and compromising survival. But that’s not the end of the story. There are other cancer screenings that were missed due to the fear of going to the doctor during the pandemic. Skin cancer screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, prostate enlargement screenings, PAP tests for cervical cancer, Human papillomavirus screening, dental and oral cancer screening and lung cancer screening are some but not all of the opportunities that were missed during the pandemic. Healthy living goes beyond good nutrition, quality sleep and regular exercise. Healthy living includes self-care, both mental and physical, and that includes cancer screenings. Did you miss your annual screening tests? Are you behind in your self-care? If so, make that call today and get these appointments scheduled.
Enjoy this month’s edition of Health in Harmony and commit to keeping your health in harmony by catching up on your cancer screenings!
Susan Chandler, Ph.D., R.N.
Nurse Program Coordinator, Integrative Health
VCU Massey Cancer Center
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Weekly Farm Stand
Wednesdays, 10 am-12 pm
North Hospital entrance
Purchase locally-grown produce every week at North Hospital courtesy of Shalom Farms.
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Coffee & Conversation
Friday, October 22, 9 am-12 pm
North Hospital entrance
Chat with cancer survivors while enjoying light refreshments courtesy of our volunteers.
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The RAMble: Walking for Wellness
Saturday, October 16, 8:30 am
Stony Point Fashion Park
Join us for an in-person walk! Participants must be fully vaccinated, wear a mask and practice social distancing. Click here for more details.
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VCU Health webinar: High Risk Breast Cancer
Thursday, October 21 5:30 pm
Massey's Facebook
Speakers: Massey nurse navigator Patty Bragg, N.P., and genetic counselor Elizabeth Monast, MS, LCGC. Watch live at Massey's Facebook.
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The American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO), the voice of the world's cancer physicians and oncology professionals, is dedicated to bringing expertise and resources to people living with cancer and those who care for them. Visit their website to learn more about monthly cancer awareness topics. Take some time to explore and find out more about each one of these topics. Educate yourself and participate with those activities that are meaningful to you. Remember, you make a difference - your advocacy makes a difference. You are the change you are waiting for.
October is:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Liver Cancer Awareness Month
Long-Term Care Planning Month
Health Literacy Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Plus:
September 29 - October 5 - National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week
October 10 - World Mental Health Day
October 13 - National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
October 15 - National Mammography Day
October 20 - Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day
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What You Should Know About Vit D
Vitamin D has a number of important roles when it comes to keeping you healthy In addition to making it possible for your body to absorb calcium in order to make bones and teeth strong .
How To: Quick Natural Makeup Look
Massey cosmetologist Mone' Bailey provides tips on applying a natural look. For more information about Massey Wig Salon services or to make an appointment, call 804-828-8709.
The RAMble and Me: Dr. Park's Story
Suzie Park, M.D., shares her experience with giving a health talk at The RAMble and enhancing physician-patient relationships.
Relaxation Breathing
Learn a technique to help manage your anxiety and stress. Email susan.chandler@vcuhealth.org to schedule an in-person or virtual session.
Chemo 101
Click here to watch an overview of chemo and its side effects. |
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Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC)
VCU Health rehab exercise program. Physician referral required. Contact Kimberly Ericson at 804-628-1128 or Sarah Kaplan at 804-237-6667.
VCU RecWell virtual exercise classes
Check with your doctor before engaging in any new physical activity.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
NIH-based research and information on complementary health products and practices.
• National Institute of Health
• Centers for Disease Control
• Virginia Department of Health
• RVA Strong: COVID-19 resources
• Financial and insurance resources
American Cancer Society:
• COVID-19 & Cancer Info Hub
• 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-227-2345 or online chat.
• Reach To Recovery: Connect with other breast cancer patients for peer-to-peer support.
• Cancer Survivors Network: Join a safe online community and build a support network.
• Personal Health Manager: Track and organize information about diagnosis and treatment.
• “tlc” – Tender Loving Care®: Affordable wigs, scarves and mastectomy products.
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Yoga4Cancer online yoga
Free 60-minute video
Richmond Brain Tumor Support Group
Support for brain tumor survivors, family and friends meeting via Zoom on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8 pm. Go to btsupport-rva.org to join a meeting. Contact Dr. Nancy Hsu at (877) 284-3905 or info@btsupport-rva.org.
Talkspace Mental Health Resources
Greater Good Science Center
University of California Berkeley
Virtual arts showcase
Modlin Center for the Arts at University of Richmond
UBCF COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program Supporting Breast Cancer Patients
Guided Meditations and Tai Chi
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Virtual Resources - Yoga, meditation, movement and more at home
Rosenthal Center for Wellness & Health Promotion at Harvard University
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CLICK HERE for information about COVID-19 pertaining to Massey patients.
For ongoing updates from VCU Health, visit https://www.vcuhealth.org/news-center/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-home. If you have questions or concerns about how Massey’s precautions impact your care, contact your team through the My VCU Health patient portal at vcuhealth.org.
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Connect with us! Join Massey's online communities.
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Massey does not endorse all integrative health practices. We only recommend those that are known to be safe and have the potential to improve health when used alongside, and never in place of, professional medical care. All cancer patients are advised to consult with their physician before starting any integrative health practice, as some may interfere with medical care. Please call (804) 828-8478 for more information about our Integrative Health program.
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