In August 2010, I received news that no one wants to hear: My sister’s mammogram identified a tumor. Cancer was the likely cause. After undergoing a biopsy, the pathology supported the initial dread — she had breast cancer and would face an uphill battle for survival. In fact, when she had surgery to remove the tumor in its entirety, it was found that she had two tumors (one on top of the other) that were classified as different primary cancers — how incredibly unlucky for her.
Most of us can identify a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor who has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Frustration continues to mount as we race to find the silver bullet that will eradicate this devastating disease. I was intrigued by a recent report that could illustrate a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
This spring, the HBO documentary series “Vice” aired an eye-opening account of current clinical trials in the U.S. that use old adversaries to augment the immune system’s fight against cancer cells. “Killing Cancer” centered on the work of Dr. Jon Bell, a Canadian researcher who looked back 100 years to find a treatment program to test.
The documentary follows several cancer patients who all failed standard treatments and faced certain death, until they met Dr. Bell. Inspired by a century-old study, he administered genetically modified viruses that he hoped would attack the cancer cells.
For many of the patients, the aggressive treatment worked. Two people with glioblastoma are in full remission. At the very least, the science is encouraging, and the medical community is hopeful that this will help eradicate the world’s cancer epidemic.
After watching the show, a question popped into my head: “How can the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute assist cancer survivors?” We have wellness programs for weight loss, disease reversal, chronic pain and brain health, but nothing that relates to current and future cancer survivors.
Dr. Mladen Golubic, section head of Lifestyle Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, and I are meeting with specialists who treat prostate and breast cancer to collaborate on wellness initiatives for cancer survivors. We believe that for survivors to remain in remission, we must provide a clear roadmap — a survivor’s guide — to living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Lowering inflammation goes a long way toward living a long, healthy life. And cancer survivors need to focus on more than their cancer diagnosis. The rest of the body needs TLC in order to reduce the risk of developing another chronic disease. This starts with food choices and portion size, proper supplementation, stress reduction, avoiding all tobacco products and exercise.
So much of what we offer cancer survivors is about watching for signs of recurrence. The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute will partner with experts to develop forward-thinking approaches for cancer survivors. We want our patients focusing on healthy living. Running scared? Never again! The only running cancer survivors should be doing is for daily exercise.
My sister continues to receive the best care possible at Cleveland Clinic’s Tausig Cancer Center. I am grateful for her team of doctors and am so thankful to report that she continues to live a full life in remission. Though she is five years removed from her breast cancer diagnosis, it is time for her — as well as the millions of cancer survivors — to have a discussion on living “well.”
This forward-thinking approach to wellness will assist many patients in truly leaving their cancer in the rearview mirror. I will keep you updated on our newly created shared medical appointments as they emerge. Until next time, be well.
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Never Again: Time to Bring Wellness Strategies to Cancer Survivors originally appeared on usnews.com