To help prevent cancer, eat healthy, exercise, and quit smoking, says Valley Regional Hospital

By KATLYN PROCTOR
Eagle Times Associate Editor
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking but already picked up a new pack? Or how about you switched from sugary snacks to carrot sticks and back again? This February, in honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, try again. After all, these small lifestyle changes can make a lifetime of a difference.

“Other important cancer prevention methods are eating a healthy diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight,” said Christen Emerson, an RN Clinical Coordinator for Valley Regional Hospital’s Oncology and Infusion Suite.

Emerson administers chemotherapy and hematology infusions in that infusion suite (located in Valley Regional’s Kane Center), working closely with individuals already diagnosed with cancer or pre-existing conditions. The center offers a warm, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in a private setting. There are three infusion bays, each with a recliner, personal TV and sliding glass doors for privacy and seating.

Emerson also works closely with Valley Regional’s oncology clinic physician, Dr. Matthew Sullivan, who travels from the Norris Cotton Cancer at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center twice a week to provide help right here in Claremont.

“I second Nurse Emerson’s sentiment that prevention through healthy lifestyle, and early detection through routine screenings (colonoscopies, mammograms, etc.), are the best way for patients to protect themselves against cancer,” said Dr. Matthew Sullivan, oncology physician at VRH. “While healthy living by no means guarantees anyone of not getting cancer, it certainly reduces the risks.”

For National Cancer Prevention Month, VRH advises the following, especially if already diagnosed:

DROP THE CIGARETTE

Cigarettes cause 80% of lung cancer diagnoses — so cut back or cut the habit out completely.

“Tobacco is a known carcinogen and it’s not necessary for anyone,” Emerson said. “It’s known to increase risks of lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer; there are known documented increasing risk factors.”

Emerson explains how cell mutations can be caused by tobacco, and those cell mutations can lead to cancer.

“Tobacco cessation. That’s the number one thing you can do to reduce your risk,” she said.

HEALTHY EXERCISE

National Cancer Action Week (Feb. 19-25) takes place during National Cancer Prevention Month, and the week is dedicated to the physical side of health.

“The current recommendation is 30 mins of moderate physical activity every day,” Emerson said. “Our patients who are already diagnosed and undergoing treatment, we encourage them to be as active as possible. Listen to your body. Physical activity, while sounding counterproductive, can decrease your fatigue levels. It improves your energy level even when you’re already tired.”

Get that heart rate up by starting with walks or speak to your local provider about your exercise capabilities.

PREVENTATIVE SCREENINGS

Point blank: Early detection saves lives. Talk to your provider about your health so they can order necessary or suggested cancer screenings.

“Getting screenings does not prevent cancer, but if you have your mammograms, your colonoscopies, lung screenings; the earlier a cancer is found, the higher the chance it can be cured,” Emerson said. “If it’s found early, the higher the chance it’s curable. It’s treatable.”

All the above screenings can be done locally at Valley Regional Hospital. And, preventative screenings are covered by most insurance companies at 100%. In addition, an annual physical with your primary care provider (PCP) is another excellent way to detect abnormalities early. To get started, make an appointment with your PCP today. Health care professionals will order additional screenings only as necessary.

“Early detection is very important because once a cancer has spread from its initial site (say a lung cancer spreads to the liver or bone, or breast cancer spreads to the lung, etc.), it is generally incurable, and our approach is to try to extend the patient’s life while preserving the quality of it,” Sullivan said. “However, if cancer is caught at an early stage before it has spread, and a surgeon can cut out all of it, then we can cure people of their cancer. And by cure, I mean it will never come back again. The exact percentages of cure vary by individual situations, but it’s a common misconception that we can never cure cancer when it is at an early stage.”

Valley Regional Hospital and its staff is at the ready, prepared for patients at any time. Take Emerson for example, who was introduced to oncology during a work stint in pediatrics. She hasn’t looked back since, promising the patients of Valley Regional the best care she can provide.

“Everybody needs someone in their corner, and I find it be a privilege to be there for someone on their worst day; to be able to help them through the journey,” Emerson said. “I came back to Valley Regional Hospital because I felt passionate about having oncology care in my hometown.”

For more information, visit vrh.org/service/oncology.