Blog

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and it is appearing in younger and younger people. Why? Scientists aren’t yet certain. “There are lots of theories, but we still don't really know,” explains Dr. Peter Lee of the Colorectal Surgical Specialists, community members of Arizona Oncology. “Theories include poor diet with consumption of processed meats and foods, the obesity epidemic, and a sedentary lifestyle.” The American Cancer Society estimates the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for...

Originally posted March 2012 More than two million people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.  It is the most common form of cancer in this country, but it is also one of the most preventable. As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, Arizona Oncology reminds the community about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the...

Thirty-eight year old Mandy Hanlon did not expect to get a cancer diagnosis when she arrived at her job as a pharmacy tech on a typical day in August of 2023. She describes what she thought was a sudden onset of nerve pain. Her legs “wouldn’t do what I was telling them to,” and she experienced an abrupt bout of numbness followed by pain. “The pharmacist saw how much pain I was in and called my dad to pick me up, and we went to Northwest Hospital,” Mandy recalls. “They did a test on me and saw a mass on my back. After tests and more tests, they found out I had stage four bone cancer and...

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, whether discovered through routine screening or after experiencing symptoms, can be an overwhelming experience. Arizona Oncology understands the challenges you might be facing and is here to provide you with the essential information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Your cancer care team, led by experts trained to treat gynecologic cancers, will be instrumental in guiding you through the treatment process. This team may include a gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologist, and medical...

The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, and spreading joy. For those undergoing cancer treatment, the warmth and comfort of thoughtful gifts can make a significant impact. We've curated a list of gift ideas recommended by our staff and patients to bring a touch of festive cheer to someone you care about who is on a cancer journey. Warm Blankets As the winter chill sets in, a soft and cozy blanket becomes a cherished companion. It provides warmth during hospital stays, treatment sessions, or quiet moments at home. Opt for blankets made of soft materials to ensure comfort, and select...

Receiving an abnormal report on your screening mammogram can be scary, but it doesn’t mean you have cancer. It doesn’t even necessarily mean that you require a biopsy. In this blog post we take an in-depth look at what it means to receive an abnormal mammogram result, and what the next steps might look like. What does “abnormal” mean on a mammogram report? There are several reasons why your report might be abnormal. ·       The images were unclear or missed some part of your breast tissue ·       There is an area that appears...

On October 27th, 2023, we held the ribbon-cutting for our brand-new facility in Prescott. Located at 5430 Landmark Lane, this 23,000 square foot practice will provide chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, genomic testing, and more in one location. By expanding the current Prescott office with this brand-new facility, our aim is to bring advanced cancer treatment closer to patients' homes and support systems. And we’re so excited to show it to you! Here’s a view of the building from the outside. The project was realized through the collaboration of NexCore Group with McKesson and US Oncology. And...

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that originate from the base of skull to the clavicles. It comprises diverse diagnoses of cancers that begin in the sinuses, throat, mouth, salivary glands, and larynx. Cancers in this region have a variety of causes including use of alcohol and tobacco. Head and neck cancers often present as a lump or sore that does not go away. It can be painful or painless. In some cases, the mass can cause difficulty swallowing or even breathing and may cause a hoarse voice. There are many non-malignant causes of these symptoms and concerned patients...

You probably already know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime? Dr. Jennifer O’Neill was one of those women. Dr. O’Neill is a breast surgeon practicing out of Arizona Oncology’s Goodyear office. She discovered her cancer during a breast self-examination despite the fact that self breast examinations weren’t encouraged at the time. “Self breast examination had received very negative attention,” she explains. “The argument at the time was that if a...

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. In the spirit of raising awareness and providing education on these cancers, we’ve invited Sarah Kilic, MD, one of the newest members of our radiation oncology team, to share some knowledge. Dr. Kilic has an extensive background in the research and delivery of treatments for gynecological cancer. She has authored over 30 publications in various medical journals, including JCO Oncology Practice and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. She has also published several book chapters and presented...