"The Emperor Of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" Premieres March 30 on PBS

A three-part, six-hour documentary series based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning cancer biography written by Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center debuts on PBS stations March 30 and continues on March 31 and April 1. Read more about the series, here.  

The novel was a winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and can be rented or purchased online, here (or check your local library!). A description of the book can be found below.

The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee examines cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with—and perished from—for more than five thousand years. The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out “war against cancer.” The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist. From the Persian Queen Atossa, whose Greek slave cut off her malignant breast, to the nineteenth-century recipients of primitive radiation and chemotherapy to Mukherjee’s own leukemia patient, Carla, The Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered through fiercely demanding regimens in order to survive—and to increase our understanding of this iconic disease. Riveting, urgent, and surprising, The Emperor of All Maladies provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer treatments. It is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer. (Source)

Cancer and Genetics (slides available for download)

In case you missed our Cancer and Genetics lunch & learn last Thursday, the slides are available below or for download, here! Enjoy and please share. 

Sowing the seeds of recovery: Gardening and Cancer

Photo Credit

Studies have shown gardening may be effective in alleviating depression associated with cancer and even in reducing breast cancer risk.

We wanted to share these studies with you prior to the launch of our 3-part Gardening series with Dino next Friday, February 20 at 12:30 pm. We hope you find these articles informative. Please bring any questions you have to our gardening expert and workshop leader, Dino. There is still space open so RSVP by calling 310-314-2555 or by filling out a form online.

Gardening and depression

In an online survey of 41 gardeners living with cancer, 80% of participants said that gardening helped to reduce stress and anxiety, and helped to take their mind off treatment. This study was conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support and the the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Macmillan's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Maher, says:

"... It's so important that we bust this myth that cancer patients should 'rest up'. So many patients and professionals still believe that it is necessary to rest during and after cancer treatment. However, we know that doing moderate physical activity such as gardening on a regular basis actually helps to significantly reduce the impact of side-effects of cancer treatment such as depression, fatigue, bone thinning, muscle wasting and heart damage ..."

Gardening and breast cancer

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer and funded by Cancer Research UK found that gardening, doing housework and walking the dog can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 13%. 

In 8,000 women examined by researchers, those who were most active were 13% less likely to get breast cancer than those who were inactive. Women who were moderately active were 8% less likely, providing further evidence for the beneficial effects of maintaining an active lifestyle.

Personal story: gardening restores the body and soul

This personal anecdote stems from Mayo Clinic's Living with Cancer blog. This story is shared by Nurse Sheryl Ness, and focuses on the benefits she has experienced through gardening. Here is an excerpt from her article: 

"... Having a garden in your life can be restoring. It gives you something to care for, celebrate, and later on, gives back by producing flowers, fruits or vegetables to nourish your body and your soul. A great idea is to also include aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, mint and other herbs to give your senses a treat as well ..."

Nurse Ness' full article is available, here.

Thank you for reading! Do you have a story about how gardening has improved your life during or post-cancer? Please share in the comments below.

Taste and Learn: Benefits of Drinking with Chocolate

One of ChocoVivo's many delicious creations

This month, we are so excited to be welcoming Patricia Tsai and Alex Conn, founders of ChocoVivo, who will be leading a workshop (a taste & learn!) on the health benefits of - as you may have guessed - chocolate. Yum!

We had the opportunity to chat with Alex before the workshop kicks off on February 26th. Quick plug: there is still space open in the Drinking with Chocolate workshop so don't forget to RSVP by calling 310-314-2555 or at cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org! 

Alex, how long have you been exploring the benefits of chocolate? 

I have been working on chocolate since the mid-90s. We filed our patent in late 1990! 

What will CSC members learn from this workshop? 

They will learn (at least) 3 things: 
1) what is good chocolate
2) how we study the medical effects and use of plants
3) issues with the current ("colonial plantation") food chain from a health perspective

What are some of the benefits of incorporating chocolate into the diet, particularly for those with cancer?

There is no short answer to this question. It really depends on the type of cancer - stage and treatments. Ethnomedical and modern medical ideas are different. I will elaborate further during the workshop. 

For more information about this fascinating topic, please feel free to peruse the articles linked below. If you have any questions for discussion, please comment below and we will do our best to pass them on to the workshop leaders Patricia and Alex. 

LIVESTRONG: 5 things you need to know about chocolate and cancer 
Cancer.org: Can Eating Chocolate Prevent Cancer?
NYU Langone Medical Center: True or False: Eating Dark Chocolate Can Lower Your Risk of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease 

Interview Series: Dr. Hua-Bing Wen on Eastern Medicine and Finding the Perfect Combination for You

Dr. Wen's 3-part Lunch and Learn series is beginning on Monday, February 2nd at 12pm. RSVP now to save your spot!

Q&A with Dr. Hua-Bing Wen

Dr. Hua-Bing Wen, B. Med., MS, L.Ac. (licensed acupuncturist) returns this month to the CSC Benjamin Center in a 3-part series which will explore the benefits of Eastern (Traditional) medicine in cancer care and treatment. Continue reading to find out more about Dr. Wen and Eastern (Traditional) Medicine and sign up for what will surely be a fascinating, informative workshop!

Dr. Wen, thank you for speaking with us today. Please tell readers a bit about yourself. How long have you been practicing Eastern medicine? 

I received my medical degree in 1987 from Beijing University, where they offered a 6-year program that trained us in both “Conventional” Western medicine as well as “Traditional” Eastern medicine or what we refer to today as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I continued on to do research while gaining extensive clinical experience through my residency in an integrative program that combined Eastern and Western medicine. Thereafter, I moved to the United States and have been practicing in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I also teach in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey.

I've been very interested in cancer and in helping patients battle cancer right from the very beginning. The ideal treatment, in my experience, has been for patients with cancer to combine traditional methods, such as acupuncture, herbs, and qi gong with Western medicine. The patients seem to benefit most from an integrative approach. For the past 2 years, we've been running an acupuncture clinic specifically for cancer patients and a large percentage of my patients are fighting cancers of many types.

Due to my training in both Eastern and Western medicine, as well my extensive clinical experience utilizing the approaches of both disciplines, I believe I provide a unique perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of how to treat cancer. My practice incorporates methods to strengthen the immune system, which is a major part of cancer care. 

What are 3 things you hope community members will learn from your three workshops? 

1. The benefits of acupuncture with cancer treatment 

2. How to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine with cancer treatment

3. Nutrition and cancer prevention

There’s really a lot that can be done if you combine Eastern and Western ideas in the right way. In fact, the two often work hand in hand. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as acupuncture and taking the right herbal formulations, can alleviate side effects of chemotherapy and boost the immune system, which strengthens the body and speeds up recovery. When it comes to cancer prevention, there are some basic principles and approaches that I would like to share, which will be very useful to this community.

I also want members to come in with questions, as I am always happy to try to answer and provide as much knowledge and information as I can. I bring a different perspective, which I hope will be valuable to this group. 

What are some advantages of incorporating Eastern Medicine into a treatment plan, particularly for those affected by cancer? 

Let me give an example. I have a patient who was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized (spread) to the brain. She was given 3 months to live. She began acupuncture and started taking herbs in conjunction with a light dose of chemotherapy. She is in her seventies today, cancer free and recently competed on the show "Dancing with the Stars.” It's amazing what finding the right combination between Eastern and Western medicine can do. 

** Update: If you have any questions for Dr. Wen, please comment below and we will forward them on to him to be answered in his upcoming workshops on Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. Thank you!

Cancer Support, Education, & Hope: Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink

Cancer Support, Education, & Hope: Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink: Pink and White Jacket with Pink Breast Cancer Scarf    On my last day of chemo I was both elated and anxious. Why? Because ...

Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink

Pink and White Jacket with Pink Breast Cancer Scarf

   On my last day of chemo I was both elated and anxious. Why? Because I was finally going to leave behind my breast cancer struggle and re-enter the world as a survivor and a warrior, with a new set of skills. I had learned how to live with an inhumane amount of pain and discomfort and my physical appearance had changed in ways I'd have to adjust to. I also had learned how to survive, in a world, where I was now considered disabled.

    Little did I realize when I left the safety, security and support of the environments where others helped me get through this chapter of my life, I'd be entering a world where I was reacquainted with racism because I'm African-American, ageism, and a negative onslaught from my own race and other minorities because of the way I dress and present myself. The worst has been on my job search and through my continued educational pursuits. As an African-American female I'm used to prejudice, obstacles and a general ignorance about my abilities, but I have to admit the vitriol I've encountered during this phase of my post-cancer journey has surprised even an experienced "target" like myself.In a way I see it as another form of cancer, but this time it's outside of my body.

    Initially, and also during the worst moments, when so-called experts told me to "tone down my appearance" and "dumb myself down" to get a job, I experienced so much anger and shock the stress took a toll on my body and I became physically ill. I had to figure out a way to confront and combat this negativity and continue striving to be the best person I could be now that I was on the other side of chemo.

     One solution was to complain about the way I was being treated, to the right people, and seek advice on how to deal with these problems. When I told a career counselor, who works with cancer patients, about the job-related comments regarding my personal style, educational and high skill level, she agreed with me that it was racist, inappropriate and unprofessional. Most importantly she reminded me, "The next time anyone tries to hold you down think about what Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and other strong black women would do in your situation, and do what they'd do."

     This advice helped me immeasurably and made me realize I shouldn't be trying to fit into an environment where my best self wasn't accepted and couldn't thrive, I should be searching for a more positive fit and situation. During this revelation I was also struggling to deal with my altered physique following my reconstruction. The plastic surgeon had rejuvenated me by fixing what cancer altered, but now that I could wear regular (non-mastectomy) bras and was a little larger I had to change how I dressed yet again. This time, however, I thoroughly embraced and accepted my inner fashionista and proudly wore the clothes I wanted to. Do you know what happened because of this approach? I started to feel good about myself again and enjoy dressing up in nice things, especially pink ones.

    In addition to being associated with breast cancer, because of the pink ribbon, pink has been my favorite color ever since I changed it from red. Long "associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, the feminine, and the romantic," last October I was very pleased to see a rack of pink clothes at one of my favorite thrift stores, Council Thrift Store, celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I selected a lovely pink and white checked blazer from it and bought it immediately. Structured, and slightly retro, it represented exactly how I felt at the time.

     Over these past months, where I've continued to suffer from crushing racism and employment obstacles, I've continuously turned to the color pink and worn it when I need to feel strong. For the day I had to go to my ECE 11 class at Santa Monica College, after a particularly grueling weekend of homework, I decided to try out a new look accented with pink. Using my pink breast cancer socks as a starting point I coordinated my pink and white floral blazer with an off-white lacy sleeveless top worn over a short-sleeved t-shirt, grey harem pants, then accessorized the outfit with a pink knit Betsey Johnson scarf, a pink and gold bow bracelet and flowered sneakers.Buoyed by the bright shade and unusual combination I was able to get through the day despite my exhaustion.

    After going through so much hardship and revelation throughout my life, before, during and after cancer I'm not sure whether the color pink has special healing powers for me or not, but I do think it has the ability to make me feel happy, beautiful and resilient regardless, which is good enough for me.

Interesting Facts About the Color Pink:

1. The prime era for pink was during the Rococo Period (1720-1777) in the 18th century.
2. The name was initially used in the 17th century.
3. Pink was known as a "masculine color" in the 19th century.
4. Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) "created a new variety of the color, called Shocking Pink in 1931.
5. In the 1960's, Jacqueline Kennedy made pink a popular "high-fashion color".