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How Patients Can Ensure They're Considering Every Cancer Treatment Option
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elanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the U.S. and rates are on the rise. Choosing a course of treatment is one of the biggest decisions one makes while battling cancer, but experts say that many patients aren’t being told about a critical option: clinical trials. Only one in four people know anything
about clinical trials, according to the National Institutes of Health, and only 15 percent of patients report ever having been asked to participate. But clinical trials are not only a way to gain access to new, potentially lifesaving treatments that may prove more beneficial than drugs on the market, they are also what’s made every single FDA-approved drug that exists today possible.
While melanoma therapies have improved dramatically over the past decade, there’s still no cure. “We have made enormous strides in treating melanoma, but too many people still aren't benefiting from even the newest approaches,” says Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., Melanoma Research Alliance, chief science officer. “Lack of awareness about treatment opportunities, particularly for
patients seen outside of premier cancer centers, along with myths associated with research studies, continue to present obstacles for patient participation.” Patients should understand all of their options to make the best possible decisions about their care. “I would not be alive today, I mean hands down, without clinical trials. Stage IV melanoma had a 14 percent five-year survival rate when I was diagnosed in 2012,” says Jamie Troil Goldfarb, a stage IV melanoma survivor. Choosing a treatment direction, including whether or not to enter into a clinical trial, is a big decision. To help people make informed decisions and understand just how important clinical trials are to everyone, the Melanoma Research Alliance created resources and tools about clinical trials, and is dispelling these five common myths: 1) MYTH: Clinical trials are a last resort. REALITY: Joining a clinical trial is a
viable treatment option from day one of your diagnosis.
2) MYTH: I might get a sugar pill (pla-
cebo) without any real treatment.
REALITY: In melanoma clinical trials,
patients may receive a placebo in addition to an FDA-approved standard of care treatment. Whether you’re getting a standard or investigational therapy, by participating in a clinical trial, you’ll receive close monitoring of your condition.
3) MYTH: Clinical trials cost more than
standard treatment.
REALITY: The trial sponsor usually
pays for the experimental therapy. They may also pay for any additional tests or visits required for the study. Patients, or their insurance, are responsible for the usual costs of care needed regardless of being in a clinical trial.
4) MYTH: If clinical trials were right for
me, my doctor would say something.
REALITY: Not all doctors are aware
of all options. Patients should be their own advocate and research what’s available.
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5) MYTH: If I change my mind, or the
treatment isn’t working, I’m stuck.
REALITY: Clinical trial participation
is voluntary and you can quit any time for any reason.
Currently, there are over 400 melanoma-focused trials actively enrolling patients. These trials will help develop new and improve existing treatments, and offer patients an opportunity to access cutting edge therapies. To learn more and be matched to clinical trials in your area, visit curemelanoma.org/clinicaltrials. If you are battling melanoma, or any cancer, remember to ask about clinical trials. You haven’t considered all of your options until you do. — StatePoint 2
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MARCH 2019 | INSIDENOVA.COM
6 Tips from Doctors for a Healthier Heart early half of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). But there are several easy steps you can take to lower your risks. “We urge all Americans to take control of their heart health by knowing and monitoring their blood pressure levels and making healthy lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of serious health consequences associated with high blood pressure,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the AMA. “We know that by empowering more patients to monitor and control their blood pressure, we will continue to help improve the health of patients, while reducing health care costs.” To help you get started, Dr. McAneny and the experts at the AMA are offering six tips.
minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. 4. Eat a healthy diet. Making simple dietary changes can help you manage or prevent high blood pressure. These changes should include eating less sodium, reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume (especially those with added sodium and sugar), reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and eating foods that are rich in potassium.
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1. Know your blood pressure numbers. Visit LowerYourHBP.org. The
site contains tools, resources and information for both patients and physicians, and was launched by the AMA as part of an effort to reduce
5. Maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can put
the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year. Having a better understanding of your numbers and taking necessary steps to get your high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. 2. Commit to manage high blood pressure. Work with your doctor
to create an individualized treatment plan that includes healthy
PACK ‘N’ MOVE
lifestyle changes that you can realistically stick to long-term to help you maintain a lower blood pressure and lower your risk for negative health consequences. 3. Be more physically active. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75
you at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight. 6. Drink in moderation. When consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is possible. By paying attention to risk factors like your blood pressure, weight and more, you can reduce your risk for heart disease. — StatePoint
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O P T I M A H E A LT H M E D I C A I D X P
O P T I M A H E A LT H M E D I C A I D X P
Think you’re not eligible for Medicaid? Think again. YOU’LL HAVE ACCESS TO: Doctor, hospital, and emergency care Prescription drugs Lab work and X-rays
Beginning January 1, 2019 more Virginians will qualify for quality, no cost Medicaid health insurance. Optima Health Medicaid XP can help you take advantage of these changes, and get you access to the care you need and the peace of mind you deserve. Whether you’re a single adult looking for health insurance, a parent trying to get coverage for your family, or even an individual trying to help your parents get insured — Optima Health Medicaid XP is here for you. Learn more today at: optimahealth.com/medicaidxp
Pregnancy and newborn care, as well as family planning and birth control Preventive and wellness services, including immunizations, smoking cessation, and nutritional counseling Home health services Behavioral health services, including addiction and recovery treatment Rehabilitative services
To learn more call 1-844-563-4207 or visit optimahealth.com/medicaidxp Pre-enrollment starts Nov. 1 2018 Visit optimahealth.com/medicaidxp to learn more!
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