Valerie Gansen was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. No matter how much time passes, she will never forget the moment she got the call from her doctor.

It’s estimated that more than half of cancer patients take dietary supplements while undergoing treatment. However, 40-60% of patients do not tell their oncologist, which can have dangerous consequences. Integrative oncology care can reduce the risk of complications by bringing together oncologists and naturopathic doctors.

A cancer diagnosis can take a tremendous toll—physically, emotionally and financially. Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the United States, and the need for patient assistance has only increased during the pandemic.

When patients are diagnosed with endocrine cancer, they generally see several specialists, from diagnosis through treatment. In the Eugene-Springfield area, those specialists work closely together through the Oregon Cancer Alliance to ensure they are delivering the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes.

Patients who are diagnosed with cancer often receive a tremendous amount of information and it’s common for them to have questions, says gynecologic oncologist Dr. Kathleen Yang with Willamette Valley Cancer Institute.

Did you know that colon cancer can be prevented through screening or caught early, when treatment is most effective? Unfortunately, about one third of Americans 50 years and older are not getting the recommended testing, and there has also been a concerning increase in the number of people under age 50 being diagnosed with colon cancer.