Your skin is your body’s first line of defence against infection. Taking care of your skin is always a key part of well-being, but it is particularly important when you are facing surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other cancer related procedures. In preparation for surgery, it is important to ensure the skin in the operation area … Read More
What We’re Thinking About
Stress, the pelvic floor, and low back pain- a vicious circle
Suffering from chronic back pain and not sure why? Feeling stressed about how stressed you are? It might be time to listen to your pelvic floor! What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that compose the bottom portion of the core. It has four … Read More
Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome
After undergoing breast cancer surgery, some women are left with pain in their chest, armpit, and/or arm that doesn’t seem to go away with time. It can be frightening and frustrating, leaving women with questions like is this normal, why is this happening, and will it get better? This condition is called post-mastectomy pain syndrome … Read More
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Chemotherapy is a common treatment prescribed for many types of cancer. While advances in medicine have allowed chemotherapy to become more effective and have helped cancer patients to live longer, there are unfortunately still side effects that come with taking chemotherapy medications. One of the most common treatment-related side effects patients experience is chemotherapy-induced peripheral … Read More
Massage Therapy for Breastfeeding
Breast massage is a treatment that can be used for various circumstances, including assisting individuals who are breast feeding. Registered massage therapists are highly trained health care professionals who are well prepared to help lactating individuals with concerns such as breast pain, infant suckling, engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis. A study published in 2016 … Read More
Exercise for Cancer Warriors and Survivors
Fitness is an important part of preparation for and recovery from surgery or other medical interventions. Fitness involves various aspects of your health, including mobility, strength, balance, heart and lung capacity, and energy. If you’ve just had surgery, or if you’re going through cancer treatment — particularly chemotherapy — exercise may be the last thing … Read More
Pelvic Floor and Oncology
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments and can impact both men and women. Dysfunction can occur immediately as a result of surgical intervention, or as a side effect of cancer treatments. It is important to understand how the pelvic floor functions before exploring PFD. The pelvic floor … Read More
Breast Cancer and Alcohol Consumption
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be a life altering event that leaves many people wondering what may have caused it. Although there is no one specific habit or genetic influence that causes breast cancer, there are some risk factors that increase your likelihood of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. Risk factors can either be … Read More
Genital Lymphedema
When we think of lymphedema we often think of swollen arms, or compression socks. We don’t usually think about less common area’s where lymphedema can occur, like in the face or genitals. Unfortunately, genital lymphedema is far less discussed than all other areas. The “taboo” nature of discussing genitals has led to deficiencies in the … Read More
Yoga and Breast Cancer
Women with breast cancer are living longer, but are experiencing lasting psychological distress. A study published in the Journal of Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2020 compared 24 trials of various yoga therapies to determine their effectiveness in reducing cancer related fatigue and overall quality of life. This research was completed at the University of … Read More