Breast Cancer

• One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime. If you think that you may have breast cancer because you have a discharge from your nipple, have discovered a lump or noticed a change in the size of your breasts then the Cancer Center of Sarasota Manatee can help you.
• Breast cancer is the 2nd most common type of non-skin cancer after lung cancer. The Cancer Center of Sarasota Manatee has all the resources to identify and stage just what type of breast cancer you may have. The treatment options for breast cancer are varied and new clinical trials are on-going. Your cancer specialists will work with you to design a treatment plan that will be the most effective in fighting your cancer. Whether your treatment calls for radiation, lumpectomy, mastectomy chemotherapy or hormone therapy, Dr. Mamus and his team have the resources necessary to give you the best care.
• The reasons why some women get breast cancer is not known; however, there are risk factors. Some you can change and some you can't. Risks that you cannot change include age, genes and personal factors.
• Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol, not having children or having your first child after age 35 or having dense breasts.
• Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Breast self-exam and mammography can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable.
• The symptoms of breast cancer range from none at all to a lump or abnormal mammogram and the stages range from early to metastatic. As in all forms of cancer, Dr. Mamus and his staff have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment necessary to identify and stage the disease.
• Usually breast cancer either begins in the milk-producing glands or in the fibrous connective tissue of the breast. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.
• The breast cancer's stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor. The Stages of breast cancer range from Stage 0 where cancer cells are confined to the breast duct, without invasion into normal adjacent breast tissue to Stage V where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Dr. Mamus and his staff can help you understand your cancer stage and appropriate options, so you and your doctors can arrive at the best treatment plan for YOU.

Lung Cancer

• More people die of lung cancer each year than colon, breast and prostrate cancer combined. There are a number of possible causes of lung cancer and Dr. Mamus and his staff at the Cancer Center of Sarasota-Manatee have the experience and resources to test, identify and treat all types of lung cancer whether it is caused from smoking, asbestos, toxic chemicals, or cancer that began somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs.
• The two most common forms of lung cancer are small cell and non small cell. Because these are treated quite differently, it is important to use a medical team that is not only trained but also experienced in diagnosing and treating the different types of lung cancer as well as the other diseases that may accompany lung cancer.
• Dr. Mamus has over twenty years expertise in the treatment of cancer and blood related disorders and he and his staff are well aware of the importance of managing the diseases that exist along with lung cancer to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.

Is Lung Cancer Common?

• According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in both men and women worldwide. It is a disease of the elderly with almost 70% of people diagnosed over 65 years of age.

What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

• The signs of lung cancer are varied and in 25% of patients, the cancer was first found in a routine chest x-ray or CT scan and there were no warning signs at all.
• If you are suffering from chronic fatigue accompanied with shortness of breath, wheezing, and/or a nagging cough, then you may be the victim of lung cancer. Other symptoms are:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest Pain
• Coughing up blood
• If the cancer has invaded nerves or has spread to the bones or other areas of the body, there are symptoms that will accompany the effected areas. Because of his background, Dr. Mamus has the inside track to cutting edge technologies and treatments that will increase the chances for you to live a full and happy life.

• The staff at Cancer Center of Sarasota-Manatee knows the life changes that are necessary to make treatment of lung cancer as comfortable as possible. We look at all areas of your life from lifestyle to medical history in order to come up with a personalized treatment plan just for you.
• If you are diagnosed with lung cancer there are life style modifications that you will need to make. You may be overweight, in need of good nutrition or a smoker seeking solutions on how to quit. We will provide you with the tools, support and understanding you need in order to get on the right track, rather than lectures and harsh words. Dr. Mamus and his staff are highly sensitive to your feelings and we offer viable solutions in a caring and supportive environment. We want your life to be as productive and active as possible and we will target those areas that need to be improved.

Prostate Cancer

• An estimated 217,730 men will be diagnosed with the disease in 2010. It is estimated that 32,050 deaths from this disease will occur this year.
• Prostate cancer runs a second to skin malignancy incidence in men and, except for lung cancer, is attributed to more deaths than any other cancer. It is estimated that about 1 out of 6 men will be diagnosed with this disease during his lifetime, and only 1 man in 34 will die of it.
• The estimated number of deaths from prostate cancer this year is 32,050. Although the number of deaths from prostate cancer is declining among all men, the death rate remains more than twice as high in black men than in white men.
• In families where the diagnosis has been made in men under 60, genetic factors seem to play a role in the development of the cancer.The risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease. Some evidence suggests that dietary factors may increase or decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
• The Cancer Center of Sarasota Manatee is fully equipped to diagnose and treat this malignancy in the male reproductive system and in order to understand the disease more fully, an overview of the prostate gland and its function is useful.
• The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. About the size of a walnut, it surrounds the tube that empties urine from the bladder and is one of the components of seminal fluid.
• The prostate gland surrounds the urinary passage at the exit of the male bladder. The gland is very small in babies and grows at the time of puberty in response to testosterone secreted by the testicles.
• Most men remain unaware of their prostate until late middle age when enlargement interferes with urination by constricting the urethra and reducing urine flow. This is often associated with the need to rise at night and pass urine more frequently.
• There is a group of substances known as prostaglandins which were first identified in the prostate region but subsequent research has confirmed that this group of substances is present throughout the body and may facilitate contractions of the female genital tract helping transport of sperm through the uterus to the Fallopian tubes.
• An enzyme called prostatic specific antigen (PSA) is produced by the lining cells of prostate ducts and a small amount can be detected circulating in the blood. When high levels of PSA are found in the blood, there is a risk of cancer.

• PSA estimation is accepted world wide as a screening for prostate cancer, but since high levels of PSA are present in a number of other disorders, it cannot be deemed a perfect test.
• As in all forms of cancer, early detection is the key and the Cancer Center of Sarasota Manatee has the latest technology to ensure that, after your treatment, you can return to your active and productive life. Call our office for an appointment,if you are having anysymptoms that worry you like trouble urinating or blood in your urine or semen, swelling in your legs, discomfort in your pelvic area or bone pain.
• If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dr. Mamus and his staff will consult with you on the best therapy for you. We are up to date on the most recent treatments for you and we will make sure that you fully understand your options.
• For some men diagnosed with prostate cancer, surgery will be recommeded. For others, hormone therapy will be suggested. The prostate grows in response to testosterone whether cancerous or not. When the hormone is blocked by any one of a number of ways, the growth of the cancer cells is inhibited. Hormone treatments are not curative but they may remain effective for many years.
• If prostate cancer is discovered when the malignancy is contained to the prostate and surrounding organs, 100% of men are expected to live at least five years after diagnosis.
• NOW is the time to get serious about prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Right now, you can give yourself the gift of peace of mind by calling for an appointment at 941.923.1872.

• – THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE provides many helpful publications on cancer, treatment, symptoms and side effects, and nutrition, including Eating Hints for Cancer Patients. Toll free 1.800.422.6237. Other NCI books are available, free of charge, by calling or at www.cancer.gov/publications. http://www.cancer.gov
• – CARING4CANCER: Cancer information, news, support, additional links to helpful resources. http://www.caring4cancer.com
• – THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (TWC) is a non-profit organization providing free psychological and educational services for cancer patients and their loved ones. Our programs adhere to the "Patient Active" concept and focus on providing support, education and hope for anyone affected by cancer. Support groups, stress management, educational programs, nutrition, yoga, tai chi, much more; never any charge to participate. 3900 Clark Road, Bldg P-3, Sarasota, Florida 941.921.5539 http://www.wellness-swfl.org
• – AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. ACS programs include:
• – MAN TO MAN The Man to Man program helps men cope with prostate cancer by providing community-based education and support to patients and their family members. In addition, Man to Man plays an important role in community education about prostate cancer; it encourages men and health care professionals to actively consider screening for prostate cancer appropriate to each man's age and risk for the disease. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/man-to-man
• – WOMAN TO WOMAN Support Group for women with breast cancer. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Jacaranda Room, Waldemere Medical Plaza, 1921 Waldemere Street, Sarasota. 4:30 to 5pm, social time; 5 to 6pm, meeting. For more information, call 941.917.2636.
• – REACH FOR RECOVERY: A one-on-one support system for women diagnosed with breast cancer. A trained volunteer who has been through the same treatment meets with the patient one-on-one to help them with their questions and concerns. Volunteers are able to provide support and up-to-date information. Please call 800-227-9954 for more information. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/Programs/reach-to-recovery?sitearea=SHR
• – LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER A one-time support group for women dealing with the appearance related side effects of treatment. Trained, volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes using products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories. Women must register prior to the class by calling 941.365.2858.

• – THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY has more than 240 support groups for people affected by blood cancer across the country. The world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Information resource center, 800.955.4572. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4388
• – SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTERS, INC., established in 1973, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping older adults live with dignity and independence in Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Funded in part by State and Federal agencies, and support from private foundations and individuals, Senior Friendship Centers serves more than 10,000 older adults annually. http://www.friendshipcenters.org/index.cfm
• – MY HEALTH CARE MANAGER assists older adults navigate their health issues and decisions associated with aging, serving as a trusted advisor and principal point of contact. Particularly helpful for ailing seniors with out-of-town family members. 8075 Beneva Rd. South, Suite 6, Sarasota. Private pay. 941.924.3188 http://www.myhealthcaremanager.com
• – MEDERI CARETENDERS Home Health Services provides numerous programs to meet the individual home care needs of patients and their referring physicians. 941.379.0801; Toll free 888.560.8669. Medicare, most insurances accepted. http://www.almostfamily.com
• – TAKE CARE provides private duty home health care services. 3982 Bee Ridge Road, Bldg H, Suite A, Sarasota. Additional locations in Venice and Bradenton. 941-927-2292. http://www.takecarehomehealth.com
• – TIDEWELL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE offers a range of medical, nursing, psychosocial and spiritual support services to help patient and family. 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. 941.923.5822; toll free 800.959.4291. http://www.tidewell.org
• – SARASOTA COUNTY AREA-WIDE TRANSPORTATION http://www.scgov.net/SCAT
• – THE AMERICAN PSYCHOSOCIAL ONCOLOGY SOCIETY'S Toll-Free Helpline connects cancer patients and their caregivers with local resources to help manage distress. 1-866-276-7443 (1-866-APOS-4-HELP). This helpline is your resource to find professionals in your area with experience and training in supporting people with cancer and their caregivers. You can also visit their website at http://www.apos-society.org.
• – THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK, an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer center. Providing support, research, publications, and cancer guidelines for patients and physicians by cancer experts. http://www.nccn.org
• – MEETING THE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE OF CANCER TREATMENT and other publications by psychologist Daniel Johnston, Ph.D. downloadable from his website, Lessons for Living. http://www.lessonsforliving.com/challenges.htm