Head and neck cancer, which encompasses numerous cancer types affecting various regions of the head and neck, is more common than many realize.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the U.S., more than 68,000 people, and are twice as common in men than women.  Most people diagnosed are over the age of 50. OHC Radiation Oncologist Matthew H. Bertke, MD This April, during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month, OHC would like to empower you with the knowledge to identify important lifestyle changes an ..read more

March is National Colorectal Cancer Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both women and men in the U.S., excluding skin cancers.  While the rate of people being diagnosed has dropped each year, individuals younger than 55 years of age are experiencing an increase. As a result of this trend, the recommended screening age for a colonoscopy was changed from 50 to 45 years old in 2021.  Knowing the facts about this potentially life-threatening disease is crucial for early detection and treatment. Here at OHC, we’r ..read more

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both women and men in the U.S., excluding skin cancers.  While the rate of people being diagnosed has dropped each year, according to the American Cancer Society, individuals younger than 55 years of age are experiencing an increase.  In 2021, the recommended screening age changed from 50 to 45 years old due to this trend. At OHC, we believe in the power of knowledge and its role in reducing your risk of cancer.  There are several things you can do to reduce your risk, including nutrition and lifestyle choices such a ..read more

When Kayla Walsh joined the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) in 2009 during her sophomore year at college, she had no idea the impact those short minutes would have on someone she never met.  Studying to be a high school biology teacher at Indiana University, Kayla was introduced to NMDP and Be The Match (BTM) at a college charity event where she was volunteering. BTM provides patients access to more than 41 million donors around the world who are ready to be a life-saving marrow or blood stem cell donor.  After speaking with the representatives, a simple mouth swab was obtained ..read more

February is both National Cancer Prevention Month and Black History Month.  While we pay tribute to the amazing men and women who helped shape our country, it is also important that we acknowledge the disparity in cancer rates between the African American community and other ethnic groups.  According to the National Cancer Institute, “From 1999 to 2019, rates of cancer deaths declined steadily among Black people in the United States, however, black people still have considerably higher rates of cancer death than people in other racial and ethnic groups.”  Black men and women are ..read more

When Kayla Walsh joined the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) in 2009 during her sophomore year at college, she had no idea the impact those short minutes would have on someone she never met.  Studying to be a high school biology teacher at Indiana University, Kayla was introduced to NMDP and Be The Match (BTM) at a college charity event where she was volunteering. BTM provides patients access to more than 41 million donors around the world who are ready to be a life-saving marrow or blood stem cell donor.  After speaking with the representatives, a simple mouth swab was obtained ..read more

What is Cancer Genetic Testing? Tests are available to detect cancer-related genes in the human body.  Gene testing can determine if you have a disease-related gene condition that may put you at a higher risk of getting cancer before symptoms appear. OHC advanced practice provider and cancer genetics specialist, Hannah Kolish, MSN, APRN Who Should Consider Testing? If you have been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50, have multiple family members with the same type of cancer, or have experienced multiple cancers, you may want to speak you’re your healthcare provider about genetic ..read more

This article originally appeared in Cincinnati Magazine. Story by  Jaclyn Youhana Garver. Photography by Andrew Doench. After spotty luck with four other therapies, BiTE, or “bispecific T-cell engager,” put an Oakley woman in remission. Patty Livermore’s father was an original 1968 Bengals season ticket holder. They attended games together, and eventually, he passed the tickets to her. Now, Livermore’s son holds the tickets. He still brings his mom, but for a while, going to a game was a challenging proposition. It was partially due to COVID—but it was also because of Livermore’s cancer t ..read more

Cold weather can be uncomfortable, but for cancer patients undergoing treatment, the drop in temperature can present different challenges. Learn about the risks they face and helpful tips to stay safe during this season. Cold Sensitivity & Hypothermia Side effects of treatment such as dehydration, fatigue, and anemia can make you more sensitive to the cold and susceptible to hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition in which your body loses heat faster than it can produce.  Some kinds of chemotherapy can cause sensitivity to cold temperatures. Tip: Dressing in layers, wearing warm cloth ..read more

While many of us are preparing for the holiday season, making our to-do list for the upcoming festivities, baking and wrapping presents, others are coping with an illness and approaching the holidays with hesitation. Many of us may know someone faced with a chronic disease or cancer diagnosis.  For a cancer patient, the holidays can pose an overwhelming barrage of emotions and physical limitations. For caregivers, they may not have the time to shop and prepare for the season. Cancer doesn’t stop for the holidays; however, you can help a loved one or friend bring a sense of normalcy during ..read more