Available Summer of 2024 at Missouri Cancer Associates Exciting news is on the horizon for prostate cancer treatment in Columbia, Missouri, as Pluvicto, a groundbreaking radiopharmaceutical therapy, is set to be offered at Missouri Cancer Associates by the summer of 2024. This cutting-edge treatment incorporates the radioisotope lutetium-177 (Lu-177), which is exclusively produced at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), marking a significant advancement in cancer care in the region. Dr. Andrew Iliff, a medical oncologist at Missouri Cancer Associates, shed light on the innovat ..read more

Choosing a Doctor for Your Cancer Care When you learn that you or a family member has cancer, the pursuit of the best possible medical care and treatment plan becomes paramount. Selecting a doctor is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make during this challenging time. Whether continuing with the doctor who diagnosed cancer or seeking the expertise of another specialist, like an oncologist, it is essential to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and collaborates with you throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind: 1. Determine ..read more

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Men have a 1 in 16 chance of developing lung cancer in their lifetime, while women have a 1 in 17 risk. Smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer, but non-smokers can also be affected. Knowing and reporting the signs and symptoms of lung cancer increases the chance that your cancer will be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when it is easier to treat. What are the Most Common Lung Cancer Symptoms? Lung cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and many common early symptoms may be caused by something other than lung cancer ..read more

What is Biomarker Testing for Lung Cancer? Biomarkers are proteins, hormones, or pieces of DNA that can be released by cancer cells or by your body in response to cancer, which may be tested for. Biomarker testing results along with your cancer stage and overall health, will help your provider create a personalized treatment plan. “You can request biomarker testing at your initial diagnosis, if there is a recurrence, or during the disease’s progression,” said Elangovan Balakrishnan, M.D. Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Missouri Cancer Associates in Columbia, Missouri. “Understanding you ..read more

We are excited to introduce Dr. Alexandre Tungesvik, who has joined Missouri Cancer Associates. Tungesvik brings with him a sincere dedication to supporting patients throughout their cancer journey, offering personalized care every step of the way. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Mark Tungesvik, Dr. Alexandre Tungesvik is pursuing a career in oncology. He recently completed a hematology and medical oncology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics before joining MCA. We encourage you to learn more about Alexandre Tungesvik as he shares his passion and personal ins ..read more

We are excited to introduce Dr. Alexandre Tungesvik, who has joined Missouri Cancer Associates. Tungesvik brings with him a sincere dedication to supporting patients throughout their cancer journey, offering personalized care every step of the way. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Mark Tungesvik, Alexandre is pursuing a career in oncology. He recently completed a hematology and medical oncology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics before joining MCA. We encourage you to learn more about Alexandre Tungesvik as he shares his passion and personal insights for onco ..read more

Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and other organs that work together to protect you from disease and infection. When it comes to certain illnesses like cancer, your existing immune system needs a little help. Immunotherapy treatment can boost your immune system or change the way it works so it can better identify and fight cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. “The immune system has an incredible ability to adapt to protect the body,” said Dr. Uma Ramadoss at Missouri Cancer Associates. “Immunotherapy can be an effective way to leverage that protection for ..read more

If you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, making decisions about your treatment can be an overwhelming part of an already difficult time. Although your options will vary depending on the stage and type of cancer you have and your overall health, many people with breast cancer will have some form of surgery as a part of their treatment plan. Some patients with early-stage breast cancer may have a choice between the two main types of surgery: lumpectomy or mastectomy. Your cancer care team at Missouri Cancer Associates will help develop a plan that best fits your breast cancer dia ..read more

The Untold Side of Cancer: Jenny Fry Documents Her Husband, Greg’s, Cancer Journey Pain Turns to Peace When Greg was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2019, Jenny, Greg’s wife of 22 years, was devastated. Greg was a healthy 57-year-old guy.  “How could this be?” Jenny asked. “I was so angry at God. I was not in a good place. I had to learn to surrender. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but such a gift.” Jenny confesses that through her husband’s cancer journey, she became a better person.  Learning to surrender was a pivotal shift that led to Jenny l ..read more

It can be challenging to think about how your life may change after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Having to bring a deeply personal discussion to the workplace can add to that mental struggle. But over the long term, creating a plan you can reveal in your time and at your comfort level can be a source of relief. Do I Need to Tell Coworkers I Have Cancer? There is no requirement to tell your boss or coworkers about a cancer diagnosis, but it can make your professional life smoother over the course of your treatment. Telling your supervisor early can make it easier to plan for the time you need ..read more