Kimya Forouzan

Have you ever found yourself feeling so stressed that you have to put things on hold? April is Stress Awareness Month, and the Cancer Support Community recognizes that a cancer diagnosis can influence stress levels. That is why we are celebrating the resources we have for stress management. These tips below can be used regularly to ensure healthy stress levels or during times when you feel especially stressed.

Often, long-distance caregivers may feel guilty for not being there in person, struggle with coordinating support for their loved one or worry about emergency situations. It’s important for these far-away loved ones to remember that they are not alone—In fact, it is estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. are long-distance caregivers. Many of these people are family members of someone with cancer—daughters and sons, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Below are a few tips for supporting your loved one and yourself even when you can’t be there physically.

The winter months can often be difficult for many people. With longer nights and colder weather, individuals may feel down more often. This can be an especially difficult challenge when you are also dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Here are some tips on how to beat the winter blues.

Open enrollment for the health insurance marketplaces begins on November 15th. From then until February 15^th, you may buy health coverage for 2015 on your state’s marketplace by visiting HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov.

Cancer Support Community participated in the September 30th briefings on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of the protected classes for Medicare beneficiaries facing cancer diagnoses.

Researchers recommend a new, nurse-led approach to treating depression. This approach combined anti-depressant drugs, problem-solving therapy and encouragement towards physical activity. In a study of 500 patients, this approach led to over 60 percent of participants reporting their depression scores as half of the previous score. Participants also said that they felt less anxiety, fatigue, and pain. Researchers argued that similar programs could vastly improve the quality of life of many individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Through this increased knowledge about genetic predisposition to cancer, individuals have been able to make empowered decisions for their own treatments. What is right for one person may not be right for someone else, depending on the person’s risk and his or her personal values.

Tips and insights from the book My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks, an all-encompassing resource for families with teens who are affected by a parent’s cancer.

Cancer and how it is portrayed in film and TV.

CSC recently had the chance to interview Stephanie about her upcoming performance and connection to cancer and the Cancer Support Community.