In the new year, we often take stock of our personal health and overall wellness. This typically means visiting our personal physicians and making sure we are as healthy as we can be.
However, in many cases, people find out they are dealing with life-threatening conditions and illnesses and aren’t sure where to turn once they receive the news of their ailments. That is where the City of Hope comes into action.
City of Hope is on a mission to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded back in 1913, City of Hope is now one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., as well as one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.
With locations across the U.S., City of Hope Cancer Care Gilbert is one of the spots people can go to for assistance, care, and overall support for treatment of their conditions. According to Noah Flack, Communications Specialist with City of Hope, there is plenty of care to be found at the Gilbert location. “City of Hope Cancer Care Gilbert offers medical oncology consultations, chemotherapy infusion, advanced genomic testing, and supportive care services, as well as genetic testing and genetic counseling via our telehealth program. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or you’re seeking a second opinion, our Gilbert outpatient care center offers expertise that comes from working exclusively with cancer patients.”
The best part is that the Gilbert outpatient care center is available for anyone. Whether you need outpatient care, have been recently diagnosed, or are seeking a second opinion, the center offers expertise and support systems for the public.
City of Hope brings an integrated model to patients, basically offering them comprehensive care all in one spot, spanning cancer care, research and development, academics, and training. It takes thousands of people to make the City of Hope successful across all locations, and for Flack, he says the mission is what brings them all together. “All of us are united by our desire to find cures and save lives.”
And saving lives is what City of Hope is focused on. In 2024, we all may be seeking ways to keep on track with our health, here are some ideas on how people can focus on wellness and stay healthy in the new year.
Cancer Prevention
These may seem like common prevention tips, but they are important and may reduce the risk of developing cancer and other illnesses. While there are some factors you cannot control, according to statistics from the American Cancer Society, more than 40 percent of all cancer cases and deaths in the U.S. are linked to modifiable risk factors, meaning they are preventable.
The following steps may go a long way in lowering the risk of cancer, or even preventing it in the long run:
- Don’t smoke; quit tobacco use and avoid second-hand smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet that’s mainly plant-based and avoids fatty and processed foods.
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption, no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) light.
- Receive recommended vaccinations including for hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Practice safe sex.
- Get annual check-ups.
Early Detection
Early detection is also key, because that is when treatment options are more likely to have positive outcomes. Be sure to schedule all recommended cancer screening tests and understand concerning symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
Common screening tests that City of Hope suggests for valley residents include:
- Mammogram, an imaging test for breast cancer
- Pap smear / Pap test, a screening test for cervical cancer
- Colonoscopy, a screening for colorectal cancer, including colon cancer
- Low dose computed tomography (CT) scan, a screening for lung cancer
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, screening for prostate cancer
- Skin exam, screening test for skin cancer or melanoma
The City of Hope understands and knows that screening tests are a vital step in the process, detecting cancer even before symptoms can appear. Flack says, “The main goal of screening is to decrease the number of people dying for the disease, but as in any procedure, there could be risks, so be sure to speak with your doctor about benefits and dangers of any procedure ahead of time.” They are organizationally structured for increasing the speed with which treatment solutions progress from research lab to production facility to patient.
The City of Hope also recommends one of the key ways to avoid getting sick, is prevention tools such as eating and exercising.
Eating and Exercise as Cancer Prevention Tools
Diet:
- Watch portion sizes.
- Limit the intake of high-calorie foods and drinks, avoiding those that are high in fat or added sugars.
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables of different colors—dark red, green and orange—and whole-grain foods.
- Choose fish, poultry and beans over red meat or processed meats for protein sources.
Exercise:
- Physical activity for adults should include moderate activities such as a brisk walk and more vigorous activities that cause you to sweat. Weekly recommendations include 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity and 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous exercise.
- Cut back on sedentary activities such as lying on a couch or watching TV.
In the end, it is always important to maintain a healthy diet as part of any illness and wellness prevention program.
Ask Physician Questions
One of the best things you can do when you are worried about any symptoms you may be experiencing or are just concerned about your overall health, is simply ask your physician and care team questions. They are there to help.
Here are some questions that may help:
- Which cancer screenings do I need to have done now, and which ones should I schedule in the future?
- What weight range is most desirable for me, and are there particular foods I should be eating or avoiding?
- How much exercise should I aim for each week? Are there specific exercises that may be most beneficial to me?
- What’s the best way to perform a personal risk assessment for cancer?
- Does the history of cancer in my family put me at higher risk for the disease? Should I consider genetic testing?
The teams of doctors and care workers at City of Hope have been fighting the good fight against life-threatening illnesses for decades, and there are no plans of stopping anytime soon. “Health is a human right,” shared Flack. “From our earliest days as simply two tents in the California desert, the City of Hope has transformed to become one of the nation’s leading-edge cancer treatment and care centers.”
City of Hope’s growth also includes the much anticipated over 10-million-dollar expansion investment in the Gilbert location. Gilbert Cancer Care is excited about the addition of more cutting edge radiation and radiology services being added to the clinic location for use in 2025
Gilbert's Physicians:
Christopher Chen, MD, MBA, joined City of Hope Phoenix in July 2023 as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at City of Hope Gilbert Cancer Care. Board-certified in hematology, medical oncology and internal medicine, Dr. Chen has expertise in treating patients with all types of malignancies.
Snehal Bhoola, MD, joined City of Hope ® Phoenix in November 2023, bringing with him two decades of experience as a Gynecologic Oncologist. He primarily sees patients at the City of Hope Cancer Care located in Gilbert, where he treats ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar, endometrial and other gynecologic malignancies.
It takes thousands of people to make the City of Hope successful and the mission is what brings them all together. “All of us are united by our desire to find cures and save lives.”
While there are some factors you cannot control, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 40 percent of all cancer cases and deaths in the U.S. are linked to modifiable risk factors, meaning they are preventable.