MSI Press Blog

  Cancer often announces itself subtly, with warning signs that can masquerade as everyday changes or even positive developments. This diagnostic challenge creates a dangerous delay between the first cellular changes and eventual diagnosis. Understanding these easily misinterpreted signals could save countless lives. When "Good News" Isn't Weight loss is perhaps the most commonly celebrated yet potentially concerning symptom. In our weight-conscious society, shedding pounds without effort seems like a victory, especially for those who have struggled with obesity. The congratulations roll in: "You look great! What's your secret?" Meanwhile, the undiagnosed cancer causing this unexplained weight loss continues to progress. What appears as a health triumph may actually be the body's response to malignant cells consuming energy or affecting metabolism. The Subtle Shift in Energy Fatigue creeps in gradually, often disguised as normal aging or stress. A previo...

  Research is showing a link between alcohol and the following cancers: Breast (in women) Colorectum Esophagus Liver Mouth (oral cavity) Throat (pharynx) Voice box (larynx) Read an AARP article about this HERE . Read more Cancer Diary posts  HERE . Blog editor's note: As a memorial to  Carl Leaver , MSI Press graphic arts director and designer, who died of  Cancer of Unknown Primary  August 16, 2021, and simply because it is truly needed, MSI Press is now hosting a web page,  Carl's Cancer Compendium , as a one-stop starting point for all things cancer, to make it easier for those with cancer to find answers to questions that can otherwise take hours to track down on the Internet and/or from professionals. The web page is in its infancy but expected to expand into robustness. To that end, it is expanded and updated weekly. As part of this effort, each week, on Monday, this blog  carries  an informative, cancer-related story -- and is open to guest...

  Cancer kills bodies. Obesity kills relationships when partners are of highly different weights. There is a connection between all these things. The Physical and Emotional Toll of Health Disparities When we discuss health issues like cancer and obesity, we often focus solely on the physical aspects—the cellular changes, the medical treatments, the body mass statistics. However, beneath these clinical considerations lies a complex web of emotional and relational impacts that can be equally devastating. Cancer doesn't just attack cells; it disrupts lives, changes identities, and strains relationships. Similarly, significant weight differences between partners aren't just about physical appearance—they often reflect deeper lifestyle incompatibilities, values disconnects, and emotional challenges that can erode relationship foundations. The Science of Shared Health Journeys Research has consistently shown that couples with similar health behaviors tend to maintain stronger relatio...

When facing advanced cancer, one of the most profound decisions patients and families encounter is whether to continue aggressive treatment or transition to hospice care. This decision is deeply personal, influenced by medical circumstances, values, and personal preferences. Today, I'd like to explore the considerations that might guide this difficult choice. Continuing Active Treatment: When It May Be Right Potential benefits of continuing active treatment: New treatments and clinical trials may offer hope, particularly for cancers with emerging therapies Some aggressive treatments can extend life meaningfully for certain patients Continuing treatment aligns with the desire to "fight" that many patients feel For some, pursuing all possible options provides peace of mind that everything was tried Considerations to keep in mind: Treatment side effects may significantly impact quality of life Time spent in treatment and recovery means less time with loved ones Some ...