Why Give Wednesday - The Patient and Family Resource Center at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center

Support Cancer Patient Resources

The Patient and Family Resource Center at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a comfortable place to find support. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, the Patient and Family Resource Center staff can answer your questions about the illness, treatment options, and available support services. 

The Patient and Family Resource Center provides information on prevention, early detection, disease- specific cancers, treatments, side effects, clinical trials, complementary therapies, stress management, fatigue, spirituality, grief, financial and employment support, emotional care, children’s concerns and end-of-life care. We have free computer access and personal assistance available to help you find reliable information. We also offer roundtable discussions, support groups, one-on-on support, self-advocacy support, patient navigation, creative and complementary programs and Living with Cancer seminars with cancer experts. 

Your donation can be directed to the Patient and Family Resource Center. It's donations like these that are important to keep programs like this alive for the benefit of those in need. For more information, visit our website or contact the Director of Education and Support Services, Teri Hoenemeyer, at (205) 934-5772.

Clinical Trials - FAQ

These are some commonly asked questions about clinical trials that may help you understand the process and the importance of cancer research. For more information, visit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center's website.

What is a clinical trial?

Participants in a clinical trial will receive interventions from medical researchers or medical doctors. These interventions could be procedures, medical products, drugs or changes to the participant’s behavior, such as diet change. When a new product or approach is being studied, it is not known if the treatment will be helpful or harmful. The medical researchers are trying to determine the safety and effectiveness of the intervention by measuring outcomes in participants.

Where are clinical studies conducted, and how long do they last?

Clinical studies make take place at hospitals, universities, doctor’s offices or community clinics. Location may vary. Length of the study also varies, but participants will be told how long the study will last before enrolling.

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials add to medical knowledge related to treatment, diagnosis and prevention of diseases or conditions. The results of these studies can make a difference in the care of future patients by providing information about the benefits and risks of new treatments. Some trials may provide participants with the chance of receiving direct medical benefits. When previous treatments have become exhausted with patients, clinical trials are often a favorable option.

Who can participate?

Researchers have criteria for their participants. Some research studies seek participants who have the illnesses or conditions that will be studied. Some look for healthy participants. Gender, age, the type and stage of the disease, previous treatment history and other medical conditions will also be considered.

How is my safety protected?

National and international regulations and policies have been developed to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of people who take part in clinical trials and to ensure that trials are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles.

Why donate to clinical trial research?

Cancer survivors are living longer and have a better quality of life than ever before. None of this would have been possible without clinical trials. Because of research through clinical trials, scientists and cancer researchers have been able to translate discoveries into new treatments for cancer.

UAB Cancer Center R.N. Spotlight: Edna Foshee

Edna Foshee, R.N.

Patient Care Coordinator in the Cancer Center’s Hematology-Oncology Clinic

Can you tell us about your typical day as a UAB nurse at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center?

“When patients are referred here, their doctor’s office calls me to set the appointment, and I get their records, pathology slides and X rays are sent here, so essentially I know more about them than anyone else at UAB. I call the patients and talk to them and make them feel welcome and loved—like they’re special, because they are.”

What is one way you make each individual patient feel comfortable at such a big hospital?

“I’m a face to the person so that they can actually learn about and not be overwhelmed by UAB and to feel that somebody cares.”

How has working with cancer patients been rewarding?

“I’ve learned a lot in my 27 years as a nurse, but I’ve learned more in the past four years about what causes cells to become cancerous and what causes cancer cells to make people sick. It’s really neat to be able to look under a microscope and to be able to tell what kind of a cell that person has. Giving chemotherapy, I knew all about the side effects and how to help patients with those issues, but now I can help with the diagnosis as well and tell them what to look for and prepare them for the journey ahead.”

How do you deal with the reality of cancer every day?

“There are days you want to go in your office and cry because you’ve had to tell somebody there’s nothing else you can do. But you look at it from the perspective of all the people you do help, where you’re able to tell them that they don’t have any more disease. Those are things you live for. That’s what keeps me doing what I do.”

So, helping people is what you enjoy?

“I’m a very religious person, and I believe God puts people in your life for a specific reason. I believe He’s put me here to be able to help these people who need extra special attention and love. If I didn’t think I was helping people every day, I couldn’t do what I do.”

Mrs. Foshee's story was featured in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Centers Magazine.

National Cancer Survivors Day

Survivor Profile: Jean Minges 

    If there is one thing involving cancer that Jean Minges, 64, is passionate about, it’s being proactive. With at least three generations of breast cancer on her mother’s side, she knew cancer was a possibility for her. 


    Because of this, Mrs. Minges made certain that her breast health would be evaluated at least three times a year, by scheduling her OB-GYN appointment, her appointment with her surgeon and her mammograms or breast MRIs to occur so they were separated by four month intervals. In October 2013, a small spot of breast cancer was detected through a breast MRI. 


    After her diagnosis and conferring with her doctors, Mrs. Minges chose to come to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center for Latisimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction surgery, which was to immediately follow her bi-lateral mastectomies allowing her to have the removal of the cancer and reconstruction at one time. This plan both saved her from doing two different surgeries and promoted a quicker resumption of her active lifestyle. She was able to return home two days after surgery and she was released to exercise, garden and resume her normal work at Allied Realty in Tuscaloosa six weeks later.

“I don’t think anyone is adequately prepared to hear the word, ‘cancer’ whether it  applies to you or to someone you love," she says. "I chose UAB because my medical team offered me a surgical option for reconstruction that I didn’t have in Tuscaloosa. I was very impressed with UAB and the support I received from my entire health care team. I received a tremendous amount of encouragement in a very intense experience.”

    She was able to return home two days after her surgery, and she returned to work at Allied Realty in Tuscaloosa six weeks later.
    Her message to women is to be proactive. She knows the importance of early detection first hand and encourages those with a history of cancer to be especially diligent.
 

“Be conscious. Do self-exams and be compliant to the process of getting mammograms, MRIs and exams from physicians.”

    She says the overarching thing she is left with after her intense four months is a sense of blessing. 

“Every experience I had with the people at UAB was a blessing,” she says. “Every day I wake up and thank God for my life.”

    Mrs. Minges is passionate about cancer patients and wants to be a resource to other people with cancer, especially women with breast cancer.

“I was blessed with a guide who reached out to me,” she says. “If you’ve had cancer, reach out and be a blessing.”

    Mrs. Minges is a true testament to other cancer patients and survivors. If you are interested in giving to breast cancer research, visit the Cancer Center’s website at uab.edu/cancer or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama at www.bcrfa.org. 

“This was not a wasted experience; it was a bigger way to appreciate life.”

Why Give Wednesday

The importance of Cancer Research

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of cancer research. Cancer research is what changes the face of cancer, and UAB is able to offer resources and expertise to conduct high-level, innovative research right here in our community. UAB strives for advancements in cancer research, which requires time, money, experts, hard work and support from those passionate about fighting the disease. The Cancer Center has seven research programs that are organized into three main areas: basic science, translational science, and cancer prevention and control.

           The American Association for Cancer Research acknowledges May as National Cancer Research month. You can help by donating to recognize and promote high-quality, innovative cancer research. At UAB, your financial support would go toward:
 

• advancing the understanding of cancer

• prevention

• improved detection

• treatment

• survivorship

 Thanks to the support of our community, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is at the forefront of improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and researchers here have pioneered advances in chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and nutrition, among others. We appreciate every donation, as each moves us one step closer to achieving our goal of eliminating cancer as a major public health problem.

For more information about making a gift toward providing support for innovative programs within the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.uab.edu/cancer.

 

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer this Summer

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer this Summer

Summer is all about having fun in the sun. Whether you’re at the beach or the pool this summer, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it is our goal to reduce those cases. Experts at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center recommend following these tips the next time you’re out in the sun.

1. Stay in the Shade
The sun’s strongest UV light is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try visiting the beach during the early morning hours or around sunset. You can test how strong UV light is by looking at your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are very strong and you should protect yourself.

2. Wear a Hat
Your face, neck and ears are the most vulnerable places for skin cancer to appear. A hat with a 2 or 3 inch brim is ideal for optimal coverage.

3. Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes can become damaged by UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause cataracts and the development of skin cancer on the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.  Protect your eyes by wearing dark sunglasses that block UV rays.

4. Use Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is the best to use for skin cancer prevention. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to the skin 15-30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and should be reapplied every two hours.

5. Wear Clothing
Covering as much skin as possible is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Clothing that is dry and dark in color is the most protective. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through and harm your skin.

Don’t forget to visit your doctor and dermatologist annually. If unusual freckles or moles appear, or if you notice any changes with existing freckles or moles, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to do a self-check every month. Skin cancer is easy to prevent and is curable if detected early.

Why Give Wednesday

At the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, our vision is to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem. If that isn’t reason enough to get you inspired to donate, here’s some motivation:

-Give in honor or memory of a loved one. We find out the impact of this disease when it affects the ones we care about. Financially supporting cancer research is a great way to honor a loved one.

-The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center has an incredible faculty of 350 physicians and researchers dedicated to being the forefront of improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Your donations help ensure the continuation of their cutting-edge research.

-Every dollar stays here in Birmingham, is tax-deductible, and may be designated for the cancer or research area of your choice, or it can be directed to the center’s Fund for Excellence where it will be used for high-priority needs. 

- One of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center located in a six-state area that includes Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Lastly, by giving to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center you are supporting a greater philanthropic campaign, which is The Campaign for UAB.  The campaign consists of a $1billion goal and maintains the theme of “Give Something, Change Everything.” The hopeful end result is that UAB be one of the most dynamic and productive universities of the 21st century and attain our vision to be an internationally renowned research university — a first choice for education and health care.

For more information about making a gift toward providing support for innovative programs within the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.uab.edu/cancer.