Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the second most common type of cancer among men and women, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.

Colorectal cancer most commonly occurs in men and women 55-85 years of age, which is 80% of colorectal cancer cases. Common risk factors of the disease include:

Obesity

Having type 2 diabetes

Family history

Racial and ethnic background

Diet

Level of physical activity

Long term tobacco smoking

Moderate to heavy alcohol use

If a person is suspected of having colorectal cancer or has already been diagnosed with it, they will be tested for colorectal cancer biomarkers.

Biomarkers or biological biomarkers are traits that healthcare providers measure in a person’s blood, body fluids, and tissues. They can be signs of conditions, diseases, normal body functions, or when something goes wrong. Biomarkers can also be used by healthcare providers to see how well a person’s body reacts to treatments for the disease they have.

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer are used for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and treatment planning. Diagnostic biomarkers can detect the presence of diseases. Prognostic biomarkers are associated with a clinical outcome regardless of the treatment that has been received, and predictive biomarkers can predict the benefit or lack of benefit of a certain treatment.

Colorectal cancer biomarker testing is done by taking a sample of a person’s tumor for a biopsy, or a sample of their blood and sending it to a pathology lab to determine if there are any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by their cancer. Many tests are used in biomarker testing, including:

DNA or RNA sequencing

Next-generation sequencing

Molecular testing

CtDNA

Immunohistochemistry

FISH

Biomarker testing can reveal very detailed information about a person’s tumor. A healthcare provider will review the test results to determine which of the specific biomarkers are present, and they may also see how much is present. The type of biomarker tests a person receives depends on what their healthcare provider determines is right for the type and stage of cancer they have.

Biomarkers can also determine if the person’s colorectal cancer has a hereditary genetic mutation or an acquired one. Only 5% of colorectal cancer cases are caused by germline mutations, also known as hereditary mutations, which are genetic abnormalities that are passed down from parent to child. This means that 95% of colorectal cancers happen randomly due to changes in the body cells that weren’t inherited.

Once colorectal cancer biomarker testing is complete, a healthcare provider will be able to create a personalized treatment plan based on the person’s unique biomarker traits.

Biomarker testing is useful in both early and advanced colorectal cancer. For those with advanced cancer, biomarker testing is used to learn whether their cancer has any targetable characteristics. If it does, target therapy or immunotherapy may be treatment options as they target specific characteristics of a tumor.

If you would like to learn more about colorectal cancer biomarker testing, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

What May Cause Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, people who smoke tobacco aren’t the only ones at risk of developing lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases each year happen in people who never smoke.

Nonsmokers can develop lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radioactive gases such as radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other harmful chemicals.

According to the CDC, about 50% to 60% of lung cancers found in nonsmokers are adenocarcinomas, which is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells that line the tiny air sacs in the lungs and make substances such as mucus. Additionally, about 10% to 20% are squamous cell carcinomas, cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the lungs, and 6% to 8% are small cell lung cancers, and the rest are other types of lung cancer.

Lung cancers in nonsmokers are often different than those that are in smokers, as they usually develop in younger people, and often have certain gene changes that differ from those in tumors found in smokers.

A person’s genes can influence their risk of developing certain diseases, including some types of cancer, as some genes help control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die. These genes are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Oncogenes help cells grow, divide, or stay alive. Tumor suppressor genes help control cell division or cause cells to die at the right time.

Cancer can develop when any DNA changes that activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes occur. These changes in many different genes are usually needed to cause cancer to develop. The two primary types of gene changes are inherited gene changes and acquired gene changes.

Inherited gene changes are gene changes passed down from a person’s parents. These inherited changes to a person’s DNA may increase their risk of developing certain cancers.

Acquired gene changes cannot be inherited but are acquired during a person’s lifetime and may occur in any individual cell. Certain acquired gene changes can affect the cell’s ability to control how it grows and will ultimately mutate a non-cancer cell into a cancer cell.

It is more common for nonsmoking women, especially Asian nonsmoking women, to develop lung cancer, as they are more than twice as likely to develop it as male nonsmokers. This is due to women having an acquired gene change, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Symptoms of lung cancer are the same for smokers and nonsmokers. Lung cancer symptoms include:

Feeling tired or weak all the time

Loss of appetite

A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse

Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm

Chest pains

Shortness of breath

Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness

Bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back

Wheezing

If a smoker is exhibiting symptoms of lung cancer, they should see a healthcare provider.

Although there isn’t any screening guidance for nonsmokers, taking steps such as being aware of lung cancer symptoms and reducing exposure to air pollutants and radon can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Some additional steps include:

Avoid secondhand smoke

Monitor the air quality in your community

Test your home for radon

Protect yourself at work by avoiding any chemicals or cleaning products that contain carcinogens

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments for lung cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Cold Cap Hair Loss Cancer Treatment

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Hair loss can be a big concern for people who are going through chemotherapy. While hair typically grows back after treatment, the loss of hair can be distressing, as it is a reminder of how cancer has changed them.

Cold capping, or scalp cooling, is a type of therapy that might reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy.

Cold capping treatment uses a device to lower the temperature of the scalp and constrict the blood vessels. The cold helps keep cell-killing chemo away from hair follicles to protect the hair.

The two main types of scalp cooling devices are automated and manual, and they work in different ways.

Automated cold caps are automated scalp cooling systems that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are covered by insurance. They work by connecting a special cap to an automated device that circulates a liquid or gel cooled to a specific temperature. Automated cold caps are only approved for chemo-induced hair loss related to solid tumor cancers, not blood cancers.

Manual scalp cooling devices are frozen gel caps that are not regulated by the FDA and are not covered by insurance. This type of device doesn’t use an automated cooling system. Instead, it is manually cooled in a freezer or with dry ice. The temperature for frozen gel caps must be much lower compared to automated cold cap systems, because the cap starts to warm as soon as it is put on a person’s head. A new frozen cap must be put on every 30 minutes.

A cancer care team may advise against a patient using cold capping if they:

Have blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, or have a central nervous system cancer

Have a history of migraines

Live with liver disease

Had or will have radiation therapy to the skull

Are preparing for a bone marrow transplant

Are under the age of 18

Research has shown that each person responds to scalp cooling differently. These devices work better for certain types or doses of chemotherapy. For example, if a chemo regimen includes anthracycline, scalp cooling might not work as well to reduce or prevent hair loss.

Some research also suggests that scalp cooling to prevent hair loss might not work as well for people with a thicker hair layer, compared to those with a thinner layer of hair. This could be because thicker hair insulates the scalp, preventing it from cooling down enough.

Additionally, there is research that suggests that the fit of a cooling cap is important. Cooling caps that aren’t fitted tightly have been linked with more hair loss. Increased hair loss often happens in patches where the cap’s contact with the scalp is poor. Therefore, it is highly recommended to receive cold cap therapy with the assistance or guidance of a trained healthcare professional.

Scalp cooling side effects are rare and usually tolerable. The most common side effects reported include:

Headaches

Nausea

Dry skin

Claustrophobia

General discomfort related to feeling cold

There have been a small number of reports of scalp thermal injuries that happened when people use the non-regulated manual cold caps. The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center offers cold cap treatment approved by the FDA to help patients lower their risk of chemotherapy hair loss.

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments such as cold capping, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a month to raise awareness, shine a light on ovarian cancer, and amplify the voices of those in the community who have experienced this disease.

Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.

Types of ovarian cancer include:

Epithelial ovarian cancer- this type is the most common. It includes several subtypes, such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors- this type includes rare tumors that are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors- these types of rare ovarian cancers tend to occur at a younger age.

When ovarian cancer first develops, the signs and symptoms are subtle, which makes the disease difficult to detect in the early stages (I-II). This is why only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. Often, symptoms don’t appear until the disease is in its advanced stages (III-IV). When ovarian cancer symptoms do occur, they’re usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits
A frequent need to urinate

Several factors can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

Older age
Inherited gene changes
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Age when menstruation started and ended
Never having been pregnant

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there may be ways to reduce your risk, including:

Considering taking birth control pills
Discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider

Several tests and procedures can be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer. They include:

A pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood tests
Surgery
Genetic testing

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment options for you.

Once it is confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider will use the information from your tests and procedures to assign your cancer a stage. The lowest stage, stage I, indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations.

Surgical operations to remove ovarian cancer include:

Surgery to remove one ovary
Surgery to remove both ovaries
Surgery to remove both ovaries and the uterus
Surgery for advanced cancer

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain, but it can also be used before surgery.

Other therapy treatments for ovarian cancer can include:

Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy

Palliative care is another treatment option as it focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness and can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

World Lung Cancer Day

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day. It is a day dedicated to the global initiative of raising awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, and it is so prevalent that more people die from it than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined every year.

World Lung Cancer Day was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with other health organizations. The day focuses on educating the public about risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures, while advocating for research and improved access to care.

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to support those affected by the disease and to emphasize the critical need for collective action in the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening helps to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective. Early detection through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can improve survival rates in individuals with the disease.

The MediSys Health Network is committed to improving the morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. For more information about our program, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 718-206-LUNG (5864).

How to Take Care of Your Health after Cancer Treatment

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

After you are diagnosed with cancer and go through the treatment process, the time afterward is just as important as the time before. When your treatment is finished, a healthcare provider may tell you that you should get checkups or tests in the future. This is called follow-up care. These tests can help find early signs of a new cancer or the same cancer.

After your initial recovery, there are ways to improve your long-term health to enjoy the years ahead. The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from those for anyone who wants to improve their health, including:

Exercising- regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can make you recover faster. Cancer survivors who exercise may experience:
- Increased strength and endurance
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Less anxiety
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved mood
- Higher self-esteem
- Less pain
- Improved sleep
- Lower risk of the cancer coming back
- A sense of well-being
Eating a balanced diet- it is important to vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors:
- Eat at least 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits every day
- Choose healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish and walnuts
- Select proteins that are low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes
- Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables
Maintaining a healthy weight- you may have gained or lost weight during treatment. Try to get your weight to a healthy level. Talk to your healthcare provider about what a healthy weight is for you and the best way to achieve that goal.
Getting good sleep- sleep problems are more common in people with cancer and cancer survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatments, stress, or other reasons. Getting enough sleep is an important part of your recovery, as sleeping gives your mind and body time to recover and refresh to help you function at your best while awake. To optimize your chances of getting good sleep, practice healthy sleep habits, such as:
- Avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before bedtime
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid computer and television screens for one to two hours before bedtime
- Exercise no later than two to three hours before going to bed
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dim, and cool
Reducing stress- as a cancer survivor, you may find that the physical, emotional, and social effects of having cancer have taken a toll on you. Using effective coping strategies to deal with stress can greatly improve your quality of life. It can help relieve depression, anxiety, and symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. Effective stress management strategies may include:
- Relaxation or meditation techniques, such as mindfulness training
- Counseling
- Cancer support groups
- Medicines for depression or anxiety
- Exercise
- Interacting with friends and family
Avoiding tobacco usage- smoking or using chewing tobacco puts you at risk of several types of cancer. Quitting could reduce your risk of cancer coming back and lower the risk of developing a second type of cancer.
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink- if you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

While it may take an entire overhaul of your lifestyle to achieve all these goals, following these simple steps can improve your quality of life, helping you transition into being a survivor.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

10 Signs And Symptoms of Cancer You Should Not Ignore

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Cancer Society has recently reported that a little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024. Within that group, approximately 611,720 individuals may lose their battles to the disease.

Early detection of certain cancers and early intervention can increase survival rates, or help many people live longer after a cancer diagnosis.

Screenings are essential in detecting some cancers early and helping to prevent cancer-related deaths. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of the disease and notifying your doctor can also help with early detection.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms of cancer you should not ignore:

Chronic coughs or hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue that does not get better with rest
Skin changes, such as changes in moles
Changes in bowel or bladder movements
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Breast lumps
Difficulty swallowing
Frequent fevers

See your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent. Your physician can conduct tests to determine a diagnosis. There is no single test to diagnose cancer; therefore, testing may include a combination of diagnostic imaging, biopsies, blood tests, urinalysis, genetic testing, or endoscopic examination.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

National Cancer Control Month

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

April is National Cancer Control Month. During this time each year, organizations throughout the United States recognize the burden experienced by people with cancer. Each year, cancer directly impacts millions of individuals, families, and communities, and even the country as a whole. The overall goal of Cancer Control Month is to reduce this impact by:

Preventing as many cancer deaths as possible: Up to 50% of all cancer deaths are preventable through early diagnosis and treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevention is one of the most effective methods possible of controlling rates of cancer and cancer deaths. Standard cancer prevention strategies involve:

Raising awareness of signs, symptoms, and diagnostic testing procedures
Reducing exposure to known cancer risk factors
Promoting healthy lifestyle habits that reduce cancer risk

Detecting cancer as early as possible: Early detection of cancer is one of the most important factors for successful treatment, making this an important goal of Cancer Control Month. Cancer prevention strategies, such as patient education regarding risk factors and warning signs, are crucial for encouraging people to visit their healthcare provider for diagnostic testing as soon as possible.

Improving cancer treatments: Many modern cancer treatments are effective when it comes to improving survival rates and quality of life among patients, but further improvements, as well as more research into treatment-resistant forms of cancer, can help prevent an even greater number of cancer deaths.

You can reduce your risk of developing cancer by avoiding certain factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common risk factors for preventable forms of cancer include:

Smoking
Over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as from the sun or a tanning bed
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption

If you have noticed potential signs of cancer and require a diagnostic screening or treatment, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Oncology Department. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

What are Heart Tumors?

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Heart tumors are growths that develop in the heart. They can form in many different parts of the heart, such as the:

Endocardium (the tissue that lines the chambers of the heart)
Myocardium (the muscle tissue of the heart)
Pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)
Heart valves (which control the flow of blood through the heart)

Most of the time, heart tumors develop due to cancer that has spread from other parts of the body. These are referred to as metastatic heart tumors. Certain types of cancer, such as lung, breast, kidney, or esophageal cancer, are more likely to lead to the growth of these tumors than others. Metastatic heart tumors occur most commonly in people who have melanoma, affecting up to approximately 65% of people with this type of cancer.

Only a small number of heart tumors are primary tumors, meaning that they first developed in the heart. The vast majority of primary heart tumors are not cancerous, but even these can pose serious health risks, such as blood flow problems, blood clots, or stroke. Some examples of primary heart tumors include:

Myxoma (the most common benign primary heart tumor; it usually affects the left atrium)
Papillary fibroelastoma (benign tumor that usually develops in heart valves)
Lipoma (benign tumor that typically grows in the left ventricle, right atrium, or atrial septum)
Angiosarcoma (the most common cancerous primary heart tumor; this usually grows in the right atrium or pericardium)
Rhabdomyosarcoma (the most common cancerous primary heart tumor in children)

Heart tumors are typically diagnosed through imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, cardiac MRI or CT scan, and/or a PET scan. Your doctor will most likely order these tests if you have cancer in another part of your body and have started to develop heart problems. Primary heart tumors are more difficult to diagnose than metastatic tumors, as their symptoms are similar to other conditions; they are typically discovered as incidental findings through diagnostic tests ordered for other medical problems.

If you have developed symptoms of a heart condition, you can receive high-quality care at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s award-winning Queens cardiology center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7100.