The New York Times profiled cancer this past weekend in a feature entitled, Cancer Patients, Lost in a Maze of Uneven Care.

Their main article follows Karen Pasqualetto, 35, as she perseveres through a complex maze of physicians and treatments in search of the best care for her stage IV colon cancer, which was diagnosed shortly after the birth of her first child.

The article addresses the uneven quality of cancer care in the U.S. and the difficulty that patients encounter as they attempt to navigate the system in the search for the best care. Healthcare disparities are also addressed, including gaps in access to top cancer care and early detection screenings.

One of the most disturbing parts of the article is a rundown of different cancers and how many patients do not receive the care that gives them the best chance at increasing survival. For example, for pancreatic cancer patients, 38 percent of patients who were eligible for surgery do not receive it. In another example, for breast cancer patients, 15 to 25 percent of women who should have radiation do not and 20 to 30 percent do not take anti-estrogen drugs.

As for Ms. Pasqualetto, she eventually received a liver and colon surgery to remove tumors and has now survived 12 months, far longer than the six month prognosis originally given to her by her first doctor. She credits this good fortune to both her determination and her access to excellent healthcare coverage.

Exhausted, weary, tired, lethargic -- cancer patients are all this and more when undergoing treatment, and it's a problem that may be fixed with some light activity. While rest is encouraged, it's now thought that the overwhelming fatigue experienced by those with cancer can be alleviated with activity, at least according to this video. Don't get me wrong .... you don't need to run an Ironman marathon or anything, but how about going for a walk, or doing a few light resistance moves?

Think about this:

A few gentle activities can help boost your energy, and can have positive systemic benefits in your body that hopefully will help your body fight the disease. Dick, the prostate cancer patient in the video, is part of a study to prove the benefits of exercise in cancer patients and he believes that his lack of fatigue is a result of his staying active during treatment.

What do you think? Should you take it easy or get up and about?

Have you, or someone you love, been diagnosed with cancer? If you live in the UK, Macmillan Cancer Relief is interested in learning about your experiences and thoughts on how cancer has impacted your life, and the lives of those closest to you. Opinion Leader Research has been commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Relief to conduct this research survey. Your answers will become part of the 'Impact of Cancer Survey 2006' report. All personal data will be kept confidential and secure, and your name will not be published in the research findings, unless you indicate an interest in being identified. The questionnaire will take 15 minutes to complete, and can be a valuable tool in helping those in the medical community better understand and address the real issues facing cancer patients and their families.

I have often wondered about the benefits of living in a large city. I remember being so happy that both of my sons were born in a moderately sized city, opposed to a small town, with a state-of-the-art hospital to facilitate their complicated births.

Drawing a correlation, cancer treatment is somewhat the same - if you live in London, rather than some remote area in England you have a much better chance of survival. The mortality rates are still very different across England, even after the government launched its Cancer Plan to tackle the disease. There are many variations in the ability to receive vital drugs, screening, and survival rates. Nearly 90 percent of eligible women in certain areas are obtaining the wonder drug Herceptin for breast cancer, compared to 10 percent in other areas. This is a striking difference, I am happy it is being revised.

This an eloquently written analogy on fighting the war in Iraq, like we fight cancer. Attack it at the source. I imagine some may not agree, and I am not sure I  do, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this is one to consider. I need to mention it is an old entry, but still thought provoking, especially since we are still fighting Iraq. 

I am mostly intrigued by the member of the health sciences and his feelings on this statement being totally absurd. I am proud of him for putting his opinion out there!

He is over there, in harms way, and has every right to feel how ever he wants. But that is just my opinion. I did enjoy this blog, even though it really isn't cancer related. I wanted to share this view, and the blog is great regardless.  Would you want a doctor telling you, I am only treat you for one year, and then we are pulling out? Something to think about.

In the United Kingdom there is a super-bus, that will be delivering mobile cancer screening services in September of 2006. The Action Cancer vehicle will contain digital mammography, counselling and complementary therapy rooms, a training suite, hi-tech computer terminals and a cr

A controversial drug known to cause birth defects is now being used as for treating cancer. How did this happen? The drug thalidomide used in the 1950's and 60's to treat morning sickness is now available. Apparently it is very helpful for people with myeloma, (malignant tumor formed by the cells of the bone marrow). It has also been used to stop blood vessel development in cancerous cells. This is not a cure for myeloma, but very beneficial and has been found to greatly increase the quality of life. I am going to assume that it will not be used on women of child bearing age. Hmm, funny how things work out.