Conditions Expert Archive
DR. OTIS BRAWLEY
Otis Webb Brawley, M.D., is the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, which means he's responsible for promoting the goals of cancer prevention, early detection, and high-quality treatment through cancer research and education. A world-renowned cancer expert and practicing oncologist, Brawley also has been a professor of hematology, oncology, and epidemiology at Emory University, medical director of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and deputy director for cancer control at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. He has also held other roles with the cancer society, co-chaired the Surgeon General's Task Force on Cancer Health Disparities and filled a variety of capacities at the National Cancer Institute.
Brawley, a self-described "science nerd," says he gravitated toward research as a way of mixing the clinical practice of medicine with pure science. He traces his passion to his teenage years, when he volunteered in the lab of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Detroit, near his hometown. The scientists there taught him to use sophisticated equipment and how to help them with their work. "That's where I got the research bug," the doctor says.
He's a graduate of University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He interned at University Hospital of Cleveland, Case-Western Reserve University and completed his residency at University Hospital of Cleveland and his fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.
In his work with the cancer society, he champions efforts to decrease smoking, improve diet, detect cancer at the earliest stage and provide the critical support cancer patients need. He also guides efforts to enhance and focus the research program, upgrade the society's advocacy capacity, and concentrate community cancer control efforts in areas where they will be most effective. Brawley is also a key leader in the society's work to eliminate disparities in access to high-quality cancer care.
I am at risk of rectal cancer because of my orientation and not able to find reliable info. Where can I go to actually get the true information about this? And where can I go to get free publications? Any info would be great, as I am hearing that this is on the rise.
How does tamoxifen affect weight? Can one expect weight loss after the prescription is over? Thanks.
Is it possible -- in some cases -- to get a second round of radiation? When I had it 25 years ago I was told that this is once-in-a-lifetime treatment, yet a friend of mine is scheduled for a second round.
My husband just completed six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy for his non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B cell lymphoma in his upper stomach. Compared with what we've heard others have endured, his side effects were relatively mild. However, he continues to have a strained, raspy voice. His oncologist didn't seem too concerned or aware of what might be causing this. Is this a "typical" chemo side effect?
I have basal cell carcinoma. I have had two surgeries on my face. I have had a few frozen off as well. Was to go back to the doctor to get a checkup on the ones he has frozen off. I have canceled every appointment since then. I am just tired of always getting cut on and things frozen off. I always seem to get bad news every time I go. Now, I have noticed a new light brown spot on my face. It looks like a freckle. Yes, I do have them and also am a redhead. I'm 35. So I don't think I'm still getting freckles. I used to tan seven days a week 365 days a year. I always went 25-30 minutes a day. I was just wondering what that spot might be. It's the size of a pencil eraser. Can this cancer spead to my organs'? I told my husband that I would listen to you! He's very TICKED at me for not listening. Thanks for your time.
I am a male, 66 years old. In March 2008, my cardiologist prescribed spironolactone (2 mg daily). About two months ago, I started having soreness in my left breast, and both breasts seem to have enlarged. Is there a possible connection with the medication?
Are there any treatments for hyperthyroidism when the patient is severely allergic to iodine?
I am a 65-year-old nurse who has developed rosacea. I do not have the redness, only the itchy bumps on my face, which is so embarrassing. I have seen a dermatologist and I am now taking Oracea, which is 40 mg. of doxycycline, and using hydrocortisone cream. Very little is discussed about this, and I desperately need your expert advice. Is there anything more I can do? This is ruining my life. Thank you.
Is multiple sclerosis genetic or hereditary? If so, what are the statistics (for example 1 in 1,000)?
My grandfather, age 85, has final-stage Alzheimer's disease and is completely bedridden. As it sounds, it is very difficult to see him on the bed unable to move for the past five months. As a result of this inability, he has developed bed sores. We have him laid on a water bed, and my sister is a doctor who dresses the wounds twice a day. Is there anything else we could do to help heal the sores?
I am a 31-year-old male. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with H. pylori. I live a healthy life and maintain a relatively clean house. How would a person spontaneously contract the bacterium? Others in my household have tested negative for H. pylori. Could it be something that I picked up in a public place? I do not travel, let alone to developing countries or third-world nations. I went to urgent care in April and was admitted to the ER because I could not keep down liquids, solids or medications. They diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have two sick pets: They have both been diagnosed with IBD, though one has been controlled with a diet change. Could H. pylori be transmitted from animal to human? Any information would be helpful.
I recently landed in the hospital for five days because of pancreatitis. I am the atypical patient for this condition. I have type 1 diabetes. I do not drink, and my gallbladder was removed in 2003. CT scans showed a seriously inflamed pancreas, but doctors could not find a reason why. Any ideas? I have never hurt so bad in all my life, and they say since they can't find a reason for it, it can happen again with no warning just like this last one. Please help.
I had a stent placed in my heart on December 9, 2002. What is the longevity for this stent? It was the newer kind that was safer at the time.
Many people in my neighborhood have confirmed H1N1, including my hubby. Once someone has had a confirmed case, will he or she be immune to getting H1N1 again this year?
Is hypothyroidism common in a person's early 20s? How long does it take to find the correct dose of medication to regulate it?
What can be done to alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy? The pain is sometimes more than I can bear and continually interrupts sleep. I am exhausted.
What exactly does a routine Pap smear screen do? Does it screen for human papillomavirus, cancers or both? Since I have no risk of sexually transmitted diseases because my spouse and I have had sexual contact only with one another, is a Pap smear a pointless procedure, for me in particular? Can a Pap smear detect cancers other than those caused by HPV or other STDs? What other reasons, if any, are there for me to get a Pap smear, and what other tests or procedures should a healthy, monogamous 27-year-old have at the OB/GYN? And how often should she have them?
What is the best remedy for ringing in the ears?
What is the best remedy for ringing in the ears?
My husband had childhood leukemia, and his ejection fraction [the capacity at which the heart is pumping] has steadily declined over the last few years, the most recent results showed 39 percent, apparently as a result of the chemo he received. What treatments or medications are available for this? He is only 35 years old, which seems so young for heart problems.
I'm a 29-year-old male who recently went to the doctor for a routine physical and was told my liver enzymes (AST specifically) were very high. My doctor immediately diagnosed it as a drinking problem and told me to cut back. The problem is, I don't really drink a whole lot. I do admit to the weekly happy hours at the end of the week where I sometimes drink more than I should, but it certainly is not a daily habit. (I don't even have any beer or liquor in my house.) I had happened to be out drinking a few nights before my blood test, and I read that strenuous exercise can also cause this. (I've run two marathons, and I am currently training for another.) Should I get another opinion or just simply cut back on the drinking?
I've heard that probiotics can help with diverticulitis. What is the strain of probiotics that would work best? Is there a brand name you can recommend? Should it be taken with antibiotics or after the 10-day prescribed course of antibiotics? I realize there is no cure for diverticulosis; I'm trying to be proactive.
My husband had a kidney transplant a year ago. He's on potent drugs like CellCept and Prograf. Would these drugs be excreted in semen? Can it be harmful to my cervix?
If breast cancer is caught in a very early stage, and a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy show no metastasis, can an HER-2 positive type of breast cancer appear later in the lungs, bones, liver, etc.? That is, spread to other parts of the body without any metastasis from the breast tissue itself?
I am a healthy and fit 55-year-old woman. My bone density test showed that I needed to be supplemented. I cannot take hormones as I had a blood clot, so the doctor prescribed Fosamax. I had awful side effects: muscle pain, joint pain, etc. He has now prescribed Forteo. Is this a good alternative?
Where are tapeworms most likely to be found?
What are the best diets and supplements to prevent and treat prostate cancer? What about tomatoes? Or vitamin E? Or antioxidants?
My father, 59, has a heart arrhythmia. For the past few years it has been treated with blood thinners (Coumadin) and a pacemaker. After these procedures were unsuccessful he went to the Cleveland Clinic and had a heart ablation performed. He recently (October 2008) has been diagnosed with MDS. From my understanding MDS is the underformation of red blood cells that do not develop into full red blood cells. Are there any studies or have there been any studies to connect blood thinners to MDS? He currently is undergoing chemotherapy for the MDS, but also has to go back onto the Coumadin to have another heart ablation performed. He basically has to choose which disease he has to fight first. Any help in this matter would be appreciated.
My daughter-in-law has had a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma. She has had several blood transfusions and chemo. What is available for this young woman? We are very concerned for the future.
I have high blood pressure. I was just told that my creatinine was at 1.8, an indicator of chronic kidney disease.
Is it true that obese people who have had gastric bypass surgery have experienced a reversal of diabetes condition?
Is it necessary to have a colonoscopy when you're over age 50?
Do you believe it would help cancer patients to have lots of human growth hormone, which seems to be so beneficial for athletes?
I have had painful periods for the past couple of years and have also had ovarian cysts. I had a couple of larger cysts removed about five years ago and was told I had endometriosis at that time. I continue to have pain and now have been told I have a 7 cm cyst on the right ovary. My doctor recommends removing both ovaries and the uterus. I'm just researching the pros and cons. Was wondering if there are any major issues I should be concerned about if I had the uterus and both ovaries removed. I am 42 and do not plan to have children. Given the history of pain and previous cysts, is it a good idea to go ahead and remove everything? Thanks for your time. Melissa
I quit smoking two months ago with the help of Chantix. However, I seem to cough more now than than when I was smoking. Is this normal for people who have smoked for 20 years? I feel much better overall, but I am a little concerned that maybe emphysema might be setting in.
I tend to get low blood sugar at times throughout the day. I work out on a regular basis and have difficulty knowing when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat before a workout. So, information on that would be helpful.
For the past two months, each morning I have had a series of sneezes and a runny nose. The episodes last for about 30 minutes. I had a flu shot in November 2008. I exercise daily, riding the bike for about 14 miles each day. I average one hour and approximately 15 mph. When I am exercising, the sniffles go away! I do not like to take over-the-counter pills. What could be wrong?
I am 44. I don't smoke and never have, but both my parents did (six packs a day between them), and I am exposed to secondhand smoke at friends' homes.
I am an MS [multiple sclerosis] patient and I have just about had it with my Rebif injections. I've heard about a new leukemia drug used to treat the beginning stages of MS. I think it's called Campath 1H. Are there any other medications you would recommend for early stage MS? Thank you.
I was wondering whether endometriosis can return. Mine was diagnosed while I was trying to get pregnant about seven years ago. I had surgery to remove the scar tissue, was on different drugs and took time off from work to treat it and was finally blessed with two sons. But since the birth of my second son almost four years ago, I've been trying to get pregnant again, with no luck. My age (39) may be a factor, but I'm starting to have some of the endo symptoms as well.
I have a not so rare but rarely talked about condition, hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic abscess of a type of sweat gland). I cannot find a dermatologist with enough experience with this disease in my area to help me. My outbreaks are contained to my groin area. I am young (25), about 20 pounds overweight, but I am dieting and exercising to lose that. I have had the condition since I was 18, and it just gets worse. I have tried laser hair removal, multiple antibiotic, birth control and ibuprofen therapies. They are all a temporary fix; then it comes back full force. I am meeting with a dermatologist who practices with a plastic surgeon to look at possible surgery to remove the glands. What questions do I need to ask, and what should I be prepared for? I had one doctor tell me it is possible this surgery can affect my fertility. Is that true? I thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Is CoQ10 beneficial for people taking statins?
What is fibromyalgia? What causes fibromyalgia? Can it effectively be treated without prescription drugs? What is the difference between gabapentin and Cymbalta?
I am seven months post Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery. I am regularly having bloody stools. No pain. The blood is bright red, and I do eat nuts daily. The blood is contained throughout the stool. No diarrhea. I have an appointment with my bariatrician in early January. Can I wait until then to talk to him about it, or should I get in touch with him sooner?
Are cardiac tests such as the stress echo as effective at diagnosing blockages and arrhythmia in women as they are in men?
If you're having heart attack, which medicine should you take first : nitroglycerin or 325 mg aspirin?
What can I do to help the pain in my back? I can't stand or walk for more than 15 minutes without sitting or squating down.My right leg has a numb spot that starts burning and stinging very badly.The pain seems to come from my lower back or my butt muscle on the right side.
I am a 28-year-old male, about 5 feet 9 and 235 pounds. Most of the extra weight is in the midsection. I do exercise three to four times weekly, but I love to eat. My question is, I have had elevated liver enzymes on and off (usually on) for about three years. During my four years of college, I drank A LOT of alcohol. I would say about 12 drinks a day, every day for four years. I still drink a day or two a month (and yes to the point of intoxication). I know this is not a good behavior and has its dangers. But I would like to know how likely it would be that I have already started liver cirrhosis from my drinking. Any advice on anything above would help. Thank you all very much.
I have metastatic breast cancer, so far in bones only. Whenever I go to see doctors other than my oncologist, they want to know about when and how often additional testing and/or scans are performed. Generally speaking, are additional testing and/or scans done in the absence of new symptoms?
I have heard that a hiatal hernia can mimic more serious medical conditions, such as a heart attack or make it difficult to breathe. What symptoms could a hiatal hernia produce that would seem to come from more serious other medical conditions?
Could a burning pain in your pelvic area be a sign of uterine cancer?
My name is Otis W. Brawley, M.D. I am an oncologist or cancer doctor.
When you have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and your kidney ultrasound is normal, how do you prevent the kidney disease from worsening to the point of dialysis and/or need for a transplant?
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