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In January 2006, Dr. Malkemus began writing dental health articles for The Community
Voice newspaper. He wanted to give back to the community and share his passion for
health, as well as his observations of the remarkable planet around us. Current
and past articles are provided here. To view his articles as they appear, see the
Health, Beauty, and Fitness Section at www.thecommunityvoice.com.
Other Resources
Reduction in Cancer Deaths
Reduction in Cancer Deaths – A Personal Experience
By George A. Malkemus DDS
Cancer deaths in the United States and Sonoma County have fallen for the last few years after years of steady increase. Deaths decreased in three major cancers – breast, prostate, and colorectal. Lung cancer decreased for men but had a slight increase in women. Combinations of factors are responsible for the cancer death decline, including increase in early detection, more effective treatments and a decrease in cigarette smoking among men. A wider and earlier screening for colon, prostate and breast cancer among both men and women is particularly significant.
Cancer related to tobacco use is still the greatest killer. Deaths from smoking related lung cancer alone are greater than the combination of the next six cancers. Of all the cancers of the mouth, 98% are squamous cell carcinoma, which is directly related to tobacco use. It is best to quit tobacco use! With oral cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is vital. If you ever have a sore that lasts more than 2 weeks, you should be seen immediately. Have regular oral cancer exams with your regular dental examinations.
The biggest drop in deaths was seen in colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths after lung cancer. Early detection and screening along with improved treatment are making a difference. I can speak personally to the improvement in treatment. I am a colorectal cancer survivor. I was diagnosed two years ago. I had chemo and radiation therapy during the summer of 2005, and surgery this last December and January. I am feeling great. My chance of survival would have been much less if the cancer had occurred 5 years earlier, that is how much treatment technology has improved. I am very lucky!
Throughout I have had tremendous support from family and friends. In particular my wife Mary Alice was there with me every step of the way. I received hundreds of cards and well wishes from patients who I have cared for over the years and they have come to care for me. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a positive attitude. Too many people become negative, fatalistic and depressed, feeling there is no hope. Cancer is not the death sentence that it is often thought to be.
Treatments have come along way and improve everyday. Just 5 years ago, the standard treatment for my stage of colorectal cancer was surgery first and then chemo and radiation therapy. Now chemo and radiation are done first to shrink the tumor and then surgery. This order has been found to lessen the spread of the cancer. In my case, the tumor went from the size of a large thumb with the involvement of two adjacent lymph nodes to smaller than a pea with no lymph node involvement.
It is important to become involved with your treatment and have a strong positive faith in success. Lance Armstrong’s book, ‘It Is Not About The Bike’, was inspirational in helping me mentally through the stressful early stages of cancer. It was given to me and signed by the members of the Active 20/30 Club of Rohnert Park and Cotati, of which I am a past member. [The club puts on numerous fundraisers for monies used to support the youth of our community.] I highly recommend Armstrong’s book to anyone dealing with in cancer. The inspiring story gave me an emotional and mental boost.
I was also given a great resource by a friend and patient; The Health Resource [800/949-0090 or www.thehealthresource.com], which is a company that engages in thorough research of latest knowledge for the specific type and stage of cancer, in my case T3 N1 colorectal and prepares a large binder of specific information. In it I learned information that helped me decide on treatment and ask relevant questions.
I would encourage everyone to get a colonoscopy by age 50. Most colon cancers occur in men and women who are 50 or older. If detected early, colon cancer is easily and successful treated. Two-thirds of the people who get colon cancer have no family history of the disease. If you have a parent, brother or sister, or child who has had colon cancer, then testing is even more important for you. I have no family history of the disease.
Colon cancer is a silent killer; it can be growing for many years with no symptoms. I was in great health with no symptoms; it was quite a shock when it was found with a colonoscopy. The cancer had been there for over 2 years. In dentistry, it is similar; symptoms of pain and discomfort are not felt until oral cancer, gum disease and/or decay are dangerously advanced. I encourage everyone to get regular dental examinations and cleanings.
I did not find the colonoscopy uncomfortable, and now I have had the procedure six times. The worst part for me is not eating for a day and swallowing the cleansing drink before hand. I actually enjoy looking at my insides on video. The video is somewhat similar to the video camera that I use for dental examinations in my office, letting my patients look at their own mouths and being involved in their own treatment. The video dental pictures are then stored in the computer as part of their dental record.
So what have I learned and how have I changed after my experience with cancer? I definitely did some soul searching. I understand that some things are outside my control. I understand that I will die someday at some unknown time in the future. I want to feel purpose in my life. I want to enjoy every precious moment. I so enjoy going to the office now. I enjoy cleaning the kitchen, taking out the garbage, going for a walk and just gazing at the sky. We have so much abundance; we must take time to appreciate it. I have a strong purpose to help people and bring my joy to others, which is why I began writing articles last year. I choose to be positive, warm, joyous everyday, and I hope my love of life will have a positive affect on everyone around me. We only have one go around so let us cherish each moment.
ENJOY LIFE AND KEEP SMILING!
George Malkemus has had a Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice in Rohnert Park for over 20 years at 2 Padre Parkway, Suite 200. Call 585-8595, or email info@ malkemusdds.com. Visit Dr. Malkemus’ Web site at http://www.malkemusdds.com
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