The HuMOLYTE team recently earned 1st place at the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch Competition, impressing judges with their innovative solution to hydration challenges faced by cancer patients. This achievement highlights their dedication to improving patient care and their potential to make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Navigating conversations with someone diagnosed with cancer can be challenging. What should you say, and what should you avoid? Samantha Lynn, a cancer survivor, shares heartfelt advice on how to offer meaningful support. From saying "I'm here for you" to offering specific help, her insights provide practical ways to connect with and uplift those facing cancer.

A study presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting suggests that a high-fiber diet may delay the progression of precursor plasma cell disorders, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), into multiple myeloma. The research, led by Dr. Urvi A. Shah at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, found that increased dietary fiber intake improved disease biomarkers and enhanced gut microbiota health, both of which are crucial in managing these conditions. While further studies are needed to confirm these findings, incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into one's diet may offer a non-invasive strategy to support overall health and potentially slow disease progression.

Mary L. Rapp recounts her battle with a rare adrenal gland tumor she nicknamed "Wild Bill." After an initial rupture and successful surgery, she enjoyed two years of normalcy before the tumor's resurgence. Despite incomplete removal during a second surgery and ensuing depression, Mary found hope through chemotherapy, spiritual support, and cherishing daily moments with her family. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and embracing life's uncertainties.

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, it profoundly affects the entire family, especially children. Open and honest communication is crucial; children should be informed about the diagnosis in an age-appropriate manner to prevent misconceptions and alleviate fears. Maintaining routines provides a sense of stability, while encouraging expression of feelings through conversations, art, or play helps children process emotions. Seeking support from counseling services or support groups can offer additional coping mechanisms. It's essential to reassure children that they are not responsible for the illness and to address any concerns they may have about changes in family dynamics. By fostering a supportive environment, families can navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis together.

Managing nutrition during chemotherapy is vital to alleviate side effects and maintain strength. To address taste changes, incorporate tart flavors like pomegranate, ginger, lemon, and apples to stimulate taste buds; however, if mouth sores are present, opt for soothing foods such as baked sweet potatoes. Enhance hydration by flavoring water with fruit slices or drinking ginger and lemon tea, which also possess anti-nausea properties. Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can help sustain energy levels and ease digestion. To combat nausea, include ginger in your diet and ensure adequate protein intake from lean sources like chicken, fish, tofu, or plant-based proteins. For constipation, a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial, while blending fruits and vegetables into smoothies can aid those experiencing diarrhea. Making meals visually appealing with colorful foods and choosing light, easily digestible options like soups and smoothies can encourage eating when appetite is low. Incorporating energy-boosting foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and whole grains provides sustained energy. Tailoring your diet to your current condition and focusing on easily digestible, immune-boosting foods can help you feel stronger and more in control during treatment.

Self-care is essential during chemotherapy to manage physical and emotional challenges. Strategies include journaling to process emotions and track side effects, having a support companion at treatments, and engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation to reduce anxiety. Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and using comfort items like blankets or headphones can enhance well-being. Connecting with support groups and incorporating personal entertainment, such as music or movies, provide additional relief and encouragement during treatment.

Journaling offers significant benefits for cancer patients and caregivers, including emotional processing, stress reduction, and enhanced communication. By dedicating time to write honestly about experiences and feelings, individuals can confront and understand their emotions, leading to improved psychological adjustment during treatment. Regular journaling can decrease stress levels and improve overall well-being. Additionally, articulating thoughts on paper can enhance communication with healthcare providers and loved ones. To begin, establish a routine, choose a comfortable medium, and write without self-judgment. Prompts such as reflecting on surprising moments, expressing gratitude, or writing letters to one's future self can guide the process. Incorporating journaling into daily routines provides a therapeutic outlet, fostering clarity, strength, and resilience amid the challenges of cancer.

Maintaining gut health is crucial during cancer treatment, as therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and inflammation. Prebiotics—non-digestible fibers found in foods like bananas, garlic, onions, asparagus, and whole grains—serve as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome. Supporting gut health can enhance immune function, improve nutrient absorption, and mitigate treatment-related side effects. Incorporating prebiotic-rich foods into the diet, or utilizing products that combine prebiotics with hydration and electrolytes, can be an effective strategy for cancer patients to maintain overall well-being during treatment.

Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is crucial for reducing cancer risk and enhancing overall health. The oral cavity hosts over 700 bacterial species, some of which, when imbalanced, are linked to systemic diseases, including various cancers. For instance, the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with gum disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential role in disease progression. Additionally, Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral bacterium, has been linked to bowel tumors, indicating that oral bacteria can migrate and influence tumor growth in the gut. To maintain a healthy oral microbiome, it's recommended to brush and floss regularly, avoid overuse of antibacterial mouthwash, treat gum disease promptly, limit smoking and alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, and have regular dental check-ups. These practices not only support oral health but also contribute to the prevention of systemic conditions, underscoring the interconnectedness of oral hygiene and overall well-being.

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential during cancer treatment to support recovery and manage side effects. Eating small, frequent meals rich in protein from sources like lean meats, eggs, or legumes aids healing and muscle maintenance. To address side effects, try ginger tea or cold foods for nausea, soft and non-acidic foods for mouth sores, and seasonings to counter taste changes. Staying hydrated with 8–10 cups of fluids daily, including water and electrolyte drinks, is vital. Consult your healthcare team for personalized strategies to meet your needs during treatment.

A poignant anecdote highlights the impact of framing in cancer treatment outcomes. Two oncologists used identical chemotherapy regimens—Etoposide, Platinum, Oncovin, and Hydroxyurea—but observed markedly different patient response rates: 22% versus 74%. The key difference lay in their communication; one physician referred to the regimen as "EPOH," while the other presented it as "HOPE," emphasizing the potential for positive outcomes. This underscores the significant role that conveying hope and optimism can play in patient responses to treatment.

Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a simple yet effective technique that involves inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding again, each for a count of four. This method engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Practicing box breathing can lower heart rate, enhance focus, and improve emotional regulation, making it particularly beneficial for cancer patients and their loved ones managing the emotional and physical challenges of treatment. Incorporating this practice into daily routines can provide a sense of control and calm during stressful moments.

Hair loss during cancer treatment, particularly from chemotherapy, occurs because these treatments target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. The extent of hair loss varies depending on the type and dosage of treatment. Managing hair loss involves using gentle hair care products, considering scalp cooling caps to reduce hair loss, and exploring wigs or head coverings for comfort and style. Hair typically regrows after treatment, though it may initially differ in texture or color. Support resources, including wig programs and support groups, can help patients navigate this temporary but challenging side effect.

The nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids has significantly impacted hydration management for chemotherapy patients, who are particularly susceptible to dehydration due to treatment-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In response, healthcare providers are turning to oral hydration solutions as viable alternatives. HuMOLYTE offers a practical option, combining electrolytes and prebiotics to effectively rehydrate the body and support gut health. This approach not only alleviates the strain on limited IV fluid supplies but also empowers patients to manage their hydration needs at home, ensuring continuity of care during these challenging times.

At 18, I faced a life-changing diagnosis of bone cancer, enduring two years of chemo, losing my leg, and overcoming six tumors. But cancer couldn’t stop me. From dancing on Soul Train to acting on Northern Exposure and Beverly Hills 90210, I found new passions and joy. My journey taught me perseverance, character, and hope—lessons I carry with gratitude and a love for life.

Chemotherapy can lead to dehydration through side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced fluid intake due to mouth sores or fatigue. This dehydration may cause fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, kidney strain, and cognitive issues. To mitigate these risks, patients should aim to drink 8–10 cups of fluids daily, consume hydrating foods such as watermelon and cucumbers, monitor their fluid intake, and promptly address side effects with their healthcare provider. Limiting caffeine and alcohol is also advisable, as they can contribute to fluid loss. Recognizing early signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue, is crucial for timely intervention and maintaining overall health during treatment.

Early recognition of cancer symptoms is vital for timely intervention. The American Cancer Society highlights key warning signs with the acronym CAUTION: changes in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that doesn’t heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lumps, indigestion or swallowing difficulty, changes in warts or moles, and persistent cough or hoarseness. Persistent symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Recent research has identified a novel immune cell type, inducible nonclassical monocytes (I-NCMs), which exhibit significant anti-cancer properties. These cells can infiltrate tumor sites and recruit natural killer cells to attack cancer cells, showing potential against melanoma, lung, breast, and colon cancers. This discovery offers a promising avenue for developing treatments, especially for cancers resistant to existing therapies.

Chemotherapy can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to side effects like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and inflammation, which may compromise immune function and nutrient absorption. To support gut health during treatment, patients are advised to stay hydrated, consume prebiotic-rich foods such as bananas, garlic, avocados, and oats, and include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented products in their diet. These practices can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, potentially alleviating treatment-related side effects and enhancing overall well-being.