Myra Bazell LCSW OSW

The importance and beauty of managing stress… Psychological stress describes what people feel when they are under mental, physical, or emotional pressure. Stress can be caused both by daily responsibilities and routine events, as well as by more unusual events, such as a trauma or illness in oneself or a close family member.

for sarcoma cancer patients and their families Why managing stress is especially important for sarcoma cancer patients and their families Chronic stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer. Chronic stress results in the activation of specific signaling pathways in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, leading to tumor growth and progression.

We know from research that: Stress reduction can improve physiological variables Including; immune and endocrine function, blood vessel formation, DNA damage, cancer cell death and gene expression Cancer treatment response Disease progression and survival and quality of life.  Moreno-Smith M; Lutgendorf SK, Sood AK. Impact of stress on cancer metastasis. Future Oncol. 2010 Dec; 6(12):1863–1881.

Some common types of stress that oncology patients and their families experience… worrying about: maintaining healthy appearance for family the first infusion/surgery/etc. upcoming appointments like a new scan financial worries transportation navigating insurance companies/medical bills working/loss of income during treatment caregivers taking off work/less income talking to their children, friends and family about cancer recurrence taking care of pets house keeping body image intimacy x

When a life event causes stress sometimes its overwhelming

These changes help a person act with greater strength and speed to escape a perceived threat.

Examples of stress management how to alleviate the worries… mindfulness and mediation; exercise regularly ; talking to friends/support groups; eat well; get plenty of sleep; spend time outside; do things you enjoy; write in a journal; learn a new hobby; make time to socialize; talk to a mental health professional; set priorities/stay organized; humor; pray if religious;   listen to favorite music; be productive when you have the energy; help someone else such as befriending another patient who might be here at the conference!; massage; acupuncture; acknowledge need for support and ask friends/family for help (e.g. housework, cooking, shopping, transportation to appointments) BREATH BREATH BREATH BREATH

some helpful links https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/stress-fact-sheet https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/december-2014/how- stress-affects-cancer-risk.html https://cmbm.org/blog/5-ways-relieve-stress/ https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/stress-management-techniques-tips-burn- out/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress- relief/hlv-20049495 https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-untethered-soul/id377564641?mt=11 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/StressManagement/Stress- Management_UCM_001082_SubHomePage.jsp https://www.verywellmind.com/healthy-lifestyle-habits-for-stress-relief-3144693 https://www.reininsarcoma.org/stress-management/ https://www.cancercenter.com/soft-tissue-sarcoma/mind-body-medicine/

THANK YOU