Practical Matters

While testicular cancer is rare, it is the most common form of cancer in men ages 15-35, according to the Testicular Cancer Society. Generally men in this age group are robust and healthy, so cancer may be something they think only happens to other people. Educating men on the importance, as well as the technique, of testicular self-exam may help to reduce the incidence of this cancer.

Smoking cigarettes is the biggest environmental health hazard facing the world today. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, whether you’re facing a cancer diagnosis or not. It usually takes more than willpower to quit. Medications to quit smoking double your chances to quit successfully. If you're seeking support to quit smoking, the University of Michigan’s Tobacco Consultation Services can help.

Talking about money can be a challenge for most of us even during the best of times. When there is a diagnosis of cancer (and cancer is a costly illness), worrying about money and how to manage the cost of cancer care can take a toll on your emotions, family, health and time.

We asked Larry An, M.D., director of the Center for Health Communications Research at the University of Michigan, to help us understand how IT improves cancer care. The center includes behavioral scientists, health counselors, and software and media professionals who, in partnership with doctors and researchers from across the university, develop and test ways to help people access information and make more informed health decisions.

Many factors determine the cause of cancer, including a person's health history, lifestyle, exposure to elements in the environment and how an individual’s DNA responds to all of it. Justin Colacino, Ph.D., a research assistant professor at the U-M School of Public Health provides his insights.

Cancer can be linked to our environment, but a large number of cancers can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know.

Creating the ideal patient care experience is at the core of the U-M Rogel Cancer Center's mission and that's why we have partnered with industrial engineers to review how a patient travels through our system.

"I believe there is such a thing as a good death, and I know my sister had one,” says Ann Fitzsimons. “For some, completion of end-of-life activities is an important part of a cancer journey that can benefit both the patient and their loved ones."

One couple finds U-M financial resources for cancer-related expenses during hard times

Nearly three-quarters of Americans say money is a significant source of stress, according to a recent American Psychological Association poll. But you didn't need them to tell you that. When a cancer diagnosis slams into your pocketbook, financial jitters quickly mount. Having a firm sense of how to handle it can help you focus on yourself, your family and your well-being. We've assembled some tips to stretch a dollar.