Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? There are more cases of skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Knowing the facts about skin cancer can help fight it. Take the quiz below, then click “Done” to see your score and correct answers.
This quiz was developed with Jesse M. Lewin, MD, FACMS, Director of the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center at Mount Sinai.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Although it is one of the more aggressive cancers, there are new treatment options based on the stage of cancer and your genetic makeup.
In this Q&A, Nyein Nyein Thaw Dar, MD, MS, who specializes in caring for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, when you should see your doctor, and the different treatment options. There are about 30,000 new cases of stomach cancer each year in the United States, which ranks 16 among cancers according to the National Cancer Institute.
“Detecting and treating stomach cancer early is essential for improving your treatment options and for your overall quality of life,” she says.
What is stomach cancer?
Cancer can form anywhere in the stomach. The cancer forms when there is a genetic mutation or change to DNA of the stomach cells causing the abnormal growth of the cells. Instead of dying, the old cells collect and form a tumor in the stomach lining. The cancer cells attack healthy cells, and the cancerous cells mutate and spread to other organs like the liver, lining of abdominal cavity, lymph nodes, lungs and bones.
We don’t know what causes the mutation. But contributing factors include:
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer develops slowly and can be difficult to detect as it doesn’t cause symptoms during the initial stages. Mild symptoms include difficulty swallowing, indigestion, loss of appetite, fatigue and stomach pain. Some patients can present with iron deficiency (anemia). Many symptoms can mimic other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What increases your risk of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is more common in:
When should I see my doctor?
If you are experiencing some common symptoms or risk factors, you should consult your physician who will assess and diagnose your condition.
Are there screening tests for stomach cancer?
There are currently no recommended screening tests for stomach cancer for people who are not at risk. Screening tests are done to check for disease in people who don’t have symptoms. Some people who have a higher risk of stomach cancer may benefit from screening with upper endoscopy to help detect cancer earlier.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
After a thorough exam, your physician may order several tests to help diagnose your condition. To determine if you have stomach cancer, an upper endoscopy is typically used to retrieve tissue and perform a biopsy to assess cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence of cancer cells and the type of cancer. Other tests and procedures are employed to determine the stage of the cancer. A CT scan or MRI can detect tumors and other abnormalities and help to determine the stage of the cancer. Blood tests offer information on underlying liver and kidney functions, bone marrow function, and circulating tumor DNA.
How is stomach cancer treated?
Your care team considers many factors in developing your care plan, such as the cancer’s location within the stomach and the stage of the cancer. These factors are critical in determining treatment options. Your doctor will also assess your overall health, the type of stomach cancer you have, if it has spread to other areas of the body, your test results, the and the size of the tumor. Generally, cancer treatments are classified as either local or systemic. Local treatments target cancer cells in a specific part of the body and work to remove, destroy, or control them. Surgery and radiation therapy are examples of local treatments. Systemic treatments, travel throughout the body to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original area. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments. Your physician and health care team may suggest a combination of treatments that can kill or shrink the cancer cells.
What is the approach at Mount Sinai Brooklyn?
Mount Sinai Brooklyn patients can benefit from the expertise of multiple stomach cancer specialists, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, rehabilitation therapists, and supportive care specialists. Together, we take a highly collaborative and coordinated approach to stomach cancer treatment, helping each patient achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.
Actor Jay Russell, Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse
Actors often call on their own experiences when developing a character for the stage. But few have the depth of understanding that 21-year head and neck cancer survivor Jay Russell brings to the role of Caesar Rodney in the musical 1776, playing at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, from Wednesday, April 1, to Saturday, May 2.
The Tony Award-winning show portrays the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Rodney, a delegate to the Continental Congress, struggled with his own cancer that affected his face throughout this period and eventually died of the disease. In what was arguably his most influential act, he cast a decisive vote for independence.
The actor’s cancer journey began in 2004, when he discovered a lump in his neck. Doctors at what was then called Beth Israel Medical Center took a biopsy, which showed squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that can arise in the head and neck region. It had started in his right tonsil, then spread to the lymph nodes in his neck. Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the location of the tumor, Mr. Russell used a feeding tube, which led to a 40-pound weight loss.
“I’m an actor. I take direction well, so I did everything they said to do,” he says. He was back at work about 11 months after the start of treatment. “They took excellent care of me.”
The treatment was successful, and more than two decades later he remains cancer-free. (And in that time, the hospital became Mount Sinai Beth Israel, which closed in 2025.)
“There’s some asymmetry to my face and I sometimes have difficulty swallowing, but my speaking and singing voice came through unscathed,” says Mr. Russell, who has since performed on- and off-Broadway, on national tours and regional theatres, and on film and television.
We know less about Caesar Rodney’s medical story back in the 18th century. There was no effective treatment for his cancer at that time, though reports indicate that a doctor operated on his nose, leaving him disfigured. According to reports, he rarely went out in public without a green scarf covering part of his face.
But he didn’t let his illness stand in his way. Mr. Rodney served as an officer in the Delaware militia, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and governor of Delaware. His history-making moment came when the Continental Congress was voting on whether to declare independence from Britain. At that point, Mr. Rodney was in Dover, Delaware. The other two Delaware delegates were at an impasse in Philadelphia; one delegate was against declaring independence, the other for it. They needed someone to break the tie and get a “yes” vote from Delaware.
Mr. Russell (back row, fourth from right) with the cast of the musical 1776. Photo credited to Rebecca J Michelson.
In the film version of 1776, Mr. Rodney was back home recuperating from his disease; the film portrays him as a frail, elderly man. But the historical record suggests that he was in his late 40s, pragmatic, and back in Dover dealing with the Delaware militia. So, a bit of a different story is told in 1776.
“I imagine our director wanted to cast someone who had strength and resilience,” says Mr. Russell.
In real life and in the show, as soon as he received the message that he was needed urgently, Mr. Rodney jumped on a horse and rode 18 hours through a torrential storm to Philadelphia. He arrived muddy, exhausted, and eager to cast his vote to cut ties with Britain.
Mr. Russell says his personal experience overcoming adversity helps him understand what it was like for the historical figure.
“No matter how strong, resilient, and admirable Rodney was, he was in great pain and discomfort having this untreatable cancer on his face,” he says. “I will certainly use my own memories of the pain, the treatment, and the experience that I had in portraying Rodney.”
That’s not the only lesson Mr. Russell brings to his portrayal of the historical figure.
“Rodney’s diagnosis led him to understand how precious time was and how he had to use every moment,” says Mr. Russell. The politician used that moment to help bring independence to the 13 colonies. The actor brings it to share that important story on stage.
Besides being the 250th anniversary of 1776, Mr. Russell believes the musical’s revival is extremely timely. “This show celebrates the core of what made us a country, and how differing viewpoints can unite and come together for the common good,” he says.
Colorectal cancer rates have increased at alarming rates among young adults, often under the age of 45.
Colorectal cancer usually occurs later in life, with the average age at diagnosis around 70. An early diagnosis should prompt consideration of testing of your genetic predisposition to cancer, according to Michael Murray, MD, Division Chief of Genomic Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Michael Murray, MD, Division Chief of Genomic Medicine at Mount Sinai
In this Q&A, Dr. Murray, who is also Clinical Director for the Institute for Genomic Health, explains the importance of genetic testing and what services Mount Sinai offers.
Why is genetic testing important for some people?
Prior to the recent increase in colorectal cancer in young adults, we know that 8 to 10 percent of cases under 50 years old were due to genetic predisposition. While it is believed that environmental risks contribute to this recent increase, the relationship between these environmental risks and genetic predisposition are not fully understood. It is important to know that, whether you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, or have a family history, or if you are simply worried about risk for early cancer, you can be tested for genetic predisposition at Mount Sinai’s Genomic Health Clinic.
What can people do early on to see if they are at risk of developing colorectal cancer?
A family history of colorectal or uterine (endometrial) cancer can be a sign of inherited cancer risks, such as Lynch Syndrome (LS). The Mount Sinai Genomic Health Clinic can analyze the pattern of cancer in the family and determine if it is consistent with LS or other inherited cancer risk. For individuals with LS, the lifetime risk for colorectal cancer can be as high as 80 percent, with almost half of the cancers occurring prior to age 50. In those with confirmed LS, preventive strategies exist.
What does genetic testing to evaluate risk for colorectal cancer involve?
Genetic testing for colorectal cancer risk begins with a consultation with the Genomic Medicine team, either in person or by telemedicine, to learn more about your personal and the family health history. They will discuss your testing options. If you choose to proceed, they obtain a DNA sample (blood or saliva) for testing. A follow-up visit is then scheduled to review the results and discuss recommended next steps.
Who should do a genetic test for colorectal cancer and other types of cancer?
Genetic testing can be ordered based on family history of cancer, personal history of cancer, or interest in being screened. The Mount Sinai Genomic Health Clinic can help you determine if testing is right for you.
What resources are available at Mount Sinai for genetic testing?
More than 90 percent of people with LS do not know they have it, and only come to know it after a cancer diagnosis. Early identification of LS provides a chance to take preventive action. The Mount Sinai Genomic Health Clinic sees any patient who self-refers or is referred by their health care provider.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women under the age of 50. There are many misconceptions about the disease, and knowing the facts can help you fight it. Can you separate myth from fact? Take the quiz below, then click “Done” to see your score and correct answers.
This quiz was developed with Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG, Director of Health Equity in Action for Liver and Digestive Diseases and Associate Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Liver Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Gagan Sahni, MD, right, Director of Mount Sinai’s Cardio-Oncology Program, with Chime Lhamu, NP
The Cardio-Oncology Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital, under the directorship of Gagan Sahni, MD, has once again been awarded Gold Center of Excellence status. This renewed designation extends through 2028, marking another three years of internationally recognized excellence.
This is the highest designation of certification from the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS), the largest international platform for physicians and nurse practitioners dedicated to cardiovascular care of cancer patients.
In 2022, Mount Sinai became the first institution in New York State to be awarded Gold status as a Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence by IC-OS. Some 53 cardio-oncology programs nationwide and 27 worldwide have been awarded this recognition acknowledging exceptional cardiovascular care of oncology patients. This international honor by IC-OS is awarded at three levels—bronze, silver, and gold. To receive a Gold certification, the institution must fulfill stringent requirements across six scoring categories, including patient volume, research and publications, interdisciplinary care, education, committee involvement, and program building. It is valid for three years and signifies the program has demonstrated outstanding professional contributions to Cardio-Oncology.
“Many cancer treatments—which includes chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy—can adversely affect the heart, and it is imperative that the appropriate patients are referred to a specialist in the field of Cardio-Oncology in a timely way,” explains Dr. Sahni, Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
“My specialty focuses on early prevention, detection, treatment, and management of the potential cardiac effects of cancer treatments, so that the patients are able to safely continue their therapies. These cardiac adverse effects may include a myriad of conditions such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, blood clots, angina, and pericardial effusion—a buildup of fluid around the heart. All of these conditions should be addressed promptly by a specialist who is familiar with the effects of cancer therapies and coordinates tailor-made cardiology care with the patient’s oncologist.”
The Cardio-Oncology clinic at Mount Sinai was established in 2013 by Dr. Sahni, who is a Fellow of the International Cardio-Oncology Society, one of fewer than 20 physicians in the world awarded this distinction for her contributions to the field. The program provides personalized cardio-oncology consultations to more than 2,500 cancer patients annually from The Tisch Cancer Center and across the Mount Sinai network with inpatient, outpatient, and telemedicine consultations. This includes nearly a decade of close multidisciplinary collaborations with oncologists, radiation oncologists, onco-surgeons, onco-generalists, onco-nephrologists, onco-neurologists, onco-endocrinologists, and nurse practitioners.
“This designation of Gold Center of Excellence recognizes the dedication of the Cardio-Oncology team at The Mount Sinai Hospital in advancing specialized heart care for our cancer patients at a nation-leading level, and we are proud to be able to provide state-of-the-art specialty care to them,” says Dr. Sahni.
Physicians can make Cardio-Oncology appointments for their patients by calling 212-241-4977.
