Our experts' most helpful insight from 2014

No matter where you are in your cancer journey, you're likely curious about cancer prevention and treatment. Or, maybe you're trying to figure out how to manage an unexpected side effect or whether or not you can exercise during cancer treatment.

Whatever the case, you're sure to find wisdom, guidance and hope in the insight of our doctors and other experts, many of whom shared their expertise here on Cancerwise and in our Cancer Newsline podcast series in 2014.

Below, we've pulled together some of the most helpful insight and advice our doctors and other experts shared this past year. We hope you find something here that helps or inspires you in your cancer journey.

Immunotherapy: Unleashing the immune system to attack cancer
We're making great strides in immunotherapy, a new way of treating cancer that targets the immune system rather than the tumor itself. And, this innovative approach, developed by Jim Allison, Ph.D., professor in Immunology, will open doors for treating all types of cancer. Learn more in this podcast with Allison and Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Genitourinary Medical Oncology and Immunology.

Understanding the new HPV vaccine
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new vaccine targeting nine types of HPV, including five that haven't been covered by other vaccines. And, for those who get the vaccine, that means even better protection against cervical cancer, oral cancers and other cancers linked to HPV, says Lois Ramondetta, M.D., in Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine. Find out what you should know about the new HPV vaccine.

Exercising with cancer: What you need to know
Is it safe to exercise when you have cancer? And, are there exercises you should avoid or warning signs to stop your workout?

A cancer survivor's guide to sun safety
It may be December, but the sun's UV rays can cause damage that can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma, year-round. And, if you're a cancer survivor, it's important to take extra precautions. Find out what survivors need to know about sun exposure and sun protection from Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, M.D., professor in Surgical Oncology and co-leader of our Melanoma Moon Shot.

6 ways to cope with chemobrain
Have you been forgetting appointments or acquaintances' names? It's not uncommon to have these "foggy" moments or lapses in memory after chemotherapy, says Janet Tu, M.D., assistant professor of General Oncology at MD Anderson in Sugar Land. However, there are things you can do to cope with this challenging side effect.

Living with peripheral neuropathy
Experiencing numbness, tingling or shooting pain in your fingers or toes? You're not alone. Learn about causes, symptoms and managing this common side effect from Julie Walker, advanced practice nurse in Neuro-Oncology.

Top 5 ways to reduce cancer risk
While there are no guarantees that you'll avoid cancer, there are many things you can do to lower your risk. Get insight on the best things you can do to protect yourself from cancer in this podcast with Ernest Hawk, M.D., vice president of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at MD Anderson.

Pain during cancer treatment: 6 tips for coping
About one-third of cancer patients experience pain as a side effect of their treatment. But pain doesn't have to be a way of life, says Brian M. Bruel, M.D., assistant professor in Pain Management at MD Anderson in Katy. Find out about treatments and options for managing your pain.