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Survivorship

Survivors' Q & A Bulletin Board

Q: I have chemobrain. I lose track of things all the time and I can't concentrate to get anything done. What can I do to fix this?

A: People who have undergone treatment for cancer often report that they just don't seem to be able to think as clearly as they used to. They have trouble remembering things from one minute to the next. They can't think of the right word or they forget people's names. And multitasking is simply out of the question. For some, the problems can be severe, leading to difficulties at work and at home. Researchers have struggled to understand the syndrome that has come to be known as "chemobrain." One of those researchers is Bernadine Cimprich, a U-M associate professor of nursing who has studied the cognitive functioning of women with breast cancer. We spoke with her about what chemobrain is and how people can cope with it. Click here to read the full story, get tips for coping and view a video about chemobrain.

Q: I have read a lot about the benefits of buying organic fruits and vegetables. When I am not able to buy organic, is it better to avoid these foods because of pesticides or should I just focus on eating foods that are high in antioxidants?

A: The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends that you eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in phytochemicals even if they are not organic. The benefits of eating these foods strongly outweigh any potential risks from pesticides. Research on cancer risk related to consuming organic food has shown no significant difference between organic and conventionally grown foods.

If you would like to try to eat organic, but need to watch your money, consider using this list as a gude to getting the biggest bang for your buck. Your first goal, though, should be to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are organic.

Better to Buy Organic		Don't Bother
Apples Bell Peppers Celery Cherries Imported Grapes Nectarines Peaches Pears Potatoes Red Raspberries Spinach Strawberries		Asparagus Avocados Bananas Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Kiwi Mangoes Onions Papaya Pineapples Peas