Saturday, July 22, 2017

American Cancer Society Report Shows Ongoing Decline in Cancer Rates

 
A radiation oncologist with an MD from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya works as a physician with Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. Beyond his day-to-day activities treating patients, Dr. Raj Dahiya maintains memberships with several organizations, including the American Cancer Society. 

Each year since 1998, the American Cancer Society has partnered with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Cancer Institute to produce the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The report highlights new cancer cases and provides stats on death rates and cancer trends in the United States. 

According to the 2017 report, which was released in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on March 31, cancer rates among men, women, and children continue to decline nationwide. The report also shows that survival rates for several types of cancer have increased significantly, even among those diagnosed with late-stage disease. 

The study authors point to advancements in early detection and treatment methods as well as a decline in tobacco use as the reasons for the decrease in overall cancer rates and increase in survival rates. With over 40 million American adults still smoking on a regular basis, however, the report highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce the number of American smokers even further.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

TMA Presents First Health Hero Award


A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya serves as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, where he makes use of tools such as the Predictive Medical Solutions Cyberknife to provide the very latest in radiation therapy tools to his patients. Engaged in the ongoing development and evolution of his profession, Dr. Raj Dahiya belongs to the Texas Medical Association.

Earlier this year, the Texas Medical Association (TMA) debuted a new “Health Hero” award designed to recognize organization members who have been key voices in its three major outreach initiatives: Be Wise-Immunize, Walks With a Doc Texas, and Hard Hats for Little Heads. The organization’s Council on Health Promotion, which serves as the oversight arm for all three initiatives, selected C. Leilani Valdes, MD, a pathologist from Victoria, Texas, as its first Health Hero award recipient.

Commenting on the selection, Dr. Valdes called it a “great honor” to be recognized as the first recipient. She also says she is excited about continuing to participate in the programs in the future, as she is passionate about these types of community awareness initiatives.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

American College of Radiology Holds 2017 Annual Meeting


An MD with Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya specializes in radiation oncology. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Raj Dahiya has maintained affiliations with a number of professional groups, including the American College of Radiology (ACR). 

In its efforts to advance radiological care, the ACR offers members a variety of education programs and events throughout the year. The organization recently wrapped up its 2017 Annual Meeting, which took place May 21-25. 

Over 2,000 medical professionals attended the five-day event to take part in an education program comprising a variety of sessions organized into several broad knowledge pathways, including quality and safety, leadership, and clinical research. There were also a number of sessions for medical students, residents, and early-career physicians. 

Alongside the learning activities, the ACR 2017 Annual Meeting featured networking events, speed mentoring, an exhibit hall, and an advocacy day on Capitol Hill. Those who missed the event can access session content on the ACR website. ACR’s next Annual Meeting will be held May 20-24, 2018. Information about other upcoming events can be found at www.acr.org.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

ACR Launches New Leadership Course


Based in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya uses minimally invasive techniques, such as the Predictive Medical Solutions Cyberknife, in his role as a radiation oncologist. In addition to his everyday radiation oncology work, Dr. Raj Dahiya is extremely active in his field through membership in numerous professional societies, including the American College of Radiology. 

This October, the American College of Radiology (ACR) will launch a new program aimed at equipping up-and-coming radiologists with the skills they need to step into leadership positions at their respective hospital posts. Dubbed the Radiology Leadership Institute (RLI), the 12-week course will provide informative instruction on topics such as hospital administration and governance, departmental leadership and accountability initiatives, and how to be a voice of positive change at a hospital.

The self-paced learning launches October 3, 2017, and runs until May 8, 2018. It will feature virtual courses as well as group discussion platforms that include expert faculty members.

Friday, June 9, 2017

ACS Says Prostate Cancer Screening Rates Have Stabilized


A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya has worked at a number of facilities during his career, including at Predictive Medical Solutions, before taking his current job as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. Outside of his work as an MD, Dr. Raj Dahiya helps in the fight against cancer by supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society.

According to researchers with the American Cancer Society, changes to screening recommendations which initially led to a decline in prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests now have less of an impact, with the decline now tapering off. When the US Preventive Services Task Force issued its recommendations against PSA testing in 2008, rates dropped by seven percent over a three-year period in men over the age of 50.

Recent research shows, however, that the screening rate has stabilized since 2015, with approximately 32.1 percent of men aged 50-plus receiving PSA screenings. Researchers attribute the stabilization to recent research indicating that older men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at a slightly increased rate, prompting more men to get screened and others to be screened more frequently.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Radiation Therapy - What to Expect at Premier Cancer Centers


Radiation oncologist Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya holds an MD from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine. Alongside his work with Predictive Medical Solutions, Dr. Raj Dahiya treats patients at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX.

At Premier Cancer Centers, the first thing patients can expect is a consultation. After reviewing educational materials, patients have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and treatment goals. 

Patients who choose to have treatment will then undergo a CT scan. This information, as well as data gathered from other tests, is used as a planning tool for physicians, enabling them to create truly custom treatment plans that effectively target tumors while minimizing harm to the surrounding areas. 

A radiation oncologist and physicist will both review treatment plans to ensure they are suitable. Once a treatment plan is finalized, patients begin undergoing treatments. 

The timing and duration of treatments vary greatly by patient. When therapy has concluded, patients receive continued support through follow-up appointments.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Three Types of Common Head and Neck Cancers


Rajiv Dahiya, MD, of Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, is a leader in oncology. Dr. Raj Dahiya focuses on advanced radiation technologies in his practice. Many of Dr. Raj Dahiya’s patients undergo treatments for cancer of the head or neck, which include:

- Hypopharyngeal cancer. Occurring in the hypopharynx, the opening to the esophagus, this cancer usually forms in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the hypopharynx. Early signs include sore throats and ear pain. 

- Laryngeal cancer. Occurring when malignant cells form in the larynx, the part of the throat that contains vocal cords, this type of cancer often begins in squamous cells and can include symptoms such as ear pain and a sore throat. It some cases, laryngeal cancer can spread to nearby structures such as lymph nodes. 

- Oropharyngeal cancer. With symptoms that may include a lump and a sore throat, this cancer affects the oropharynx, including the back third of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat. People with HPV may be at increased risk for this particular cancer.