I have a love/hate relationship with my health insurance provider. When they cover my medications and tests, I am thrilled. But, when I get a letter saying they do not cover a procedure, medication, or test that my doctor believes I need, I feel deflated. Every day, cancer patients receive these denial of coverage letters and phone calls -- even for vital medications like chemotherapy drugs. So, what's a cancer patient to do? What to do when you insurance won't pay...

In the public eye, all cancers are not judged equally. For that reason, it may be difficult for some cancer patients to talk about their disease, even to the point of not tell friends and family. Recently, I received an email from a reader who is battling anal cancer is feeling shame and embarrassment because of it. Her feelings of shame have been so strong that it has prevented her from adequately coping with the diagnosis.

Cancer shame is not uncommon, especially for people with cancer that affect parts of the body that we normally don't hold conversations about with friends and family. Those suffering from colon, anal, rectal, and other types of cancer may feel embarrassed about their cancer, but shouldn't. Read more about how to cope with cancer shame....

Chemotherapy induced hair loss can be an emotionally devastating side effect of treatment. You never quite realize how much your hair means to you until you don't have it. If you are a parent, you may realize how much your hair means to them, too. Often silently, children are bothered by the sudden loss of a parent's hair. To them, hair loss can be a physical reminder that their parent is sick.

To lessen the stress and emotional toll that your cancer may have on your child, the best course of action is to talk to your child. In an age appropriate conversation, talk about your cancer and how it may change the family dynamics and also how it may change you. Explain side effects likes fatigue and hair loss. By doing this, you are preparing your child for what may come and in turn, may help them cope better with your illness.

One family prepared their 6 year old for her mother's chemo hair loss by having the child cut the mother's hair. In an emotionally touching video, 6 year old Lola Etchells is seen snipping her mother's locks in a carefree, lighthearted way. Sara Etchells, Lola's mom, is currently battling breast cancer and decided that it would be a good way for Lola to understand what was happening. Watch Sara and Lola's video on YouTube.

It's not very often that a historical figure makes it onto Google's Hot Trend list, so when I saw Eli Whitney trending, I was quite surprised. I knew an antique musket made by his armory had been featured on last night's Pawn Stars, but who knew it would cause such a stir?

Most famous as the inventor of the cotton gin, many people don't realize that Eli Whitney died of prostate cancer. According to historians, Whitney invented pain relieving instruments and medical devices to help cope with the cancer pain.

Cancer is not a new disease and has plagued man for centuries. Records from ancient civilizations note cancer diagnoses and treatments. Read more about the history of cancer"?...