healthy Survivorship Update from First Dayton Cancer Care

First Dayton Cancer Care

Healthy Survivorship Update

Ed Hughes, MD Don Marger,MD

Volume 8

March 2011

Greetings!

March may not seem like an exciting month, but it is a month of anticipation. We anticipate the end of winter and the start of spring; we anticipate the winner of the NCAA tournament; we anticipate spring break vacations; we anticipate green food for St. Patrick's Day; and we anticipate a colonoscopy. What?

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.

Let's talk about your colon.

1.198019801980198

The National Cancer Institute defines Colon Cancer as cancer that forms in the longest part of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Rectal Cancer is defined as cancer that forms in the rectum, or the last several inches of the large intestine that is closest to the anus. Together, they are referred to as Colorectal Cancer. Often times, these two forms of cancer are coupled together.

According to the American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the USA and over 100,000 cases of Colon Cancer are diagnosed each year. The risk to men is 1 in 19 and women is 1 in 20. Over the past 15 years, the death rate for Colorectal Cancer has gone down due to increased awareness for screenings like colonoscopies and the removal of polyps before they become cancerous.

From Dr. Ed's Script Pad

1.5842696629213484

Changes in How We Treat Colon Cancer

Often times the goal of Radiation Therapy to those with colorectal cancers, is to reduce the tumor size prior to surgery. In the US, this is traditionally accomplished with 25 treatments of radiation over 5 weeks. We now know that we can acheive the same results with 5 treatments in only one week. Wherever we can adopt fewer treatments with hard and fast evidence of success, we do it at my Center. We are looking out for the patient's convenience and cost. Importantly, we are never going to compromise survival or worsen side effects.

Another exciting development is in the area of genetics. Physicians are now using genetics to diagnose colon cancer and to predict the best course of treatment. Genetic profiling can now be completed with a simple biopsy.

Researchers are now using a patient's genetic makeup to effectively target specific pathways that are abnormal in cancer cells to attack those cells with antibody molecules or chemotherapy agents. This may also be effective in determining treatment for those with recurrent cancers that may be resistant to certain chemotherapies. A new development has been the use of genetic profiling to predict the response of colorectal cancers to radiation. Patiens who lack the MCC (DNA damage repair) gene are more responsive to radiotherapy.

Colonoscopy Saves Lives

Beginning at age 50 all men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer. This disease is largely preventable with regular screenings and is treatable if caught in the early stages. Earlier screenings may be necessary if you have a strong family history of the disease or are of Eastern European Jewish descent or African American.

During this screening your gastroenterologist is looking for polyps inside your colon. Polyps are precancerous growths. They are very slow growing. That is why you only need a screening every few years. If these polyps are removed when they first develop, cancer can be prevented.

A colonoscopy sounds horrible, but you will be sedated during the procedure and will not remember a thing. The most uncomfortable part is the preparation. You will need to do a colon cleanse so that the physician can easily see inside your rectum and colon. An IV will be used to facilitate sedation. Once you are sedated, your physician will insert a flexible tube with a camera on the end. It will be inserted through your rectum and advanced through the large intestine all the way up to the small intestine. If polyps are found, they will be removed at that time. Tissue will be collected for a biopsy.

Most people are completely asleep during the entire process and do not remember a thing about it. Your physician will review the findings after your procedure. It is important that someone be with you at your appointment to hear what the doctor tells you and to drive you home.

It's that simple. Don't think of a colonoscopy as a horrible procedure. Think of it as a colon cleanse that is all the rage in some parts of the country for weight loss and renewal!

Schedule your colonoscopy for yourself and a loved one today! Tell them Dr. Hughes sent you.

Get Know Us Better

Rick is our Certified Medical Dosimitrist and a Radiation Therapist. He joined our team shortly after opening in November 2003. Rick is an OSU fan as he graduated from The James Cancer Hospital Radiation Therapist program.

Rick is the youngest of 11 children! Five brothers and five sisters. He left home to join the Marines at a young age. This training has equipped Rick to handle all kinds of situations with ease. He is our resident spider killer and handyman in addition to the very precise technical work he does with our patients. Rick's enthusiasm for his work shows through in how he cares for his patients. Rick is often the first contact new patients have with the therapy team and he does a great job making them feel comfortable and at ease with their upcoming treatments.

Today Rick lives with 3 beautiful women. His wife and his two daughters who are very active in sports. He enjoys coaching softball and soccer. He is a great dad who makes family a priority.

12 WAYS TO SNEAK FIBER INTO YOUR DIET

1. Apples - eat two a day, including skin.

2. Unsweetened Whole Grain Cereal everyday.

3. Yogurt Mix once a week. Greek Yogurt, 1/3 c bran cereal, 1 T ground flaxseed, 5 large berries = 12+ grams fiber

4. Buy a veggie tray once a week. No party necessary.

5. Snack on homemade trail mix. Mix almonds, raisins, high fiber cereal, and chocolate covered soy nuts. Package in baggies for car purse or desk.

6. Add Beans to salads or smash and add to meatloaf, hamburgers or casseroles. Try kidney or black beans.

7. 12 whole grain crackers = 6 grams of fiber.

8. Try New Grains. Amaranth, bulgar, wheatberries.

9. Finely shred veggies and add to pasta and hamburger dishes.

10. Sprinkle ground flax seed on yogurts, cereals or main course dishes.

11. Low sugar, High Fiber bars.

12. Salad as an appetizer. The darker the leaves the better.

The avarage person needs a minimum of 25-30 grams of fiber every day. Add slowly until you have reached this number.

In This Issue

Colon Cancer Awareness

From Dr. Ed's Script Pad

Colonoscopy Saves Lives

Get to Know Us Better

12 Ways to Sneak in Fiber

Our Picks

Upcoming Events

Message

We are a free standing Radiation Oncology Center in Kettering, OH.

We are independent of any hospital or large corporation. This allows us to practice medicine the way WE want to.

We use evidence based medicine to shorten treatment times and lower costs for our patients.

Treatments at our free standing center can be 34 -65% lower in cost than the hospital or hospital owned practice.

We can do all this and offer Quality Medical Care with extras like

*patient education,

* Free Transportation to daily treatments

* a DR on site at all times

* Start Treatment within 1-3 days of initial phone call for appointment.

FIRST in Technology and BEST in Care

2632 WoodmanCenter Ct

Kettering, OH 45420

937-293-2273

OUR NCAA PICKS

Kathy - U.K.

(bleeds blue)

Mandy - Kansas (hopes UK)

Kim - St. Peters

(she's not sure who that is, but she likes the name)

Jo - OSU (Notre Dame, NC...)

Rick - OSU

Matt - Duke

(my fingers burn typing it)

Dana - BYU

Annette - UConn

Chris - what basketball?

Dr. Hughes - OSU

Dr. Marger - Duck, I mean Duke

Sue- doesn't care because MI stinks

Larry - whoever has the best odds of paying out

Upcoming Events

No Buts About It!

5k run/walk for

Colon Cancer Awareness

Saturday, March 26 @ 9am

For more Information:

www.speedy-feet.com or call Heather @

(937) 320-5088 ext 3021

First Dayton Cancer Care

and the

American Cancer Society

presents

"Community Survivorship Forum"

April 14

5:30 - 8 pm Presidential Banquet Center

FREE with registration

1-888-227-6446

press # 2

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Roxane Weighall

Hands on Learning

with Art Therapist and Journaling Expert

CONGRATULATION
to Linda H., the winner of our $100 Visa gift card

for registering to receive this newsletter.

Contact Information

First Dayton Cancer Care

2632 Woodman Center Court

Kettering, OH 45420

(937) 293-CARE

F: (937) 293-6573