Saving Lives With Early Detection
A cancer expert shares what you need to know about how to catch cancer early.
Dr. Ajaz Khan is the chief of medical oncology at City of Hope Chicago. He oversees the Illinois hospital’s staff of cancer care experts and has specialized in treating patients with breast and lung cancers. We talked to Dr. Khan about early detection and cancer treatment trends.
Which cancers do you most encourage early screening for?
The most common cancers we screen for are breast, colon, cervical, prostate and lung cancer. Let’s consider colon cancer. Right now, you’re looking at over 100,000 cases a year. And the number of young people being diagnosed is rising. A report came out
last year predicting that 20% of colon cancer patients would be under 50.
The five-year survival rate if you catch colon cancer early, like a polyp or even stage-one cancer, is somewhere between 95% and 100%. Unfortunately, if it’s not caught early, the five-year survival rate for stage-four cancer is around 12%.
What’s the latest in early cancer screening technology?
What’s really changing the landscape right now is blood-based testing. When you look at colon cancer, colonoscopies are extremely good at early diagnosis. But they’re not available in every community and patients sometimes don’t want to have them done. For the past three-and-a-half years, we’ve
also had stool-based testing, but the next step right now is DNA technology that can detect cancers through blood tests. These tests are about 95% to 98% sensitive. It’s easy, relatively cheap, and more accessible since you don’t have to see a gastroenterologist. You can just have a family physician order a blood test. We’re really championing this, as an effective, easy way at early detection. We’re also looking at microRNA tests, which are proving extremely sensitive at detecting cancers like colon and pancreatic. The next step in research is to evolve these blood-based tests to make them even more effective at detecting more cancers.
What cancer risk factors should patients be considering?
There are quite a few modifiable risk factors. Eating high amounts of animal protein and organ meat, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, a BMI of greater than 30, heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. If you have a family history of colon, breast, pancreatic, gallbladder or biliary tract [liver] cancers, you may have a high predisposition to developing one of those cancers. Right now, with no clinical risk factors, we begin screenings at age 45, but if a family member of yours had cancer, it’s 10 years before their age at the date of their diagnosis. So if they were diagnosed at 40, your screenings should begin at 30.
We champion early detection at City of Hope. Whenever I go out to speak to cancer survivors, I always tell them to make sure your family is getting screened early. Our mission is to eradicate cancer, and if we can catch it early, that’s the best way. It gives our patients the best chance at living long and cancer-free lives. ◆
2520 Elisha Ave., Zion, IL 847-440-5662 | cityofhope.org
Women Achievers
In this new section, we’re shining a spotlight on remarkable women in Milwaukee. From innovative businesswomen to compassionate leaders and creative visionaries, these women exemplify strength, resilience and brilliance and have all left their mark on our city. Read more about their achievements across industries in the following profiles.
SKIIN
Chris Zajdel is a wife, mother of one daughter, and the founder of Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge. For the last 30 years, she has been committed to empowering others to find the beauty within themselves. She is passionate about education and loves to teach other skincare professionals beginning and advanced medical spa technologies and techniques. In an ever-changing industry, education is key. Her desire for positive outcomes has proven successful for many of Skiin’s team members, guests and patients.
CHRIS ZAJDEL
262-657-5446 LOVEMYSKIIN.COM
PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF WISCONSIN
Gina Della, Vice President of Marketing at Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin, drives double-digit growth through innovative marketing strategies and mentorship. “Mentorship and innovation drive our success,” she says, exemplifying Pella’s commitment to excellence.
WHERE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE MEET EXCELLENCE.
GINA DELLA
262-783-6600
PELLAWI.COM
MENTORSHIP AND INNOVATION DRIVE OUR SUCCESS.
- GINA DELLA
– CHRIS ZAJDEL
Women Achievers
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– RANDI K., GAIL K., AND SARAH K. BILTRITE FAMILY MEMBERS BUY LOCAL! LOVE YOUR HOME! I ALWAYS STRIVE TO
GOLDEN PATH
Nicosia King-Jones is a devoted wife, mother and entrepreneur who is making a profound impact in Milwaukee. As the founder of Golden Path and GP Trucking, she has successfully established multiple thriving businesses. Through her involvement in various initiatives, she empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and leads efforts that foster growth and opportunity, showcasing her strength and commitment to creating a lasting legacy in the region.
NICOSIA KING-JONES 414-236-5208 GOLDENPATHHOMECARE.COM
BILTRITE FURNITURE –LEATHER – MATTRESSES
Founded in 1928 by Irwin Kerns, BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses is locally and family owned. BILTRITE is celebrating 97 years strong, four generations and 19 years in its Greenfield location. It is women-led with Gail K., Third Generation, Randi K., and Sarah K. Fourth Generation. Voted best furniture and home goods store in Milwaukee Magazine’s Best of the Burbs!
RANDI K., GAIL K., AND SARAH K. 5430 W. LAYTON AVE., GREENFIELD 414-238-2020 BILTRITEFURNITURE.COM
POTAWATOMI CASINO
Class of 2025’s 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders of Gaming, Board of Directors member for Sojourner Family Peace Center and VISIT Milwaukee, Chief Marketing Officer, and Mom of two great kids, Alexx Zawada displays a perfect blend of adaptability, drive and compassion. Because of this blend, she’s created strong relationships rooted in respect with not only her team, but also partnerships within our community. From restaurant hostess to Chief Marketing Officer, hard work truly pays off!
– ALEXX ZAWADA
ALEXX ZAWADA, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL 414-847-7400 POTAWATOMI.COM
NICOSIA KING-JONES
IAG WEALTH PARTNERS
Jayme Heineck has been a valued member of IAG since 2013. She takes pride in collaborating with her team to help clients gain a clear understanding of their financial situation. By providing detailed projections of income and expenses over the course of their lifetimes, Jayme empowers her clients to make informed decisions and plan confidently for their future.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
JAYME HEINECK, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
262-446-8150
IAGWEALTHPARTNERS.COM
IAG WEALTH PARTNERS
With personalized client care, Anne Sapienza brings nearly two decades of experience and proactive expertise on myriad topics throughout the financial planning process. She guides her clients as they reflect on the past, engage with the present and prepare for the future.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
ANNE SAPIENZA, CRPC® PARTNER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
262-446-8150
IAGWEALTHPARTNERS.COM
IAG WEALTH PARTNERS
Lori Watt founded IAG Wealth Partners in 1985 and continues to lead the wealth management firm. “One of my greatest blessings has been guiding my clients through the many decisions faced throughout their constantly changing lives,” she says. “We are dedicated to helping our clients feel confident in their financial journey as they navigate the increasing complexities in their lives.”
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
LORI A. WATT, CFP® PRESIDENT AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR
262-446-8150
IAGWEALTHPARTNERS.COM
SHOWING MY CLIENTS WHAT THEIR PROJECTION LOOKS LIKE OVER THEIR LIFETIMES IS EXTREMELY FULFILLING.
THROUGH LIFE’S MANY TRANSITIONS, I SERVE AS A GUIDE COORDINATING ALL THE PIECES AND PUTTING STRATEGIES IN MOTION.
WE STRIVE TO BUILD CONFIDENCE BY PROVIDING CLARITY IN A WORLD OF COMPLEXITY.
– ANNE SAPIENZA
– LORI WATT
– JAYME HEINECK
