Medical Professionals Medical Professionals November Is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
7
Women and Cancer…Part lI
What You Need To Know
What you should know:
• If you are a heavy smoker, and have been smoking for several years, ask your doctor if you need to do an X-ray or a CT scan. • Ask your MD about different methods to help you quit smoking. no cancer. Inlung about 10 ask about the type of cancer you have, with cancer, Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial • If you are diagnosed What causes lung cancer? stage and other features such as EGFR mutation. percent of cases, the moking. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Even though non-smokers cancer is the most common cancer of the o get lung cancer, the risk is much higher in those who smoke. The more you smoke, the • What is yourdischarge treatmentassociated plan? with organs in the US.• What are the side-effects of treatment? your risk.reproductive The likelihood of getting lung canceramong decreases afterwomen you quit smoking. Tobacco endometrial cancer is not damagesIt cells the lungs, causing that the cellsabout to grow abnormally. Regular exposure to isinestimated 52,000 women will be• Are there support services available? bloody. Any abnormal
Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the U.S.? Approximately 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and 27 percent of all cancer deaths are from lung cancer.
Cancer Of The Uterus
from someone else’s cigarettes, cigars or pipes (called second-hand smoking) can increase cancer this year. Immunotherapy lung be cancer. dischargeinshould on’s risk ofdiagnosed lung cancer, even if with they are endometrial non-smokers. Over the last few decades, immunotherapy agents have been studied in the treatment of Uterine cancer is rare in women 45 and under. Most cases are diagnosed in xposure to asbestos. Certain jobs such as shipbuilding, asbestos mining, insulation or checked out by your many cancers, including lung cancer. Several immunotherapy drugs are now approved for use. # otive brake repair may women overcause 55. exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can irritate the lungs doctor. Our immune system fights cancer cells normally, and thus reduces the chance of use cancer. When combined with smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer is much Risk Factors: Lower abdominal pressure mass or lump transforming normal cells into cancer cells.pain, But this does notsensation, work always,feeling as peoplea with . normal immune systems also develop cancer. The principle of immune therapy is based on of the other isHormonal factors:gasProlonged exposure torocks. the female estrogen in the lower abdomen and unexpected weight loss are some adon. Radon an invisible, odorless released by soil and some Exposurehormone to What you should know: boosting the immune system so that it can efficiently destroy cancer cells. What You Need To Know directly linked toespecially developing endometrial cancer. Women who had more •symptoms levels of is radon can cause cancer, lung cancer. uterine If you are a heavy of smoker, and have cancer. been smoking for use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been a major breakthrough in cancer research. Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause ofThe cancer several years, ask your doctor if you need todoing do an menstrual cycles during their lifetime have an increased risk of getting Diagnosis is made a biopsy of they the can lining of theanduterus. Before deaths in both men and women in the U.S.? Approximately at are the types of lung cancer? These drugs helpX-ray to or take “brakes” off thebyimmune system, so that recognize kill a CTthe scan. 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and 27 percent • Ask your MD about different methods to help you quit cancer of types the uterus. For example, if you started age cells more There are two different of lung cancer: smallofcell and non-small cell.your This period differencebefore is doing a biopsy, an ultrasound of the pelvis can be done to evaluate the size cancer effectively. all cancer deaths are from lung cancer. smoking. on the type cancer cells.have Mostyour lung cancers are non-small cell. Among theyou non-small OPDIVO, KEYTRUDA, TECENTRIQ some of the checkpoint 12,of and you menopause in the late fifties, have an increased of the uterusand and the thickness of ofthe endometrial lining. inhibitors • If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, ask aboutare the type cancer youimmune have, What causes lung cancer? stage andcancer. other features such as EGFRthese mutation. ng cancers, there are several subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell large that are used in lung Even though drugs don’t have the typical side effects of Smoking. Smoking is the number oneand risk factor forcell. lung cancer. Even though non-smokers risk of endometrial cancer. can Women who take estrogen alone as hormone also get lung cancer, the risk is much higher in those who smoke. The more you smoke, the •Treatment What is your treatment plan? chemotherapy, they still can cause reactions such as inflammatory disorders. at are the symptoms and signs?higher your risk. The likelihood of getting lung cancer decreases after you quit smoking. Tobacco • What are the side-effects of treatment?
Medical Professionals
November Is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
replacement therapy also have a high risk. The number of pregnancies a smoke damages cells in the lungs, causing the cells to grow abnormally. Regular exposure to
Hysterectomy is the main treatment for cancer of the uterus. In
• Are there support services available? mptoms woman and signs include coughing, hemoptysis (coughing blood), smoke role. from someone else’sup cigarettes, cigars shortness or pipes (calledof second-hand smoking) canthe increase had plays a protective In women who never had children, addition to removing the uterus, and both the ovaries and surrounding lymph Immunotherapy in lung cancer. To learn more about lung cancer treatment of a person’s risk of lung cancer, even if they are non-smokers. , chest pain, fatigue and weight loss. Over the last few decades, immunotherapy agents have been studied in the treatment of Exposure to asbestos. Certain jobs such as shipbuilding, asbestos mining, insulation or of uterine high. nodes belungremoved. Depending the stage many cancers,will including cancer. Several immunotherapy drugs areon now for use. of the cancer other contact Dr. Sarah Easaw atapproved 732-961-0010 or and a often, therisk symptoms do not cancer manifestisuntil the cancer advanced. Sometimes lung cancer automotive brakeisrepair may cause exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can irritate the lungscancers, Our immune system fights cancer cells normally, and thus reduces the chance of and cause cancer. When combined of with breast smoking, thecancer, risk of developing lunglead cancer isto much Tamoxifen, a drug used in the treatment may few other factors, some women may require Radiation Therapy and/or detected as a shadow in the lung on an X-ray done for other reasons. visit www.oceanhemonc.com. transforming normal cells into cancer cells. But this does not work always, as people with higher.
Radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas released by soil and some rocks. Exposure to endometrial cancer in a minority of patients. w is it diagnosed? higher levels of radon can cause cancer, especially lung cancer.
Obesity: Endometrial cancer common among nce your doctor suspects that you have lung cancer, will beofsent for CT overweight scans and in women What areisyou the types lung cancer? There are two different types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. difference is cases, a PET scan. A PET scanare canlean. detectEstrogen, cancer morethe accurately than other tests. The than those who female hormone produced inThisthe based on the type of cancer cells. Most lung cancers are non-small cell. Among the non-small osis is confirmed by is taking biopsy from of the suspicious lesions on thefat X-ray or CT cell lung cancers, there areseen several subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell andthe large cell. ovaries, alsoamade fat cells. Having more tissue increases The scans also help to see if the cancer has spread to the anysymptoms other organs, process called What are and asigns? amount of estrogen in the body andandthus increases the risk of upendometrial Symptoms signs include coughing, hemoptysis (coughing blood), shortness of asis. breath, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss. cancer. Most often, the symptoms do not manifest until the cancer is advanced. Sometimes lung cancer there different stages? can high be detected afat shadow in theincrease lung on an X-ray done risk for otherof reasons. Diet and exercise: Diets inascancers. will the uterine aging is different for small cell and non-small cellislung Small cell lung cancer has How it diagnosed? Exercise haswithin a protective effect. Women areand in Once your suspects that you who haveoutside lungexercise cancer,the you lungs). willregularly be sent for CT scans wo stages:cancer. limited stage (confined the lungs) ordoctor extensive (spread some cases, a PET scan. A PET scan can detect cancer more accurately than other tests. The lesslung likely to develop endometrial cancer than those withthat sedentary habits. on-small cell cancer has four stages: stages I to IV. Stage I is aabiopsy small tumor is seen on the X-ray diagnosis is confirmed by taking of the suspicious lesions or CT scans. The scans alsoLarger help to seetumors if the cancerand has spread other called ed to the lung,Diabetes: that has notUterine spread to cancer the lymph glands. thoseto any that areorgans, a process is four times more common in women who metastasis. to the lymph glands come under stages II and III. When the cancer has spread to other Arethose there different stages? have diabetes; this is true for who are obese as well as those with , it is stage IV. Staging is different for small cell and non-small cell lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer has normal body weight. only two stages: limited stage (confined within the lungs) or extensive (spread outside the lungs). Non-small cell lung cancer has four stages: stages I to IV. Stage I is a small tumor that is at are the options? treatment Family History: Some confined genetic which areglands. hereditary, can to themutations, lung, that has not spread to the lymph Larger tumors and those lead that are eatment is based on the stage and the type of lung Small cancer is mainly spread to thecancer. lymph glands comecell underlung stages II and III. When the cancer has spread to other to endometrial cancer organs, it is cancer. stage IV. d with chemotherapy. In limited stage and smallcolon cell lung cancer, radiation can be combined What are the treatment Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer options? hemotherapy. Treatment is based on the stage and the type of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is mainly rly stage non-small cell lungMost cancerpatients is best treated surgical resection. treated withby chemotherapy. In limited stage An small experienced cell lung cancer, radiation can be combined Bleeding: diagnosed with endometrial cancer have with chemotherapy. n removesabnormal the tumor, vaginal surrounding normal lung tissue and the lymph glands around it. bleeding. ItEarly could be a change in their periods or bleeding stage non-small cell lung cancer is best treated by surgical resection. An experienced fter removing the tumor, cancer cells can remain and cause recurrent either inthethe surgeon removes the tumor, surroundingcancer, normal lung tissue and lymph glands around it. between periods or after menopause. is important to seek Even after removing It the tumor, cancer cells can remain and causemedical recurrent cancer, either in the self or in other organs. Chemotherapy, radiation or both are used after surgery to reduce lung itself or in other organs. Chemotherapy, radiation or both are used after surgery to reduce attention for any irregular bleeding immediately. If you have gone through ance of recurrent cancer. the chance of recurrent cancer. Advanced stage lung cancer is treated with chemotherapy. The types of chemotherapy drugs dvanced stage lung canceritis is treated with chemotherapy. The types of chemotherapy drugs menopause, especially important to report any bleeding, used are based on the type of lung cancer, age ofvaginal the patient, other medical illnesses, etc. There is re based on the type of lung cancer, age of the patient, other medical illnesses, etc. There ongoing research to improve the outcome in patients with lung cancer.is spotting, or abnormal discharge to your doctor. What’s new in lung cancer? ng research to improve the outcome in patients with lung cancer. Non-bloody vaginal discharge mayMedicines also that betarget a sign of endometrial cancer. Targeted agents: certain proteins or receptors on the cancer cells are being developed for the treatment of various cancers. These targeted agents attack the at’s newEven in lung cancer? if you cannot see blood discharge, it does notcause mean there is than cancerin cellsthe specifically, sparing other cells. Targeted agents less severe side effects
Chemotherapy after surgery. As with any other cancer, prevention, early detection and treatment are three important steps in reducing the fatality of uterine cancer. Lifestyle modifications, including eating a low fat diet, and daily exercise are key in lowering your risk. Awareness of the symptoms and seeking prompt To learn more about lung cancer and the treatment of attention is contact equallyDr.essential. other cancers, Sarah Easaw at 732-961-0010 or normal immune systems also develop cancer. The principle of immune therapy is based on boosting the immune system so that it can efficiently destroy cancer cells. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been a major breakthrough in cancer research. These drugs help to take the “brakes” off the immune system, so that they can recognize and kill cancer cells more effectively. OPDIVO, KEYTRUDA, and TECENTRIQ are some of the immune checkpoint inhibitors that are used in lung cancer. Even though these drugs don’t have the typical side effects of chemotherapy, they still can cause reactions such as inflammatory disorders.
visit www.oceanhemonc.com.
For details about treatment of endometrial cancer or for any other cancer-related questions, contact Dr. Sarah J. Easaw at 732-961-0010.
Compassionate Cancer Care, Close to Home Sarah J. Easaw MD, FACP Board Certified Hematology & Oncology specialist Serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties for more than 15 years • Clinical expertise in the treatment of Cancer and Blood Disorders • State-of the-art Cancer Care, in a warm and personalized atmosphere • Easily accessible location, close to GSP • Affiliated with RWJ /Barnabas Health Medical Group, a multispecialty physician network.
rgeted agents: Medicines that target certainchemotherapy. proteins or receptors on the cancer cells A few different targeted agents are found to be beneficial in lung cancer. Tarceva (erlotinib) Testimonials ng developed for the treatment of various cancers. These targeted agents attack the is a drug that works in certain types of lung cancers carrying a mutation in a receptor called EGFR. A new drug called crizotinib wasside approved recentlythan for the treatment of lung cancer that cells specifically, sparing other cells. Targeted agents cause less severe effects “Dear Dr. Easaw, a gene called ALK fusion oncogene. therapy. I am writing to thank you for yourcarries Treating Patients and Families with Respect and Care… kindness in caring for my Mom. My family has comfort in No two tumors are alike! Even among lung cancers, there are different distinguishing Your oncologist chooses the type offolks treatment based on a number of factors, including few different targeted aretaken foundcare to of befeatures. beneficial in lung cancer. Tarceva (erlotinib) knowing thatagents she was by a compassionate group of who made her multiple trips the cell type, stage, different biological markers on the cancer cells, and your other medical Ocean Hematology & Oncology ug that works in office certain of lung cancers carrying a mutation your in a receptor to the andtypes hospital tolerable. I have also appreciated kindness called and patience in taking my problems. . A new drug called wasMom’s approved recently for etc.” the treatment of lung cancer that many callscrizotinib to discuss my schedule, results www.TheCountyWoman.com The County Woman Magazine November/December 2018 a gene called ALK fusion oncogene. “I am so glad that I finally found a great doctor to help me navigate through my newly diagnosed o two tumors are alike! Even among lung cancers, there are different distinguishing cancer.” chooses the type of treatment based on a number of factors, including es. Your oncologist 1255 Route 70, 31S • Lakewood, NJ 08701 Dear Dr. Easaw & Staff, l type, stage, different biological markers on the cancer cells, and your other medical “Thank you all so much for the wonderful care that you gave Mom. You all added that personal ms. 732-961-0010 touch, that most people, including my family couldn’t and wouldn’t give. For that we will always be Visit our website: www.oceanhemonc.com www.TheCountyWoman.com County Woman Magazine November/December 2018 thankful.”
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
July/August 2021
