SPR I NG 2021
HOPE
A P U B L I C AT I O N F R O M K A R M A N O S C A N C E R I N S T I T U T E
YOUR BEST CHANCE. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, headquartered in Detroit, understands that beating cancer means bringing together the best. Cancer is a complex disease that demands complex care. With 15 locations throughout Michigan and proudly a part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in the state. Karmanos HOPE is a publication of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. All content copyrighted, 2021 For more information, questions or story ideas, please contact info@karmanos.org.
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OUR VISION A world free of cancer
OUR MISSION To lead in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion
TO OUR COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORS, Cancer is a word that changes everything. It often brings fear and uncertainty for patients and their loved ones. At the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, we bring together groundbreaking research, innovative therapies and individualized treatment plans. We work with hundreds of doctors to arrange convenient care for patients and families. We serve our community with outreach, education and support. We do all of this to ensure that each patient is armed with a crucial weapon in the fight against cancer: hope. GEROLD BEPLER, M.D., PH.D.
We are extraordinarily proud of our cutting-edge technology, clinical trials and specialized knowledge, but we know that people are at the core of what we do. Our patients display bravery every day, and they do so with the support of a Karmanos team that offers compassion and understanding, in addition to outstanding treatment. This edition of Hope Magazine features the story of John Lacks, whose daughter stood by his side at every step of his cancer journey. His perspective highlights the tremendous courage that we see every day at Karmanos Cancer Institute. John’s inspiring story is one of many that encourages us as we pursue our vision of a world free of cancer. We are pleased to share this publication with you to celebrate our mission and provide you cancer prevention resources. It’s a pleasure to serve our community, and we thank you for being a part of it.
JUSTIN F. KLAMERUS, M.D., MMM
Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D.
Justin F. Klamerus, M.D., MMM
President & Chief Executive Officer Karmanos Cancer Institute
President, Karmanos Cancer Hospital & Network
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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JOHN LACKS
Colorectal cancer survivor credits daughter for saving his life
COULD A MINOR SYMPTOM MEAN CANCER?
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After serving for 20 years in the United States Navy as a submarine sailor, John Lacks retired and transitioned to life with his wife, two daughters and a son following his dad’s footsteps as a Navy sailor. Born and raised in Detroit, John had always wanted to return to his roots and took up residence in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. In the winter of 2017, he began experiencing an abnormality in his stool. At the recommendation of his trusted primary care doctor, John went in for a colonoscopy. Although he had undergone a colonoscopy just two years prior with normal results, his 2017 exam would
I knew I needed to find (my dad) the best doctor and show him what I could do for him. That was my main goal when he was originally diagnosed.
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yield a different conclusion. His colonoscopy revealed that there were cancerous cells in his colon. John’s diagnosis re-introduced the word “cancer” into the Lacks family vocabulary. Just three years prior, John’s wife Dawn had faced endometrial cancer. John couldn’t help but ask himself, “Weren’t we just here battling Dawn’s cancer?” It seemed unfair that a healthconscious military man could go from feeling great with only minor symptoms to a diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer. Even so, John and his family were ready to fight. With his wife, a cancer survivor as his caregiver, and two college-aged daughters by his side, John was determined to battle his cancer. “Life and death was the norm as a submarine sailor, but I faced it again as father and husband in the fight against cancer,” he said.
The first step was to find a reputable doctor in the colorectal oncology field. Alise Patton, his youngest daughter, stepped up to help. At that time, she worked for an oncology education group. When Alise learned of her father’s diagnosis, she took action to utilize her resources. “I knew I needed to find (my dad) the best doctor and show him what I could do for him. That was my main goal when he was originally diagnosed,” she said. Alise collaborated with her director to find her father the very best oncologist in the state. Within a week, Alise found a renowned colorectal oncologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and had an appointment on the books. “I wanted him to be treated by the best of the best, and Dr. Philip was the physician we wanted,” Alise said.
JOHN AND DAWN LACKS CELEBRATE THEIR DAUGHTER ALISE’S GRADUATION.
Recognized as one of HOUR Detroit’s 2020 Top Doctors, Philip A. Philip, M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P, leader of the the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Tumors Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute. His approach centers on a personalized patient experience. “In many ways, I try to be more like a trusted friend of the patient and an advocate of the patient, rather than just being a doctor
who is in and out giving a recommendation,” he said. Although a colonoscopy prescribed by his family physician played a crucial role in saving his life, John gives all the credit to his daughter. “I heard about Karmanos Cancer Institute through my daughter. Alise told me that I was going to Karmanos to be treated by Dr. Philip. Now I tell (Continued on pg 6)
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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PHILIP A. PHILIP, M.D., PH.D., F.R.C.P, LEADER, GASTROINTESTINAL AND NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AT KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
COLONOSCOPIES During a colonoscopy, a small flexible tube with a camera at the tip is inserted into the anus. It passes through the rectum and colon to detect abnormalities such as polyps. During this procedure, your physician may biopsy or remove suspicious-looking areas. Patients are sedated for this procedure.
(Continued from pg. 5)
everyone, ‘Go to Karmanos. Go to someone who puts work into a personalized approach,’” he said. After six rounds of chemotherapy, repeated scans and regular bloodwork at Karmanos’ Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills, John received great news in February 2019, just one year after his initial diagnosis. His scans were negative and completely clear of cancer. His grit had paid off. “Cancer is a terrifying journey for a family, but you have to keep your spirits up and fight through it,” he said. John has now been cancer-free for two years. His journey affected the entire family, whose story has been impacted by cancer not once but
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twice. Luckily, the Lacks family didn’t fight the battle on their own. Dr. Phillip and the entire Karmanos team were by their side at every step. “It’s so rewarding to know that people love their doctors, who are providing the best experiences while dealing with such tough diseases,” Alise said.
As is true for all cancers, colon cancer is the most curable in its early stages. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp or growth, which can often be found and removed before it turns into cancer. Early colorectal cancer has no symptoms, so regular screening is vital to early detection.
Men and women at average risk should schedule their first colonoscopy at age 45 and continue every five to 10 years if the results are normal. Those with increased risk should discuss their screening needs with their health care provider and may need to begin screening early and complete it more frequently. To learn more, visit www.karmanos.org/colon.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, it is important to be evaluated by cancer experts before beginning treatment. Please call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) to speak with a trusted oncology patient navigator who can help you determine which tests are right for you.
THE DESIGNATION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Karmanos Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in southeast Michigan and one of just 51 centers of its kind in the United States. To receive this designation, a hospital must demonstrate expertise in laboratory, clinical and population-based research. Hospitals must also provide early-phase clinical trials and conduct community outreach and educational activities. This means patients can access treatments exclusive to Karmanos as well as cancer prevention programs and multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists — a comprehensive approach you cannot find at a community hospital.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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SCREENING & PREVENTION PROGRAM AT KARMANOS
Should you be screened for cancer?
Women ages 40+
Current & former smokers
Women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history of cancer.
If you are a current or former smoker age 55-80 with at least 30-pack/year smoking history, you should consider screening.
MAMMOGRAPHY
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Women ages 21-65
Men & women ages 45+
Certain risk factors increase the risk of getting cervical cancer like family history, smoking, medical history and long-term use of contraceptives.
Begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years. Those at an increased risk should screen sooner and more often.
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING
Screening criteria may vary between individuals based on risk factors and family history. Talk to a Karmanos specialist to find out what screenings are right for you. Visit karmanos.org/cancerscreening to learn more. Genetic counseling is available.
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CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES In cancer care, we have long known that early detection leads to better outcomes. When cancer is in an early stage, it is easier to treat. Fortunately, we have the tools to catch cancer before it spreads. We can detect cancer early through regular cancer screenings such as mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, lung cancer screenings and colonoscopies. In some cases, we can even see pre-cancerous cells and monitor for changes. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, many people are delaying or skipping their regular cancer screenings. Across the Karmanos network, which includes 15 locations, screenings for all cancers were down by 17 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. About 18,000 fewer mammograms and colonoscopies were conducted in 2020 than in 2019. These stats reflect the national trend. Across the country, fewer people are being screened for cancer, which could lead to devastating consequences. “It’s much safer for you to get into a facility to be to be screened than it is to avoid that screening because of concern of COVID,” said Justin Klamerus, M.D., MMM, president, Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network.
PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCREENING AND PREVENTION PROGRAM AT KARMANOS RECEIVE Hospitals everywhere, including Karmanos, are taking the utmost precautions to provide safe care for all patients. Due to enhanced screening, cleaning, masking and distancing, cancer screening is safe and can lead to early detection and better outcomes.
UNMATCHED ATTENTION FROM A SPECIALIZED TEAM OF EXPERTS. IF YOUR SCREENING RESULTS SHOW SIGNS OF CANCER, YOU CAN TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT YOU’RE IN EXPERT HANDS AT ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP CANCER CENTERS.
If you or a loved one have delayed cancer screening due to COVID-19 or for any other reason, now is the time to take action. Cancer doesn’t stop because of COVID-19; you shouldn’t either. Visit karmanos.org/CancerScreening or call 1-800-KARMANOS to learn more.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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LUNG CANCER MYTHS DEBUNKED Only life-long smokers are at risk for lung cancer, right? Wrong. This is just one misconception surrounding the second most common type of cancer. Not only is it common, it’s deadly; lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. But lung cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. To understand how we can fight it, let’s learn the truth about this disease.
MYTH #1
MYTH #2
MYTH #3
If I don’t smoke, I don’t have to worry about lung cancer.
Lung cancer cannot be detected early.
Lung cancer only occurs in older people.
Lung cancer occurs in both smokers and nonsmokers — no one is exempt from the risk. Each year, as many as 20 percent of those who die from lung cancer have never smoked. However, cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.
Current and former smokers may be eligible for lung cancer screening, which can detect lung cancer before symptoms arise. Eligible candidates will undergo and assessment and low-dose CT scans that can detect abnormalities in the lungs. To learn more about screening eligibility, turn to page eight.
Lung cancer is typically diagnosed at or above the age of 65; however, this disease can affect anyone of any age. Although less common, lung cancer in young adults requires more extensive, aggressive and advanced forms of treatment.
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We may not be able to control our genetics or change the environmental exposure, but we can prevent the majority of lung cancer cases through smoking cessation. Prevention is better than cure.
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– Hirva Mamdani, M.D., director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program and thoracic medical oncologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Read more at www.karmanos.org/lungmyths
MYTH #4
MYTH #5
Vaping is safe for my lungs.
If diagnosed with lung cancer, I can continue smoking.
People who vape have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who have never smoked or vaped. The chemicals in the steam inhaled while vaping damage the DNA of the lung cells. While more research is needed, there is a strong link between vaping and lung damage.
Smokers have an increased rate of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation including heart and lung problems and infection. Smoking increases the chance of recurrence and increases the risk for a second cancer. Stopping tobacco use can increase the likelihood of success and reduce side effects.
MYTH #6
Lung cancer can’t be treated. The Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos is entirely focused on treating cancers of the chest and shares its collective expertise to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Team members are experts in their field and committed to early detection and innovative treatment.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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KSP Specialty Pharmacy
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO EASE THE BURDEN OF CANCER
GENE HODULIK
At Karmanos, the KSP Specialty Pharmacy team connects patients to crucial cancer-fighting drugs. Doing so requires knowledgeable service, logistical organization and compassion for each individual.
The KSP team works with drug manufacturers and external funding assistance programs to identify funding for drugs. In 2020, KSP helped secure $1.4 million in external funding for patients.
During his treatment for leukemia at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey, Gene Hodulik experienced the KSP Specialty Pharmacy (KSP) team’s exemplary service firsthand.
“Offering the service of assisting with grant funding takes one task off of a patient’s plate when they are going through treatment,” Stephan said. “I want our patients to spend their time present in their lives. I will take on the responsibility of navigating the financial assistance system so they don’t have to.”
Hodulik was prescribed a costly drug to help him combat his cancer and the KSP team stepped in to assist. Less than an hour after speaking to KSP, Hodulik received a call from Lynn Stephan, LMSW, a social worker and member of the KSP team. She had identified a grant that could cover a large portion of the drug cost. In addition, the KSP team would assist with the paperwork and registration required for the grant. “They called and said it was taken care of,” said Hodulik. “I didn’t have to worry about it. The support was wonderful.”
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“Our purpose here is simple: help patients. Karmanos provides some of the best cancer care around, but all of that care means a whole lot less if a patient can’t access their medications,” said Greg Bungart, clinical pharmacy specialist. “We have the tools to solve nearly any issue that comes our way. We’ll do whatever we can to make things easier for our patients.” The service provided by KSP Specialty Pharmacy extends beyond financial assistance. In Hodulik’s
case, they also coordinated shipping so that medication could be picked up at a convenient time and place. “They took any issues away. The KSP team is helpful, kind and sensitive to the needs of patients; they’re everything you wish for more,” said Hodulik.
KSP Specialty Pharmacy carries many hard-to-find specialty medications for cancer, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, organ transplant and other conditions. Patients using specialty medications from KSP are supported by Karmanos’ Medication Therapy Management Programs, which provide regular counseling to help ensure the best possible outcome.
KSP STRIVES TO PROVIDE BEST IN CLASS PATIENT CARE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. OUR PANEL OF EXPERT CLINICAL PHARMACY SPECIALISTS CAN ASSIST IN DRUG EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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TOMORROW’S TREATMENTS TODAY To offer hope and longer life to patients with all types of cancer, Karmanos offers the latest therapies through our clinical trials program. With clinical trials, we are creating new knowledge about how therapies fight cancer. Currently, Karmanos has patients actively participating in more than 800 clinical trials. At age 54, Ron Andrews was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and given a grim prognosis of only six months to live. Seeking multiple opinions, he contacted Karmanos Cancer Institute and ultimately enrolled in a clinical trial. That was three years ago. Participating in a clinical trial saved his life. “Participating in a clinical trial is like entering into murky waters. You don’t know what you are jumping into until you are in there. Ultimately, I just trusted my doctor, who knows more than I do. I took her word for every decision we made. If there’s any advice I would give to other lung cancer patients, it is to find a doctor you trust and go with their plans.” Read Ron’s story at karmanos.org/patient-stories
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Some identifying personal details have been changed. The patient experience is factual and accurate.
KARMANOS CELEBRATES GROWTH IN MICHIGAN & BEYOND
KARMANOS’ FARMINGTON HILLS LOCATION EXPANDS Karmanos Cancer Institute is expanding the Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills to become a full-service, outpatient oncology center. This exciting project will enhance our healing environment by adding more space and services for our patients.
KARMANOS GROWS IN LANSING Karmanos, McLaren Greater Lansing and Michigan State University have joined forces to create a new comprehensive health care campus, which is set to open in early 2022. The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing will be home to a comprehensive cancer services center and a dedicated urgent care facility for cancer patients.
KARMANOS COMES TO TOLEDO Karmanos Cancer Institute is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with The Toledo Clinic to establish a new cancer center in Maumee, Ohio. The innovative facility is slated to treat its first patients in the spring of 2022. Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Non-Profit Organization US Postage
PAID
Permit 1579 Detroit, MI
4100 John R St. Detroit, MI 48201
1-800-KARMANOS
(1-800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org Karmanos Cancer Institute is a 501(3) tax-exempt organization. Visit karmanos.org/give for donation information.
PROUD TO BE A PART OF
Our cancer doctors, whether they’re based in Detroit, Northern Ohio or any of our network locations, have met rigorous criteria to become certified as Karmanos providers. This assures patients and their families that they will receive the very best care from Karmanos treatment facilities located at:
WORLD-CLASS CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME 13 7
DETROIT
LANSING
Karmanos Cancer Center at Karmanos Cancer Institute
8. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing
BAD AXE
LAPEER
2. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Thumb Region
9. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Lapeer Region
BAY CITY
MAUMEE, OH
3. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Bay Region
10. Karmanos Cancer Institute with The Toledo Clinic – coming spring 2022
CLARKSTON 4. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston
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FARMINGTON HILLS
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5. Karmanos Cancer Institute at Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center 9
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MOUNT CLEMENS 11. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center
MOUNT PLEASANT
FLINT
12. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Central Michigan, Morey Cancer Center
6. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint
PETOSKEY
GAYLORD
13. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan
7. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan
PONTIAC 14. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland
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PORT HURON 15. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron