Creatine is a naturally occurring compound made from three amino acids. Your liver, kidneys and pancreas produce it, and it's also found in foods like red meat.

While your body makes creatine on its own, and you can get some through your diet, those amounts typically aren't enough to provide the performance benefits seen with supplementation.

Best known for helping muscles work harder during high-intensity exercise, creatine is one of the most researched sports nutrition supplements available. The most studied form is creatine monohydrate, which has been shown to improve exercise performance and increase lean muscle mass when paired with resistance training.

"There are three different forms that creatine can come in. It can come in a pill (capsule form), it can come in gummy form, or a powder form. There are different types of creatine; the most well-studied form is creatine monohydrate," says Gabrielle Raucci, outpatient clinical oncology dietitian with OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. "All the studies we've seen say the best form is going to be powder. It's better absorbed by your body, and you can just take a scoop of it, add it to water and shake it up really well."

Most adults who choose to supplement should aim for about three to five grams per day, Raucci says.

Emerging research also suggests creatine may have benefits beyond muscle health. Recent studies have found promising evidence that it may help support brain energy metabolism and cognitive function, although researchers say more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects in healthy adults.

For people with cancer, however, timing matters.

"The main thing we focus on is that if you're undergoing an active treatment, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, the kidneys can sometimes take a hit with those treatments. When your body breaks down creatine, it breaks it into a byproduct called creatinine," Raucci says. "When your oncologists are closely looking at your blood levels, we wouldn't want to take a supplement that could potentially bump your creatinine. So, make sure to talk with your care team if you're on an active treatment and you want to use one of these supplements. Because it could potentially affect your kidneys."

For cancer survivors who have completed treatment, creatine may be an option to help rebuild muscle mass, particularly when combined with regular strength training.

"If you're in survivorship and are looking to build your lean body mass up, it could be a safe supplement," Raucci says. "Check with your care team, they'll double-check your medications and see if it's something to build yourself up after treatment."

As with any supplement, people undergoing cancer treatment or managing other medical conditions should talk with their health care team before starting creatine to ensure it's appropriate for their individual situation.

Video Interview Clips

B-Roll

Now, emerging research continues to point to multiple factors of why hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are dying from the disease each year. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) reports lung cancer as the most common cancer across the globe, attributing most of the cases to people in China, the United States and Japan from data released in 2022. The Journal of Thoracic Oncology says 1.8 million people die each year from lung cancer.

Between 10-20% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers.

In part one of this two-part series, Jun Zhang, MD, PhD, a thoracic oncologist and the vice president of oncology research with OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, discusses five main reasons that patients who do not smoke are being diagnosed with lung cancer. Part one discussed both PM2.5 (Particulate matter) and radon levels being major causes of lung cancer among nonsmokers, while this article will dive into the next three categories.

#3: Cooking fumes leading to lung cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that each year, 2.9 million people die prematurely from illnesses caused by household air pollution, specifically by the “incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking.”

Of those deaths, 6% are from lung cancer, the WHO says, adding that roughly 11% of lung cancer deaths in adults are attributed to “carcinogens from household air pollution caused by using kerosene or solid fuels like wood, charcoal or coal for household energy needs.”

"This is one of the reasons there's a higher incidence among Asian people, because of cooking style and the importance of food," Dr. Zhang says. "Over there, the way we cook delicious food is using the really hot wok (large bowl-shaped pan used for high-heat cooking) as the way to cook. Especially if the cooking involves using animal fat, it can create droplets (fumes), that can be inhaled and cause problems." 

#4: Secondhand smoking

Just as there is no safe level of smoking, the same can be said for secondhand smoke (SHS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says even brief exposure to SHS can be harmful. This should be a wakeup call to both smokers and those who are around smokers, and lung cancer isn’t the only health concern.

The CDC reports other health problems that can be caused by secondhand smoke (in adults who don’t smoke) are coronary heart disease, stroke, as well as reproductive health effects in women. For infants and kids, SHS can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma attacks.

Especially in the 1940s through 60s, smoking was seen more broadly as "cool" and was a norm in many American households. So, secondhand smoking, Dr. Zhang says, is another major contributor to non-smoking lung cancer diagnoses. 

"Whether it's a parent smoking or a coworker smoking, this leads to indoor air pollution," Dr. Zhang points out. 

SHS causes more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year in American adults who don’t smoke and increases the risk of lung cancer in adult non-smokers by 20-30%.

#5: Genetic predispositions

Your genes can play a role in your cancer risk as well, Dr. Zhang says. A family history of lung cancer in a first-degree relative account for approximately 25% of attributable risk in never-smokers – the largest single risk factor. The germline variants in certain genes like EGFR and STK11 can increase lung cancer susceptibility among never-smokers.

Dr. Zhang says with genetic testing, these variants can be found.

"It turns out that if you have germline variants in the EGFR gene, people have a higher susceptibility to have lung cancer," Dr. Zhang says. "With AI (artificial intelligence) and more in-depth sequencing, we'll be able to find more genetic predispositions."

STK11 (also known as LKB1) is another prominent gene that its germline variants my result in increased susceptibility in many non-smoking lung cancer patients. Germline mutation of this gene can lead to Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, which leads to the growth of polyps in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or other parts of the body. It also increases lung cancer susceptibility regardless of environmental exposures.

Current screening guidelines

Low-dose CT scans are available for certain patients, but the current guidelines require you to be at least 50 years of age and have a 20-year smoking history (one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, of ½ pack of cigarettes for 40 years). You also need to either be a current smoker or have quit in the last 15 years. 

Dr. Zhang says findings like this argue for expansion of lung cancer screening criteria, especially among Asian females, which is aligned with the findings from FANSS (Female Asian Nonsmoker Screening Study), which screened 1,000 eligible Asian women, ages 40-74. Using low-dose CT (LDCT), the findings showed a lung cancer detection rate of 1.3%. This was higher than a separate study called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) which studied high-risk smokers.

Dr. Zhang says that if you have any concerns like lingering cough that lasts for multiple weeks, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). You can get a chest X-Ray to make sure you don't have pneumonia.

You could also have GERD (acid reflux), and these are important to be seen for. If none of the common benign cases are identified, this is where patients should advocate for themselves and ask for a CT scan to check for lung cancer.

Video Interview Clips

The American Cancer Society (ACS) says other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States.

The good news? Prostate cancer, when caught early, is also one of the easiest to treat.

Salman Syed, MD, a radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare, describes today’s current treatment options as “exceptional,” noting that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage are successfully treated and remain cancer-free after therapy.

The best way to detect prostate cancer early is through screening with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, Dr. Syed explains.

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate that can be measured with a simple blood test. Higher PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. "It correlates with the amount of prostate tissue that you have," Dr. Syed adds.

“In general, we like to see PSA levels below four, but the interpretation depends on a patient’s age and overall risk,” Dr. Syed says. “Some men can develop prostate cancer even with a relatively low PSA, which is why screening decisions should be individualized and discussed with a physician.” 

If you have a strong family history of prostate cancer, you may need to start PSA testing at a younger age. “Current guidelines recommend discussing PSA screening as early as age 40 to 45 for men with higher-risk features, including a family history of prostate cancer, African ancestry or certain inherited genetic mutations.”

Inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, among other cancers, and can be passed down from parent to child. So, knowing your family history and if you or your parents have genetic mutations is helpful in assessing your cancer risk, Dr. Syed suggests. 

Doctors might also use genomic testing, which analyzes the activity of certain genes within a prostate tumor. These tests help determine how aggressive the cancer is likely to be, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to each patient.

“In some cases, genomic testing helps us safely avoid unnecessary treatments,” Dr. Syed explains. “In others, it tells us when we should treat more aggressively to give the patient the best chance of cure.” 

New and improved ways to diagnose, treat prostate cancer

The OSF HealthCare oncology program has several advanced technologies that help detect prostate cancer earlier and treat it more precisely, often with fewer side effects.

“One of the biggest advances we’ve seen in prostate cancer care is the ability to combine better imaging with more targeted treatments,” Dr. Syed says. “That allows us to detect cancer earlier and personalize treatment, so patients get exactly what they need.”

One example is the multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), an advanced imaging test that provides a highly detailed look at the prostate. This scan can identify suspicious areas that may not be visible on standard imaging, helping doctors detect prostate cancer earlier and guide more targeted biopsies and treatment.

Another breakthrough is PSMA PET/CT, an advanced scan that can detect extremely small amounts of prostate cancer throughout the body. Because it is far more sensitive than traditional imaging, it helps doctors locate recurrent or metastatic disease earlier and plan treatment more accurately. 

OSF HealthCare also offers proton therapy at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria. Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that allows physicians to deliver radiation to the tumor while reducing exposure to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum. 

"With proton therapy, we can often reduce the dose to surrounding healthy tissues compared with conventional radiation," Dr. Syed explains. "That can translate into fewer long-term side effects and better preservation of quality of life for many patients." 

Another highly advanced option available at OSF is high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, which delivers radiation from inside the prostate.

“HDR brachytherapy is one of the most precise forms of radiation therapy available for prostate cancer,” says Dr. Syed. “Because we deliver radiation from inside the prostate itself, we can sculpt the radiation dose very tightly around the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby organs like the bladder and rectum. At OSF, this treatment is typically completed in just two sessions, which allows us to deliver a very powerful and focused treatment over a short period of time while maintaining excellent cure rates.” 

Together, these advanced tools allow the OSF oncology team to diagnose prostate cancer earlier, personalize care and deliver highly effective treatment while minimizing side effects. 

Radiation versus surgery: Is there a better option?

In terms of radiation versus surgery, Dr. Syed says they are both highly effective treatment options.

"In terms of cancer control, surgery and radiation have very similar success rates for most patients," says Dr. Syed. "The choice often comes down to differences in side effects and what best fits a patient's lifestyle and priorities."

Rectal irritation, like diarrhea and looser stools during treatment, and other side effects are possible during radiation, but that improves over time, Dr. Syed points out. 

Side effects from surgery include temporary erectile dysfunction (ED), which is regained after surgery. As well as urinary incontinence (accidental urine leakage caused by lack of bladder control), which can tend to last post-surgery as well. Men are encouraged to wear supporting underwear (Depends) to prevent urinary leakage. 

The best starting point is a conversation with your oncology team to discuss what your lifestyle looks like.

If you are actively working and can't have urinary incontinence, radiation will likely be the recommendation. If you have urinary issues already, there are certain radiation options that would be better for you. 

Exercise helps decrease your risk of cancer. Dr. Syed recommends maintaining a healthy weight and staying up to date with your health maintenance and primary care provider, as well as avoiding alcohol and smoking.

Video Interview Clips

Introducing the Intuitive Ion Robot, a minimally invasive way to biopsy a patient’s lungs and get them answers more efficiently.

"Robotic bronchoscopy has really become the way of the future in terms of lung nodule diagnosis. It allows us to biopsy very small nodules (dense areas of tissue, or spots)," says Rachael Davis, MD, a pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare. "We can biopsy lung nodules that were not able to be biopsied previously because they were so small. It also allows us to biopsy nodules that are far out on the edge of the lungs that were unreachable before."

The goal of the Ion technology is primarily to diagnose lung cancer early. However, it also gives patients with non-cancerous lung nodules peace of mind. The Ion Robot can stage lung cancer as well. 

"We are hoping to diagnose lung cancer while it is very small, at a very early stage, and provide people the opportunity for either surgical or radiation cure of their cancer. That's our number one goal," Dr. Davis says. "But we do have quite a few patients who have lung nodules, and we don't know what they are. So, we're able to provide them with an answer that says, 'this is what your lung nodule is, and it's not cancer.’”

If a person has a history of smoking or one of their family members has received a lung cancer diagnosis, Dr. Davis says it’s important to get screened.

"Early-stage lung cancer often is asymptomatic. They have no cough, no shortness of breath or anything else. The most important thing we can do about lung cancer is to encourage people to get screened," Dr. Davis says. "Anyone who has a smoking history should talk with their primary care provider or lung doctor about whether they qualify for lung cancer screening. With that, we can find very small lung nodules and diagnose them early."

Screening remains the greatest tool to cure lung cancer. Some nodules used to be biopsied using a needle from outside the body. The robotic bronchoscopy allows the team to biopsy it from the inside in a much safer way, preventing possible complications. When a lung nodule is diagnosed at an earlier stage, it's much more likely to cure the patient. 

"A lung cancer screening is very simple. It's a low-dose CAT scan of the lungs. Most lung cancer screenings are covered by insurance. It's a two-minute procedure," Dr. Davis says. "You get scheduled for a CAT scan. You come in and there's no contrast or IV required. You come in, get your CAT scan, and it's read within 24 hours." 

The OSF Lung & Pulmonology team has doubled the number of patients they see each week since launching the technology one year ago at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. While the team currently does six biopsies a week, the plan is to perform three to four biopsies five days a week by mid-2025. 

Initially, most patients are cared for at the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. The medical team will then refer patients for the Ion Robot biopsy, keeping the patient on one hospital campus. 

If cancerous nodules are found in the patient's lungs, they will be referred to the OSF multi-disciplinary team for further treatment. This includes a surgeon who decides if the lung nodule can be surgically removed and cured. There is also a medical oncologist who can advise if chemotherapy or immunotherapy is needed. Lastly, a radiation oncologist is part of the team. They can provide radiation treatment if necessary. 

Dr. Davis says as the OSF Cancer Institute impact grows across the OSF Ministry, the Ion Robot technology will spread to other markets. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, OSF HealthCare ranks in the 99.2 percentile in quality outcomes after lung cancer surgery for all lung surgery programs in the United States.

OSF Cancer Institute offers lung cancer screening events throughout the year. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, and how to get connected with OSF Lung & Pulmonology, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Video Interview Clips

B-roll

A colonoscopy at age 15

But why? Those at an average risk of colorectal cancer are recommended to start getting colonoscopies once every ten years, starting at 45 years of age.

"My dad was diagnosed after just turning 26. Because it was colon cancer, they recommended I be seen ten years before. The doctors said when I turned 15 to get a colonoscopy," Jaxson says. He was just a baby when his father passed away.

Jaxson’s father, Michael, was an avid runner in great shape. Angie Brown, Michael’s wife and Jaxson’s mother, says Michael had no family history of colon cancer, and never drank or smoked. At the age of 26, Michael was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He underwent six months of chemotherapy and was in remission for almost four years. In 2013, Michael was diagnosed with a rare form of stage 4 colon cancer called signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.

“If he can do it, I can do it!”

Angie says for years, she has helped prepare her sons to know the importance of cancer screening, and that they’d have to undergo a colonoscopy from a young age.

“He figured that if he could go out there and show people that a 15-year-old boy is willing to go through a colonoscopy, without having any symptoms, then anybody can do it,” Angie says. “We had a good amount of people who sent messages and said, ‘if he can do it, I can do it!’”

Jaxson says it helped to know from a young age that the day was coming. Afterwards, he said it “wasn’t that bad.”

"They have you roll over on your side, then they inject the stuff in, and it works like a charm. You're out and don't remember a thing. Best sleep you'll ever get," Jaxson laughs. 

Jaxson’s bravery can inspire others

Daniel Martin, MD, a gastroenterologist with OSF HealthCare, oversaw Jaxson’s treatment. He says Jaxson’s bravery to undergo something uncomfortable, yet potentially lifesaving, should be inspiration for everyone.

"Colon cancer, if caught early (even if not caught at a polyp stage), is a very treatable condition. Where in the early stages of disease, greater than 90% of those patients are going to be disease free at five years," Dr. Martin says. "One of the advantages of colorectal cancer screening is that we can prevent the disease. With colorectal cancer, in a colonoscopy, you can identify the precursor lesions called polyps and remove them during the exam."

Colon cancer is the third-most diagnosed form of cancer in both men and women.

“Lung is first for both, breast cancer is second for women, then colorectal cancer is third. For men, prostate is second, colorectal cancer is third. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality in this country,” Dr. Martin explains.

The prevalence of colon cancer, along with the rareness of Michael’s signet ring colon cancer, led Angie and Michael to launch the Michael P. Brown Colon Cancer Foundation which lives by the motto “Get Busy Living.”

“A lot of people think you’re guaranteed a long life, especially if they’ve had parents who lived into their 80s and 90s,” Angie says. “You just never know what’s going to happen. If you have a bucket list, start doing those things. Don’t wait until you’re retired.”

The Foundation hosts Michael’s 5K Run for Life each year, raising money for signet ring research

“We try to be an outlet for people to get information about signet ring colon cancer. My husband used to field most of those calls, but now I do. My boys are getting involved too,” Angie says. “If there’s a parent who has cancer, they’re willing to talk to kids about that.”

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer

"The most common concern would be bleeding in your stool. But that would also include abdominal pain that's new or different," Dr. Martin says. "Or changes in the frequency or caliber of your stools."

This was mainly the case with Michael, Angie says.

“Initially, my husband’s symptom was belly pain. He was put on a couple of different medications because it was thought to be a stomach ulcer,” Angie says. “It didn’t work. He started having constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. We went into the emergency department, and he got the diagnosis of colon cancer.”

Traditionally, colon cancer is seen in people in their 60s and 70s. However, more younger people are starting to be diagnosed with colon cancer, Dr. Martin says.

"Specific to colorectal cancer, there are various options available now for screening. We recommend procedural screening with colonoscopy whenever possible. But with the advent of stool studies that are readily available and have been covered by insurance, that has helped increase the pool of patients who are receiving appropriate screening," Dr. Martin says. These readily available options are so important, Dr. Martin says, because most colon cancer patients are getting diagnosed at a later stage in the disease.

In the past, things like smoking, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices have been thought to cause colon cancer. Dr. Martin says in addition to that, more recent studies have shown processed foods to be a concern as well, adding that our gut's microbiome may show early indicators of cancer. A study done by Harvard Medical School investigators found that certain types of gut bacteria could lead to the development of precancerous colon polyps. 

Dr. Martin credits the OSF HealthCare cancer tumor boards and medical teams for creating a more organized process over the last five to 10 years that takes care of patients from diagnosis to treatment. 

Jaxson says now that it’s all said and done, the colonoscopy process was not as bad as most people think. This is on par with what most patients say, Dr. Martin adds. His word of caution? Many of his patients undergoing a colon cancer diagnosis wish they would have gotten colonoscopies earlier on.

To schedule a screening, speak with your primary care provider first and get a referral. You can find more information about colonoscopies on the OSF HealthCare website.

Jaxson Brown Video Interview Clips

Angie Brown Video Interview Clips

Dr. Daniel Martin Video Interview Clips

Innovative Technologies at the Forefront

Leading-edge cancer treatments like proton beam therapy, brachytherapy, genetic counseling and dietetics are all offered within the OSF Cancer Institute, providing patients with a one-stop-shop during their cancer journey.  

Proton therapy

Proton therapy was first offered on April 1, 2024.

"Proton therapy lets us offer radiation therapy to patients that maybe wouldn't have been able to tolerate side effects due to tumor location, or factors such as prior radiation treatment to the same area," says Tom Cox, the vice president of operations at OSF Cancer Institute. " This is possible because protons stop after passing through a tumor, eliminating the radiation effects on tissue often treated incidentally to photon (X-ray) therapy. The OSF Cancer Institute is on track to have treated 180 patients by April 1, 2025 – which far exceeded the original first-year target of 130 patients.

Brachytherapy

The brachytherapy suite offers a more patient-friendly way for mostly prostate and gynecological (cervical, endometrial) cancer patients to receive treatment. This option involves placement of applicators or needles directly into tumors so that very controlled, effective radiation can be delivered in discrete volumes. Since the radiation is delivered from within the tumor, there is a dramatic reduction of the dose to normal tissue, even those near the tumor itself. The dose is delivered with high-dose rate techniques so the therapy is delivered in just a few minutes time.

"Being able to bring the introduction of the applicators into the body, the treatment planning CT and the treatment all in one room, has created a much better experience. We're having some really good outcomes there, and we think we can expand what we're able to do there,” Cox says.

Intuitive Ion robot 

The OSF Cancer Institute’s pulmonology team offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatments, including minimally invasive, robotic surgeries and robotic assistive bronchoscopy. This includes the Intuitive Ion Robot, which allows care teams to get early answers and advance care for lung cancer patients.

"We're going to leverage the ability of an ion robot in the interventional pulmonary lab to really upend how we do the front end of lung cancer care," Cox says. "That robot is going to enable us to biopsy smaller lesions. It has fewer side effects than when you're getting a lung biopsy that's CT-guided. You can also do a staged EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) exam, so you can diagnosis and stage at the same time."

Rachael Davis, MD, a pulmonologist at OSF Cancer Institute, and her team have been using the ion robot weekly. Dr. Davis and her team are training more providers, and by this summer they’re expecting to quadruple – or more – how often it’s used. 

HIPEC procedures

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgeries are now offered at the OSF Cancer Institute. Tamara Floyd, MD, a surgical oncologist with OSF performs the open surgery and removes tumors from the abdomen. In the HIPEC procedure, heated chemotherapy is circulated through the body for a period of time. The first case went extremely well, and Dr. Floyd is planning her second case for mid-March. 

In addition to treatment options, the OSF Cancer Institute is increasing cancer supportive services in the Peoria region as well.

• Cancer navigation - 13% increase (Specially trained OSF Mission Partners walking you through the process of cancer care) 
• Dietetics - 64% increase
• Palliative medicine - 213% increase (Helps control symptoms, augments treatment from physicians) 
• Genetic counseling - 20% increase

Nutrition journey during cancer

Part of the dietary benefits OSF Cancer Institute offers is in the CEFCU Teaching Kitchen. Oncology dietitians work with patients on recipes to cook and are there with them step-by-step during their cancer journeys. Cox says 50% of people who come in for cancer treatment have dietary risks, while 80% of those people suffer malnutrition during treatment. Having a trained, professional dietary team walking alongside you helps fight those negative complications.

OSF Cancer Institute Culture

Cox credits the Institute’s first-year success to the culture of those who work there. The goal, he says, is to offer cancer support services across the entire spectrum of life. 

"The Mission Partners that work in this building have completely bought in to the idea that we all are advocates for cancer patients. We're always asking patients what they need, to see if we can help them," Cox says. "If we hear there's an issue with travel, or they're having trouble keeping food down, or if their children are not coping very well (with a loved one's cancer diagnosis), we know there are resources in the building, and we try very hard to line up those resources. You can feel it when you walk through the building."

Support services after cancer treatment 

"We can get you with a nurse, an exercise specialist and a dietitian to get back to your best life after cancer. Maybe you like to run a lot and ran half marathons, and you think you'll never be able to do it again. We have rehab and exercise specialists here and nutritionists. Who says you can't do that again? We're going to work with you to see you can get to the life after cancer you want to get to,” Cox says.

Services and medical professionals continue to grow

Building off the first year of OSF Cancer Institute, the administrative team continues to hire world-class medical professionals to offer cancer care in Peoria. A breast surgeon was recently brought onto the team, and a colorectal surgeon will be starting soon.

Additionally, the fourth floor of the building will be built out soon. Cox says this will give much-needed space for the surgical oncology and medical research teams. Research-focused medical oncologists are currently being recruited as well.

Leaving OSF Cancer Institute healthier, and more aware

Patients who leave OSF Cancer Institute don't just leave the building as healthier people; their awareness continues and will benefit other people. Cox admits a cancer diagnosis is not an easy thing to go through, and that the support from the OSF care team doesn’t stop when you walk out the door.

Grateful for community support

Cox says he’s been humbled throughout the years of working in oncology by the incredible commitment of the community and region to the OSF Cancer Institute.

"It is overwhelming to me, the philanthropic spirit of our community and extended community," Cox says. "I take that as, they've made a big commitment to us, and we're making a big commitment back. We're going to bring things to central Illinois that have not been here before. We are going to support you and your family members throughout your life and keep you as healthy, relative to cancer, as we possibly can."

Looking to the future

Cox says the OSF Cancer Institute is looking to bring more pediatric cancer support services to the building, the work collaboratively alongside the adult services.

The team is creating both a lung lesion clinic and a lung multidisciplinary clinic, which aims to reduce the time from finding a cancerous lesion to treatment. The lesion clinic is expected to open in late spring.

The OSF Cancer Institute intake team has been created with oncology nurses who will answer patients’ questions on the very same day, to see if services are right for you.

Cox adds that OSF is planning to put together an early detection hotline as a resource for the community to know if or when they should be screened for cancer.

To learn more about the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, visit its website to view the services offered and find contact information to get connected.

Video Interview Clips

Terri Odell has never had any serious health problems. She can’t even remember ever calling in sick to work. The Rockford, Illinois native attributes her good fortune to leading an active lifestyle that started when she was a young child and continued into adulthood – working out, running marathons and now owning a personal training business.

So, when she found a lump in her breast in December 2023, the 63-year-old Odell was stunned.

“That's the hardest thing for me but also the biggest benefit for me,” she says. “I know that my body's very strong, and it's extremely healthy, except for that little bit of cancer that’s moving through it. But it does make me feel a lot more secure that everything's going to be okay. And that's a big part of getting better is to believe in it and to keep yourself going.”

Family history 

Cancer is no stranger to Odell’s family. Her mother passed away from ovarian cancer when Odell was three years old. Odell, who had seven siblings, lost two sisters to lung cancer, and she has an aunt and cousin who’ve battled ductal carcinoma. The fear of cancer was always in the back of Odell’s mind.

Her lump turned out to be triple negative breast cancer, which is a cancer of the breast that does not have hormone receptors, such as estrogen and progesterone, that are found in most breast cancers. Triple negative breast cancer is usually diagnosed in women younger than 45.

“We see it in about 15% of breast cancer patients,” says Peggy Rogers, a nurse practitioner in genetics and medical oncology for OSF HealthCare. Rogers did not treat Odell but has cared for many patients with a similar diagnosis. “These patients are treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and we offer genetic testing to these women who are diagnosed with these cancers because they tend to be aggressive.”

Odell carries the BRCA1 gene, which increases the risk for ovarian cancer. It turns out that Odell had a tumor in her fallopian tube, so she had oophorectomy, which is surgery to remove one or both ovaries. “BRCA” stands for “BReast CAncer gene.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing breast cancer. Odell had a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous tumor in her breast.

Rogers says women will often consider having a mastectomy on the affected breast or bilateral mastectomy to remove both breasts and reduce the elevated risk of a potential second breast cancer. “If they don't have breast cancer, but they’re diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene, we put them on heightened surveillance with a mammogram, alternating with a breast MRI every six months,” she says. 

Now, Odell is spreading the important message of genetic testing. And no better time than the present. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“You know, people are asking me about breast cancer, but I try to tell them it's not about that. It's really about the BRCA gene,” Odell says. “That's the serious part of the whole disease. And that's the part that I want to get people to understand.” 

Genetic testing 

Genetic testing helps determine the chances of developing a disease in the future. Rogers says the purpose of genetic testing in the case of breast cancer is to detect a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or other breast cancer genes in your DNA, which indicates a higher risk for developing cancer.

“Any woman who has a family history of three women affected with breast cancer, one under the age of 50, on the same side of the family, would be appropriate for a genetic referral,” says Rogers. “Or breast cancer and ovarian cancer is a red flag and is a good reason for a woman to come in for a risk evaluation.” In addition, any woman with triple negative breast cancer, male breast cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry should be tested. And family history of ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer or metastatic prostate cancer would also be appropriate for risk evaluation. 

Genetic testing can be done using blood or saliva samples. Results are usually available within three to four weeks.

Rogers says if a person tests positive for a pathogenic variant in BRCA, she should inform all her first-degree relatives, including children, because there's a 50/50 chance they could inherit the gene, but it’s also important to share the information with other family members on the affected side of the family.

Training for the biggest race of her life 

As for Odell, she remains optimistic that better days are ahead. She’s still training her clients and continuing to push herself with her own rigorous workouts.

“I'm making [cancer] my marathon,” she says of fighting cancer. “It's the same kind of thinking – eating right, getting sleep and doing the best for your body.”

And she’s involved with cancer-related events and activities, spreading the word about prevention and genetic testing. In fact, most of her surviving siblings have now been tested. Odell says there will be no more surprises in her family when it comes to cancer. 

“It's hard to hear that diagnosis,” she says. “There was a lot of sadness. I went to a few dark places, but you have to come out of it and believe there's something bigger out there. There's a bigger plan. I believe that.” 

For more information on genetic testing, visit OSF HealthCare.

Terri Odell interview clips 

Peggy Rogers interview clips 

B-Roll 

The colonoscopy has a special place in comedy, but colorectal cancer is no laughing matter. The reality is that a colonoscopy is the best way to detect the second-deadliest type of cancer.

However, fear prompts many people to avoid a colonoscopy. Now, comes a new, less invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer – a new FDA-approved blood test that can be used for people who have an average risk. Dr. Harishankar (Hari) Gopakumar, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF Medical Group in Bloomington says the new test is aimed at improving the screening rate for colon cancer which currently stands at 63% of all eligible people.

“This blood test could bridge some of gap; that is where I see its main role. If for whatever different reason somebody is not able to get one of the approved colon cancer screenings, other than this latest blood-based test, this could be a bridge to offer some form of screening to them.”

The American Cancer Society says overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. However, each person’s risk might be higher or lower, depending on their risk factors for colorectal cancer, including but not limited to family history.  In people younger than 55 years of age, rates have been increasing by 1% to 2% a year since the mid-1990s, so it’s recommended screening start at 45 years, beginning with a baseline colonoscopy.

The recently approved blood test is easier than the current stool sample option that’s available for people at average risk, but Dr. Gopakumar suggests it is not good for detecting pre-cancerous cells. He says the sensitivity is enough to detect about 13% of pre-cancerous lesions. The success at detecting actual cancer is about the same with the blood test as the stool-based analysis. However, Dr. Gopakumar stresses testing a stool sample offers a better way to detect those early-forming cancer cells and that’s what’s most important.

Detecting colorectal cancer sooner

“Our goal is to be able to pick up these pre-cancerous lesions way before they even have a chance to become cancer and then treat them because at that stage, it’s relatively easy to treat the polyp – you take the polyp out. Nothing after that except maybe a follow up colonoscopy. That is where the difference comes in.”

Currently, about 60–70% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Research suggests if the healthy population regularly submitted to annual screening, the 5-year survival rate could be increased to 73% (currently 65%). So, does Dr. Gopakumar think this new blood test could become part of annual exam testing?

He thinks it could eventually, but not until the test is improved to increase early cancer cell detection.

“This is probably an early stage and with more effective (technology) where we can match the sensitivity and specificity numbers where they detect what we need to detect – close to the stool-based testing or even better than that – then I see this as the future, but it may be a bit further out.”

Dr. Gopakumar says the blood test should not replace the more intensive colonoscopy procedure which, for people with average risk, should be given every 10 years. The FDA recommends getting the blood test every three years starting at age 45 for people not at high risk.

With the various options now available, Dr. Gopakumar recommends having a conversation with your medical provider.

“Make an informed decision so you get the best test that you can and it’s most appropriate for you so you can feel confident you got what you needed done in an appropriate and efficient way.”

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests, because these tests are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes a blood test, but Dr. Gopakumar says check with your insurer and make sure whether prior authorization is needed and to know whether you will have a co-pay.

Video clips with Dr. Hari Gopakumar

Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare is partnering with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to award six grants totally more than $460,000 to support projects funded through the Community Health Advocacy program, with a goal to improve outcomes and reduce health care disparities. The latest grants seek to generate solutions focused on new models of care that improve access and reduce barriers for individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The projects also explore prototypes that can transform care and community-based initiatives that address the social determinants of health. The CHA program is also aimed at improving outcomes and reducing health care disparities.

The CHA program is a partnership between OSF HealthCare and The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

The funding supports research involving clinicians, engineers and social scientists to rapidly develop technologies and devices that could revolutionize medical training and health care delivery. A requirement of the grant applications was for solutions that could be deployed quickly, within four to six weeks.

Spring 2023 CHA Grant Projects

Automated Seizure Detection in Ambulatory EEG

• Huan Huynh, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Biswajit Maharathi, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

Ambulatory EEG is a powerful tool to evaluate seizure propensity in patients with epilepsy within natural community settings and residential environments. This goal of this pilot project is to build a semi-automated seizure screening system using modern machine learning-based computational approaches to significantly reduce the physician’s time evaluating these events by providing faster and more accurate screening methods and improving the patient care experience.

BRIDGeS (Building Resourceful Interactions Despite Grief and Stress)

• Eileen Knightly, MHA, RN, BSN, OSF HealthCare
• Carolyn Dickens, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, University of Illinois Chicago

This project addresses the growing issue of violence and incivility in the community and its impact on patient care in hospitals. It utilizes findings from a 2022 community health needs assessment to address cultural and communication barriers affecting nursing staff and patients. Nurse burnout, caused by prolonged stress, has worsened due to staffing shortages, documentation burden and increased violence.

Developing Tools to Empower Patient Understanding, Management and Communication of Condition

• Jonathan Handler, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Michael J. Scott, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

This project will focus on social determinants of health (SDoH) and consider solutions that empower the patient to more accurately track and communicate their conditions before they reach the reactive state. The approach is to change the way patients engage with their health-related data and provide better tools to convey this information to their care provider.

Harnessing Mobile Technology to Diagnose Migraines in Rural Communities

• Hrachya Nersesyan, MD, PhD, OSF HealthCare
• Yelena Nersesyan, MD, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

The goal of this project is to test and improve the MiGRO app that enables providers to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat migraines, resulting in better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction. The app also streamlines the referral process, allowing providers to quickly refer patients to migraine specialists, reducing medical costs and improving access to care in rural areas.

Improving Cancer Screening in Underserved High-Risk Populations

• Lisa Barker, MD, FACEP, OSF HealthCare
• Elizabeth Papautsky, PhD, MS, University of Illinois Chicago

This project seeks to characterize the current barriers to completion of screening recommendations among patients at high risk for breast cancer, then use that data to create and pilot test an “intervention bundle” to optimize rates of breast MRI completion for eligible high-risk patients. With attention to the underserved communities within the OSF service population, this project will contribute to reduced health disparities by reducing barriers to care in the context of timely breast cancer diagnosis.

UI Health Pancreatic Cancer Screening Initiative

• Jason Bill, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Paul Grippo, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

The project aims to develop an infrastructure of early community engagement with clinical trials for all types of cancer. The goal is to address the increasing technological development in screening modalities without simultaneously widening the gap in morbidity rates of cancer within underserved communities. With this health care protocol in place, the team hopes to increase accessibility of clinical trials using methods that are showing promising results in pancreatic cancer detection.