Scientists are constantly learning more about cancer – what causes it, how it impacts our body and how to treat or cure it. One study has looked at a possible link between frequent drinking of hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

So should coffee drinkers worry? Not drastically, but you should always be mindful of what you put in your body, says Edie Krueger, MD, [pronounced EE-dee // KREE-ger] a radiation oncologist at OSF HealthCare.

“The science behind it is that there’s thermal injury to the lining of the esophagus, or the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The thermal injury causes the cells to become aberrant [not normal, in other words] and grow on their own without any checkpoints. That’s basically what cancer is,” Dr. Krueger says.

So what should people do? Dr. Krueger says if you’re a morning coffee or tea person, that’s fine. But if you drink scalding hot beverages multiple times a day, consider changing habits. Let the drink cool off before taking a swig. The study mentions 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) as a danger zone. That’s about the temperature when you get coffee right out of the pot, Dr. Krueger says. Also, swap the afternoon hot coffee or tea with another drink.

“Things in moderation are fine,” Dr. Krueger says.

Why it’s important

Esophageal cancer is not the most common in America (around 20,000 cases per year, Dr. Krueger says). But she says it’s a “tough cancer to treat,” underscoring the need to know about it and get treatment sooner rather than later.

She says there are two types of esophageal cancer. The most prevalent in America is adenocarcinoma. The other type, squamous cell carcinoma, is the one with a possible link to hot drinks.

“The symptoms, in general, are things like reflux or trouble swallowing - especially trouble swallowing things like bread or tough foods like steak or chicken. Just really hard to get food down,” Dr. Krueger explains.

“Usually, esophageal cancer is treated with what we call trimodality therapy. That’s surgery, chemotherapy and radiation,” she adds.

Avoiding alcohol, smoking and obesity are ways to help prevent esophageal cancer.

Learn more

Read more about cancer care on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF includes the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois.

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• Teeth issues, such as cavities and discoloration. Loose teeth (not baby teeth that are intended to come out) are also a red flag.
   
• Gum issues, such as redness, bleeding or swollen or sore gums.
   
• Chewing and swallowing issues, whether from pain or a diagnosed disorder.
   
• Chemotherapy can also negatively impact oral health, Dr. Splaingard says. So if you’re going through cancer treatment, keep a close eye for changes in your mouth.
   
• And while we can’t control our age or gender, Dr. Splaingard says to be aware: poor oral health and the poor bone health that could come with it are more common as you age. He adds that women who have reached menopause are especially at risk.

Prevention

Having good oral health is no secret. Think back to what your parents told you as kids.

• Brush and floss regularly. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice per day and flossing once per day. If you have questions about frequency, talk to your dentist.
   
• See a dentist regularly. Twice per year is a good starting point, but some people who need extra attention could go four times per year.
   
• In between those appointments, watch your teeth and gums and let your dentist know if something doesn’t seem right.
   
• Avoid smoking.
   
• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in cavity-causing sugar and high in beneficial things like calcium.
  
  “Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can affect calcium balance in the bones,” Dr. Splaingard adds
   
• And if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, follow the medication plan outlined by your health care provider.

Learn more

Read more about how to maintain good oral health on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Though not one of the most common cancers, Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, says she’s seen liver cancer cases rise in recent years in line with national trends. Luckily, the gastroenterology provider at OSF HealthCare says treatment has evolved, too. And it’s another reminder to know your body and see your health care provider regularly because liver cancer is more treatable when caught early.

The liver: A recap

A primer on what the liver does for us: Lindstrom says the liver sits underneath the right ribcage and cleans toxins from our blood, helps digestion and produces proteins needed to live. In other words, it’s not an organ you can live without like a gallbladder or one kidney.

Liver cancer: Hidden and harmful

Lindstrom says primary liver cancer describes when the cancer starts there, and secondary liver cancer is when it spreads there (medical term: metastasizes), most commonly from the lungs, breasts or colon. Secondary is more common than primary.

“There are multiple causes of liver cancer. A person is at a higher risk if they have a damaged liver,” Lindstrom says. “Things that can cause a damaged liver include alcohol. So heavy alcohol use [is a risk]. Viruses that can infect the liver such as hepatitis B and C [are risks]. And we’re seeing an increasing number of people having fatty liver disease. That puts people at risk for liver damage. That damage can progress to cirrhosis [scarring], and cirrhosis puts you at a higher risk.”

These liver issues can be fatal if untreated. And unfortunately, Lindstrom says liver cancer often comes with no symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment

That’s where regular visits to your primary care provider, and if needed, a specialist like a gastroenterologist or oncologist come in.

Lindstrom says your provider will go over your risk factors: do you have a family history of liver issues? What’s your own health history, specifically with hepatitis? How often do you drink alcohol? What’s your daily diet and exercise routine?

“If we determine somebody has a lot of scarring of the liver, they should be on regular surveillance looking for liver cancer,” Lindstrom urges. “Every six months, they should get some imaging and possibly a blood test that helps to detect cancer.” The person could also have a biopsy of their liver, where a provider will take a sample of liver tissue and send it to a laboratory to find out exactly what’s wrong.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and liver transplant surgery are possible treatments.

“A liver transplant could be required if the tumor isn’t very large, but there’s a lot of damage or scarring of the liver,” Lindstrom explains.

Prevention

Lindstrom says if it’s caught early, liver cancer can be treated and even cured. Some things to keep in mind to avoid the disease:

• Eat a healthy diet, avoiding things like processed food, high sugar food and high fat food that can lead to liver issues.
   
• Get moving to avoid things like obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says to aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week spread out over several days.
   
• If you do develop chronic conditions like diabetes, see your provider regularly to stay on top of managing the issue.
   
• Know your family history of liver and other health issues.
   
• Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
   
• There’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is treatment. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the shots are safe, effective and have a schedule. Talk to a provider to see if you’re on schedule or if you need a shot now, for example if you’re at high risk.
   
• Take other steps to avoid hepatitis: practice safe sexual relations, avoid blood-to-blood contact with others and don’t share or reuse needles.
  
  “You have a history of blood transfusions prior to 1992. You got a tattoo or piercing in a less than sanitary situation,” Lindstrom lists as other hepatitis risk factors. “I’d recommend getting screened. In fact, it’s a current recommendation to be screened for hepatitis C at least once in adulthood.”
  
  Lindstrom says providers list 1992 as a hepatitis C benchmark because that’s when blood screenings were developed.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your digestive system healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF HealthCare also includes the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, which provides comprehensive care for the region.

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, says Heather Thompson. And she would know. Thompson is a breast health navigator at OSF HealthCare, helping patients navigate appointments, insurance and more. And Thompson is, herself, a breast cancer survivor.

But what many in the cancer space might not realize, Thompson says, is that breast cancer can affect men. It’s rare, with 1% of men statistically getting it, Thompson says. But it’s worth knowing how to spot, prevent and treat it.

“There can be severe cases. A lot of times, men don’t notice things or worry about things like women might,” Thompson says. “The cancer is there longer and has a chance to metastasize [spread] and get into their lymph nodes. A lot of times, men will get gynecomastia. That can cause swelling in the breast tissue and a mass.” Those gynecomastia masses can limit a man’s ability to feel a cancerous lump, delaying care.

Breast cancer basics

Genetics (i.e. a family history of cancer), alcohol use and smoking all put you at a higher risk for breast cancer.

So do men need to do monthly self-checks and get mammograms like women are told to? Not always, Thompson says. You should talk with your primary care provider about a plan, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. That plan could involve genetic testing or blood work to check estrogen levels (since estrogen feeds cancer cells). But day to day, Thompson says to just keep an eye on your breasts. Look for inverted nipples, lumps, redness or achiness.

“Men really do not require regular screening or imaging for breast tissue. That is not in the American Cancer Society guidelines or any other guidelines,” Thompson says. “However, men should monitor their bodies for anything irregular. Then, get it addressed right away. Don’t wait. You might be in that 1%.” Thompson adds that if any type of cancer spreads, it can be fatal.

Treatment for male breast cancer typically involves a mastectomy, or the removal of breast tissue, Thompson says. This could be after cancer is found. Or it could be preventive if you’re at high risk, like the case of actress Angelina Jolie.

“There’s not much tissue that a man has,” Thompson points out, allaying fears that your chest will look significantly different. She says you won’t have a nipple, and your chest will be flat. But that’s about it. “We will still test those lymph nodes during surgery to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread.

“After that, there’s special testing called oncotype,” she adds. This looks at the likelihood of cancer returning. “If it’s a high score, those people sometimes have to have chemotherapy or radiation.”

Changing minds

Thompson knows men can be apprehensive about seeing a doctor in general. But when breast cancer enters the conversation? She’s heard things like “I’m not a woman. I don’t need to worry about that.”

At OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton, Illinois, where Thompson works, she sees one to two men per month come in for imaging. Most, she says, are cases of gynecomastia that can be managed by the person’s primary care provider. But some do hear the words “It’s cancer.”

“I tell them they’re not alone,” Thompson says. “Other men have gone through this. We have a roadmap to treat it.”

Learn more

Read more about cancer care, specifically breast cancer care, on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF includes the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois.

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“My world was turned upside down.”

These are the words of 36-year-old Amanda Wlezen, from Poplar Grove, Illinois, who just found out she has a Stage 1 breast cancer known as invasive ductal carcinoma.

"Being so young, it was something I was not expecting. I honestly went in and thought I would get a full clean bill of health, like 'you're good to go,' but that was not the case," Wlezen says.

Aside from battling the disease, Wlezen is now also faced with another challenge. The potential of hair loss.

"(Your hair is) your identity. It's how you approach people and feel confident,” Wlezen adds.

Thanks to a generous donation by breast cancer survivor Patricia Cutilletta, chemotherapy patients now have an extra tool to help keep their hair during treatment. It’s known as scalp cooling and is offered across the OSF HealthCare Ministry at all six OSF cancer centers.

“The cooling cap can give you your confidence back, so I feel like that's going to help others," Wlezen says.

Scalp cooling allows the patient’s temperature to be brought down to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which then reduces the amount of chemo that is absorbed by hair follicles. This, in turn, helps decrease the amount of hair loss. A cooling cap is used and personalized for the individual patient. It’s fitted to their head and is not reused.

While scalp cooling has been around for some time, the new equipment is much more user-friendly and accessible.

"The old machines are very large and cumbersome. You had to have someone bring dry ice. You almost had to have another person with you to make that successful," says Leah Goforth, manager of gynecological oncology at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois. "This company we've partnered with, and the new designs, have made it more accessible and portable.”

Wlezen says this opportunity has given her a lot of reassurance during a difficult time.

"I honestly thought I was going to lose all my hair and that I didn't have an option. So, I am very grateful for this innovative product, and for giving it a shot and helping me to maintain these beautiful locks," Wlezen laughs.

This is a real challenge seen in many patients, says Julie Cline, manager of oncology services at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois.

"We have had some patients in the past ask if we were able to offer this, and we, at that time, were not. We have had some patients bring in their own supplies, which is way more costly for them to do,” Cline says. “So, this provides them with a tool to help lessen their anxiety and protect their self-image."

Michelle Rowland, MD, is a gynecologic oncologist at OSF Cancer Institute. She says scalp cooling can offer several benefits for the patient.

"It is important for the patient in terms of self-esteem and being able to continue doing things like their job, that they don't have to explain to everyone why their hair is falling out," Dr. Rowland says. "For some people, it's a level of comfort and confidence that they can carry through chemotherapy. That overall, I think, helps them tolerate it better."

Dr. Rowland says not all chemotherapy treatments cause hair loss, so it’s important for the patient and doctor to discuss if scalp cooling is the right option.

"For some of our treatments, it might only be effective for 30% of patients. For others, it might be much higher at 80%," Dr. Rowland says.

Aside from the emotional and mental benefit scalp cooling can provide, there can also be a physical benefit, Dr. Rowland adds.

"Losing your hair, oftentimes, is irritating to the scalp. We do have patients that have complications of losing their hair. It's not as simple as 'my hair fell out,' but you may have folliculitis (infection) across the scalp," Dr. Rowland says. "Keeping the scalp healthy and doing things for the scalp can help them avoid some of those complications."

Goforth says during a time when you feel like you don’t have much control, this technology changes that.

"It's that sense of empowerment,” Goforth agrees. “That was one of the big things that Pat (Cutilletta) has been very vocal about. It's not about vanity; it's about empowerment back to the patient during a very powerless-feeling time in their journey.”

Cline says her greatest satisfaction is giving the patients some power over their cancer.

"Patients come in here all the time, very teary eyed, very sad, because they have no control. They feel like cancer is controlling their life, so this just gives them that hope of having something that I can control. It helps lessen that anxiety, sometimes even helps them stay on their treatment plan and stay compliant with it,” Cline says.

Cline explains that the scalp cooling process starts 30 minutes before chemotherapy infusions. It then continues through the end of the treatment, and then depending on the treatment regimen, continues another two to three hours post treatment cooling.

Oftentimes the scalp cooling service is covered by insurance. The patient’s care team should submit the treatment to insurance before the scalp cooling service starts to get an idea of how much insurance will cover. The patient would then find out what if there is going to be any out of pocket costs.

If you’re in need of cancer support services and need help finding an appointment or a provider, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Amanda Wlezen Video Interview Clips

Dr. Michelle Rowland Video Interview Clips

Julie Cline Video Interview Clips

Leah Goforth Video Interview Clips

Gynecologic carcinosarcomas are rare cancerous tumors, mainly impacting the uterus and ovaries, which take on characteristics of epithelial (develops from the cells that cover the ovaries or line the uterus) cancers, as well as sarcomas (develops in bones, cartilage, muscle, fat, blood vessels and more). It’s estimated roughly two out of every 100,000 women will develop these rare tumors each year.

OSF has been able to treat patients with this very rare cancer before, but now with additional oncology specialists at OSF Cancer Institute, the teams are able to better serve these patients and offer them clinical trials as well. 

Uniqueness of gynecologic carcinosarcoma:

"One of the things that is unique about it is that it could be coming from the uterus, it could be coming from the ovaries, and so we group those together as gynecologic carcinosarcoma as a treatment group," says Michelle Rowland, MD, a gynecologic oncologist with OSF HealthCare. 

Chemotherapy and surgery are normally the treatment options doctors use to treat gynecologic carcinosarcoma. Proton therapy at OSF Cancer Institute offers the medical team an additional option in specific situations.

"We do use radiation sometimes," Dr. Rowland says. "In terms of proton therapy, there could be options for that which would add something unique, depending on where the cancer is occurring at that time. We also have investigational studies and expertise in investigational pharmacy and managing trials. This offers some options for patients."

Dr. Rowland and her team in Peoria have opened one clinical trial for patients with gynecologic carcinosarcoma. Additionally, Dr. Rowland says she is working to launch a study with the University of Alabama-Birmingham, which is currently focused on carcinosarcoma. OSF Cancer Institute specialists have a weekly tumor board meeting to put a multi-disciplinary approach together to help each patient, providing individualized care for them.

"We're putting together a think tank with experts across the country in this field," Dr. Rowland says. "We know some of the latest and greatest in terms of what to try, and we're also working on getting clinical trials open specifically for patients with carcinosarcoma."

The goal of the clinical trial is to find a treatment plan that works better than the current options. By learning more about the molecular basis of these tumors, the clinical trials can hopefully lead to better outcomes. 

Concerning signs and symptoms: 

"Very similar to ovarian and endometrial cancers, we're often worried about patients who have vaginal bleeding when they shouldn't, like post-menopausal women with bleeding," Dr. Rowland says. "Abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting; symptoms where your bowel or your bladder are changing. These are things we'd recommend you reach out to a physician for a workup. It's most likely going to be something else, but it could be something like this."

Dr. Rowland worked on a carcinosarcoma clinical trial during her fellowship, so she has a real passion for finding the best care plans for patients now. She hopes this care and expertise will attract people not only within the Peoria community but far beyond as well to come to Peoria for treatment.

Patients can contact the Breakthrough Treatment Center and find out what treatment options are available. If interested in participating in a clinical trial, people can call 1-844-OSF-4-HOPE (1-844-673-4467).

Video Interview Clips

Family – literally and figuratively – is a word Fred Smith, 88, knows well, too. After his diagnosis around four years ago, he’s gotten radiation treatment on his neck and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy at OSF Moeller Cancer Center.

“The nurses were so friendly,” Fred says.

“They’re a wonderful couple,” says Jill Pruitt, a licensed practical nurse and certified oncology navigator at OSF Moeller Cancer Center. Pruitt is another part of that support system for cancer patients.

“They’re always positive,” Pruitt adds of the Smiths. “They put their trust in God. They put their trust in us. No matter what news is thrown at them, they take it and go with it.”

Happy anniversary

On August 1, 2024, Fred Smith was due for his first chemotherapy treatment. When Neva called to schedule the appointment, she mentioned it was the couple’s 65^th wedding anniversary but said there was no need to postpone the session.

What greeted Fred and Neva in the infusion bay: cake, a banner and well wishes from OSF Mission Partners.

“It was a monumental day,” Pruitt says.

Fred, Neva and Jill all have the same take-home message: A support system when battling cancer is crucial, and you should find the right people and things that lift you up.

“Stay encouraged, and have friends who encourage you,” Neva says. “When I had [my cancer treatment,] I listened to a lot of gospel music. That helped me.”

“I always say my prayers at night,” Fred adds. “It’s not a religious thing. I’m just so thankful I found this hospital.”

“It’s very important to have someone there with you for support,” Pruitt says. “Someone to give you a ride or bring you a warm meal. As you’re going through [cancer treatment,] you don’t always feel like cooking or cleaning your house.”

Learn more

Read more about cancer treatment at OSF HealthCare, including the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, the hub of cancer care at OSF. If you need help in your cancer journey, contact the health system, church or social service agency near you to see if they offer patient navigators, social workers, support groups or other resources. Pruitt also says OSF and other health systems use the American Cancer Society’s resources.

Interview clips - Fred and Neva Smith

Interview clips - Jill Pruitt

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In his year-long battle with cancer of the esophagus, Jim Corby encountered many nerve-wracking moments.

But when asked about it, one memory comes to mind for the retired construction worker from Alton, Illinois. One that happened far away from a doctor’s office.

On July 27, 2022, Corby was chosen to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Alton River Dragons baseball game. Members of care team at OSF HealthCare Moeller Cancer Center in Alton, James Piephoff, MD, and Manpreet Sandhu, MD, were at his side. Also watching was a group of young women Corby coaches on the softball diamond.

“He knew if he didn’t throw a strike, he would never hear the end of it from the girls on his team,” Dr. Piephoff says.

No pressure, Jim.

Esophageal cancer: The basics

Dr. Piephoff, a radiation oncologist, says around 20,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with esophageal cancer each year. The cancer claims around 16,000 lives in the U.S. each year.

There are two types. The most common (around 70% of U.S. cases) is adenocarcinoma in the lower esophagus. The other type is squamous cell carcinoma, typically above where the airway separates into the lungs.

Both types are associated with excess smoking and drinking, something Corby found out the hard way.

“I smoked two-and-a-half to three packs of cigarettes a day,” Corby says. “The day I went in for surgery, I threw them out the window. I haven’t smoked since.”

Obesity is also a risk factor for adenocarcinoma.

“Obesity leads to increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease,” Dr. Piephoff explains. “It’s the acid churning up in the lower esophagus that leads to the risk of developing what’s called Barrett’s esophagus. That’s a precancerous condition.”

Screening isn’t common for cancer of the esophagus, so Dr. Piephoff says it’s important to watch for symptoms, which can mimic those of heartburn. See a doctor if symptoms won’t go away.

“Know your body. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctors about it. Don’t try to minimize your symptoms,” Dr. Piephoff urges. “If there’s a change you notice, you need to convey that to your doctor.”

On treatment, Dr. Piephoff says he typically sees a person go through chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the cancer followed by surgery to remove the tumor. During surgery, instruments are sent down the throat and not through the chest, meaning an easier recovery for the person. Early detection could mean surgery only.

“There are some patients who are not able to have surgery because of medical conditions like a bad heart or bad lungs,” Dr. Piephoff says. “They get treated with radiation and chemotherapy without surgery.”

Immunotherapy is also a part of the treatment plan for some people. This involves changing how your immune system works so it can fight cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Jim’s journey

Corby says he started having pain in his midsection last year when he ate. Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux didn’t help. An ultrasound and CT scan didn’t get his doctors any closer to a solution. All the while, Corby says it hurt so much to eat, he started losing weight.

In September 2021, doctors examined Corby’s esophagus with a camera.

“The doctor came in and sat down, which I knew was not a good sign,” Corby recalls.

“That day was when my life changed,” he says.

The exam found a cancerous mass in Corby’s lower esophagus. The next few months were a whirlwind.

“It happened real fast,” Corby says.

“They got me here [to Moeller Cancer Center] to see Dr. Piephoff and Dr. Sandhu. They came up with a program to try to get me going,” Corby says. “I went through chemotherapy and radiation first. Then they sent me over to St. Louis, and in January I had surgery.”

The surgery to remove the cancer preceded a nine day stay in the hospital where Corby says he couldn’t eat or drink aside from the occasional ice cubes or water sopped from a sponge.

Sometime later – Corby can’t remember exactly when – he was back at OSF Moeller Cancer Center meeting with Dr. Sandhu.

“She said ‘Your scan came back. You’re cancer free.’” Corby says.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Corby adds. “How many times do you hear about people who have cancer who die? You hear more of that than you do cancer free.

“The odds were against me 100%, but I guess I beat the odds.”

The first pitch

Corby’s first pitch at the River Dragons game went – where else? – right down the middle of the plate, eliciting a cheer from his support system and all the fans learning his story for the first time. For Corby, it was a sigh of relief. No need to worry about razzing from his softball players.

“I got lucky,” Corby says, fighting back happy tears.

Learn more

Visit the OSF HealthCare website to learn about cancer treatment. This includes the new OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, which will serve the entire OSF service area will the latest treatment, education and more.

Interview clips - Dr. James Piephoff

Interview clips - Jim Corby

Anal and rectal cancer occur in parts of the body near each other, and they both have prevention steps and time-tested treatments. But they are different types of cancer, says Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon with OSF HealthCare.

Rectal cancer

Dr. Kumar says the rectum is the last part of the colon, where stool is stored.

Signs of rectal cancer include bleeding, irregular bowel movements (such as the shape of the stool changing and the inability to have a complete bowel movement), weight loss, fatigue and pain in the rectal area.

Rectal cancer impacts men and women roughly equally, and it’s seen “at almost any age,” Dr. Kumar says. If you smoke and eat a lot of red meat and processed food, your risk will go up.

Anal cancer

Dr. Kumar says the anus is where stool comes out. He says signs of anal cancer can be like those of rectal cancer. But often, he says an anal cancer diagnosis starts when a person believes they have hemorrhoids, or when the veins or blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum become swollen and irritated due to extra pressure.

“It turns out not to be a hemorrhoid. It could be a mass or a lesion. You could have some bleeding, especially when you’re wiping with toilet paper or wet wipes,” Dr. Kumar says.

Anal cancer’s prevalence in the United States is “very low,” Dr. Kumar says, with around 8,000 cases per year. Around two-thirds of the cases are women, and it’s more common in age 50 and up.

“The number one cause of anal cancer is HPV, the human papillomavirus,” Dr. Kumar says. “So, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease.”

But he says you don’t have to be sexually active to get anal cancer. Regardless, there are vaccines for the most common HPVs that cause cancer.

Prevention and treatment

Symptoms aside, Dr. Kumar says there’s a must-do for anal and rectal cancer prevention: get on a colonoscopy schedule as advised by your health care provider. A colonoscopy is when a provider inspects your colon and surrounding areas using a tiny camera on the end of a tube. Dr. Kumar says generally, colonoscopies start at age 45. But they could start earlier if you have a family history of cancer.

Other tips: Don’t smoke. Exercise regularly. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Thirty grams of fiber per day is a good goal, Dr. Kumar says.

If you do have symptoms of anal or rectal cancer, see a provider to get checked out.

Dr. Kumar says treatment for anal cancer is usually chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He says when treated properly, the typical five-year survival rate is around 80%.

“The only times we would operate on anal cancer are to get the original [cancerous] mass out and if the cancer comes back,” Dr. Kumar explains.

For rectal cancer, Dr. Kumar says around 40% of people can also be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Others will need surgery to remove the cancer. But Dr. Kumar says medicine has progressed to where people can typically avoid a colostomy, or when a part of the colon is diverted outside the skin to bypass a damaged part of the colon. This is temporary and comes with a bag that collects the waste that would normally leave your body via a bowel movement.

Learn more

Read more about prevention and treatment of rectal and anal cancer on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

As many as 2 billion people worldwide will be exposed to hepatitis B during their lifetime, says David Rzepczynski, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare in Urbana, Illinois. Around 250 million people have chronic inflammation of the liver from hepatitis B or are carriers of the virus without inflammation. And around 890,000 people will die from hepatitis B. Asia and Africa are hepatitis B hotspots, Dr. Rzepczynski says, while the United States doesn’t have it as bad.

The statistics might make eyeballs widen, but Dr. Rzepczynski says they are not a reason to panic.

“The majority of people who get exposed to hepatitis B in the adult age – after age 10 – it’s typically a condition you recover from without chronic inflammation,” he says.

The reason for the optimism? There’s a vaccine for hepatitis B that’s been around since the 1980s.

“There has been an aggressive program of initiating vaccines with kids, sometimes even as young as infants, to have protection,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “And when those [vaccines] are administered at a young age, it’s a highly effective vaccination. This vaccination has an efficacy of 95%-plus in the general population.”

The three-shot series is sometimes given soon after birth due to concerns that the mother may pass along hepatitis B to their child. But older children and adults can and should get the vaccine, too.

A hepatitis B immune globulin shot (HBIG for short) may also be appropriate in cases of hepatitis B exposure, either in adults or newborns. The particles in the shot attack the virus.

The next best way to avoid hepatitis B is to avoid risky behaviors.

Don’t share needles, toothbrushes or any other object that can transfer bodily fluids. Practice safe sexual relations. And if you’re bleeding, bandage it up right away.

Treatment

Dr. Rzepczynski says blood tests and watching symptoms can gauge how the virus is behaving. That will determine whether the person just needs monitoring. Or the patient may need medical treatment to suppress the virus and prevent cirrhosis of the liver. These medicines are taken by mouth, and side effects are generally not significant. A vaccine to eliminate hepatitis B hasn’t been discovered yet.

Treatment plans for hepatitis B may be life-long.

“If you stop taking the medicine, it’s like taking the brakes off the system,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “The virus will end up reactivating. And in fact, that reactivation might cause liver failure because the virus level skyrockets. And your body’s immune system senses that and starts attacking the liver to get rid of the virus. And that can lead to very serious and acute inflammation of the liver.”

Should I test?

Dr. Rzepczynski says a blood test for hepatitis B isn’t something that constantly needs to be on the mind of the average person. But the following people should consider getting tested:

·       People who come from areas of the world with a high prevalence of hepatitis B

·       Pregnant women

·       If you plan to donate blood or organs

·       People who’ve had an exposure to the virus

·       People getting chemotherapy for cancer treatment

That last one is something medical professionals have looked closely at in the last five years.

“Unfortunately, some of these powerful cancer agents also have the ability to affect the immune system in such a way that a person who’s had hepatitis B and maybe even has gotten over it can have a reactivation of hepatitis B when these particular agents are used,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

In that case, your cancer doctor would alter the treatment to allow it to proceed without the hepatitis B risk.

Be proactive

If you have questions about hepatitis B, want to get the vaccine or think you may have been exposed to the virus, talk to your primary care provider right away. The OSF HealthCare and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites also have information on hepatitis.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

Know your risk for hepatitis

Importance of vaccinations

Common gastrointestinal ailments are a pain, but treatable

Cancer care doesn’t make anyone’s list of “things I want to do.”

But for patients at the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center in Danville, Illinois, visits will soon be more comfortable and streamlined thanks to $750,000 worth of interior renovations.

Phase two of the cancer center expansion project started in December and will continue for around five months. Patient care will continue while work is underway.

“Everybody’s excited,” said Judi Miles, patient care manager of medical oncology and radiation oncology at the center.

“We’ve been planning this for quite some time. It brings some hope to everything here. It shows we’re here to stay, and we’re going to take care of our patients,” Miles added.

Phase two expansion upgrades include:

• Increasing the number of exam rooms from two to five. One room will be larger to accommodate bariatric patients and people who have trouble getting around. Each room will have new furniture and equipment, sliding doors and touch screen wall monitors.

“The monitors will be an interactive tool that we can use to show patients 3D anatomy. We can resource information from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute,” said Miles. “It’s as simple as putting in their email, then we can send information to them. A lot of companies don’t print booklets anymore.”

“The digital board makes the process more comprehensive. It makes it more easily understandable to patients,” said JoMel Labayog, MD, oncologist and medical director at the cancer center. “You can just tell patients. But it’s different when you see where your cancer is, how it’s responding to treatment and what the plan is. Visual stimulation is always the best.”

• The patient discharge room will also be renovated and moved from the back of the building to the front to allow for better flow and more privacy.
• Cancer center Mission Partners (employees) will have new and improved workstations.
• Three private bays for infusion therapy will be walled off by doors instead of curtains for increased privacy.

“Some people like to be around others and share stories during treatment,” said Dr. Labayog. “But we have the private bays for people who are more confined and want their loved ones to be with them.”

The cancer center is also aggressively recruiting another physician to get the most out of these phase two improvements, which are funded by community donations.

Phase one of the cancer center expansion saw installation of a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for radiation treatment in March 2022. Phase three is planned for three to four years down the road. OSF HealthCare leaders hope to expand the cancer center’s physical footprint to offer new services and amenities, such as visiting oncologists, an education room, pastoral care and physical therapy. People interested in contributing to the phase three improvements should contact the OSF HealthCare Foundation.

“When people come here, they know we’re comprehensive. We’re compassionate. We’re professional. We have the facilities that can accommodate care for most diseases,” said Dr. Labayog. “So, not only do the patients feel comfortable, but the family feels confident that their loved ones are taken care of.”

The OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center is on the campus of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. It sees 40 to 50 patients daily, providing critical care close to home. The cancer center is named for Bobette Steely Hegeler, the wife of Danville philanthropist Julius W. Hegeler II. Bobette Hegeler battled cancer before passing away in 1976. Julius Hegeler died in 2019, and his foundation continue to support local causes, including OSF HealthCare.

Interview clips - Judi Miles

Interview clips - Dr. JoMel Labayog

B-roll - OSF Hegeler Cancer Center and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that has many thinking about the disease that afflicts hundreds of thousands in the United States each year.

People like Cathy Keller. When she visited the ribbon cutting for OSF Moeller Cancer Center in 2019, she had no idea she’d be using the services two years later.

Now, the 66-year-old Godfrey resident is telling other breast cancer patients: you can get through it, too.

“You have to roll with the punches,” Keller says.

The numbers

Heather Thompson is a breast health navigator at Moeller Cancer Center and was with Keller from the beginning. She, too, is a breast cancer survivor.

Thompson says one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Older people are at a higher risk than younger, but younger people typically have more aggressive cancer.

“A huge, huge problem,” as Thompson puts it.

Thompson explains that woman make hormones, especially estrogen, all their life.

“A lot of the hormones in [a woman’s] body are like a fuel to a cancer cell,” Thompson explains. “When you get an abnormal cell, estrogen in our bodies fuels that cell and produces and produces. And you get a mass. And then you have breast cancer.”

Thompson says those breast cancer tumors can develop over time.

Alejandro Sanz, MD, is a surgeon at OSF HealthCare in Alton who specializes in breast cancer. He says around 233,000 U.S. residents hear the words “You have breast cancer” each year. Around 40,000 people die annually from the disease.

Expect the unexpected

Keller got her diagnosis in April of 2021, followed by a lumpectomy the next month. In June, she wound up under the care of Manpreet Sandhu, MD, and James Piephoff, MD, oncologists at Moeller Cancer Center, for chemotherapy and radiation. Keller says she knew she would get the best care at Moeller.

Keller’s first round of chemotherapy produced the serious allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock, and at that point she wanted to quit, as the treatment was preventative. But Dr. Sandhu advised against that.

“She took it upon herself to find a chemo that would not affect me at all,” Keller says.  “And it didn't. The way it was delivered was very different from the way the first chemo was delivered. I didn't have to take the Benadryl. I didn't have to take the steroids.”

To put it a different way: Dr. Sandhu “went to bat for me,” Keller says with conviction and a slight tear in her eye.

 But Keller wasn’t out of the woods yet. Midway through the new type of chemotherapy, she began to suffer neuropathy, or nerve damage that typically results in loss of feeling in your hands and feet.

 Dr. Sandhu proposed a simple solution.

 “I would hold on to little Ziploc bags of ice,” Keller explains. “And they put them on my feet so that the smaller vessels would constrict a little bit so I wouldn't get all that chemo right back down in there.”

The life hack worked long enough to earn Dr. Sandhu’s OK to end that particular treatment.

Keller’s lesson in all this: Expect a bumpy road, but know you have to stick with your cancer treatment. And trust that your providers are doing the best for you.

 Dr. Sanz says providers will hold up their end of that commitment, too.

 “There's a lot of information involved. Patients can get confused about it. So I take care of that. I try to spend a lot of time with my patients explaining this. Going through the images,” Dr. Sanz says.

“A lot of my patients have never seen their own mammogram,” he adds.  “They’ve never seen their own tumor. How does it look?”

Find support

Keller says not only was she not going to battle cancer alone, the disease wasn’t going to interrupt her routine. She worked out with a kettlebell weight. And Keller and a friend still walked the hills near Keller’s home twice a week, sharing laughs and stories.

She got support from her biological family and work family. One female student at Alton High School, where Keller works, told Keller she temporarily lost her hair due to a serious infection.

“If she can come to school and have her peers see her with her short hair now, knowing she had long hair earlier in the year, I don't have to wear my wig anymore,” Keller says. “So I saw her two or three days after I started wearing my regular hair, and I told her, ‘You are my inspiration’.”

Watch your health

Dr. Sanz and Thompson want women to commit these numbers to memory: Start getting a yearly mammogram at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer and get an order from your primary care provider, you can start as young as 30.

“Screening is the best tool we have at this moment in order to decrease the mortality of cancer,” Dr. Sanz says.

Thompson adds that unless you’re approaching end of life care, there’s no reason to stop getting the yearly breast checks.

“Women who are thriving and are doing well and have the chance of living the next five years, by all means get their mammogram,” Thompson urges. “Because we can give them that five years by saving them and finding and diagnosing and treating right away.”

Thompson says monthly self-checks of your breasts are equally as important.

“Any woman of any age should do a monthly check. Pick a day out of the month. I want to do it on the first. I'm going to check both breasts,” Thompson suggests. “That way you know your breast. You know how they feel. You know if you have lumpy breasts or not. And so if something changes, something seems abnormal, something feels different, then you get it checked [by a health care provider].”

 Dr. Sanz is all-in on both types of breast checks, too. That’s because 80 to 90% of the patients he sees who are later diagnosed with breast cancer don’t present any symptoms like breast pain or skin abnormality. Rather, they are in Dr. Sanz’ office because a mammogram caught something.

Learn more about breast cancer prevention and treatment on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview Clips - Cathy Keller

Interview Clips - Heather Thompson

Interview Clips - Dr. Alejandro Sanz