SLUHN

Throat cancer awareness observed

St. Luke's University Health Network and the SLUHN Cancer Center employs a team-approach to diagnose and treat head and neck cancers, which includes cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses.

The team includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, otolaryngologists (ears, nose and throat), dentists, physical, occupational and speech therapists, oncology nurse navigators and dietitians, reviews cases and considers treatment options.

The goal of treatment is to rid the patient of cancer with as few side effects as possible, often using several treatments concurrently. SLUHN has had success with combining options such as chemotherapy and radiation in a five day a week, seven week treatment combination.

The cornerstone of treatment for throat cancer, Cisplatin is a platinum-compound chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cells from growing, causing them to die. It is also are effective in attacking cancer cells that may have already escaped from the primary site and are in circulation ready to settle somewhere

Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), an advanced form of treatment that precisely targets the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Because IMRT is so precise, the oncologist can administer higher, more effective doses of radiation with fewer side effects.

There are four things someone with cancer can do to improve the likelihood that their treatment will be effective: control his or her attitude; eat a balanced diet, seek out treatment from experienced providers offering advanced treatment options; and get outside support from spouse, children, friends or a faith community.

Health Care Heros named

St. Luke's University Health Network named Emily Stephens, St. Luke's-Bethlehem, as a nurse of the year Health Care Hero at Lehigh Valley Business' recent annual ceremony in DeSales University, Center Valley.

Other St. Luke's award nominees were Jose Amortegui, a cardiothoracic surgeon, St. Luke's- Bethlehem, was nominated for physician of the Year; and Joseph Russo, section chief of women's imaging, St. Luke's-Bethlehem and a clinical assistant professor at Temple/St. Luke's School of Medicine, was nominated for as a women's health and wellness hero. Physical Therapy at St. Luke's was among the nominees for physical therapy rehabilitation center of the year.

LVB's independent judging panel included Tom Croyle, president of the Lehigh Valley Business Coalition on Healthcare; Mary Liz Doyle Tadduni, chairman of the department of nursing and health and an associate professor of nursing at DeSales University; Judith Rex, director of health care education at Northampton Community College;and Kathryn Worrilow, CEO and founder of LifeAire Systems.

To get your news item in HEALTH NOTES, send the information to George Taylor at gtaylor@tnonline.com or mail the information to SCHOOL NOTES, 308 East Third St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.