center of choice for the eastern region of central Illinois

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1 We are the cancer center of choice for the eastern region of central Illinois A collaboration of Advocate BroMenn & OSF Medical Centers EVENTS National Cancer Survivors Day June 3 nationwide, May 30 at the Community Cancer Center. Free Skin Cancer Screening June 7, 5-7 p.m. Call to schedule an appointment. More information inside. Spiritual Pathways First Thursday of each month, 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Explore and discuss spirituality and faith within the context of cancer. Call to register. Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group Next meeting is July 10, 7 8 p.m. Support group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Call to register. Girlfriends on Broadway Plant Sale May 12. Proceeds to benefit the Community Cancer Center. Butterfly Release Monarch butterflies will fly free in our Healing Garden July 21. Honor a loved one, a friend or even your own free spirit! To purchase your butterfly, call (309) for more info. Honoring the daily victories of life with (and beyond) cancer Community Cancer Center celebrates Cancer Survivors Day, May 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Joe Prosser Executive Director Most of you reading this share something. We are all connected by our experience with cancer. It might be ourselves. It might be a loved one or friend. But on one day, May 30, we at the Community Cancer Center all come together to celebrate life. We honor our cancer survivors and recognize the importance of life beyond a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Survivor s Day brings together patients, family, friends, caregivers, medical practitioners and staff everyone in our center s circle of care. As a 28-year cancer survivor myself, this day has a special meaning. It brings to mind thankfulness for the medical advancements that have not only extended our patients lives, but my own. It s a day to raise up the daily courage and resiliency of our survivors. And it s an opportunity to say, thank you, to all of you who support our patients journey by giving generously to the Community Cancer Center. Together, we re keeping our center the destination of choice for cancer services in Central Illinois. Continued on page 7. Cancer Support Group Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 6:30 p.m. A drop-in group for individuals with any type of cancer at all stages of the treatment process. More information inside. Continued on page 7

2 2 Spring Prostate Cancer Insights What you need to know when making decisions about treatment Dr. Shermian Woodhouse M.D., M.P.H. Medical Director As a radiation oncologist for the Community Cancer Center, I often get questions from patients about how to make the right decision regarding treatment after a prostate cancer diagnosis. The advice I often give is that it s important to consider all your options before you make your final decision. Prostate cancer is one of our most common cancers among American men. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 164,690 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. It s important to know, however, that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die of something other than their cancer. Fortunately, the average patient is diagnosed with early stage disease which gives them many options for managing their condition. The treatment options depend on many factors such as whether or not the tumor is localized to the prostate, how the tumor looks under the microscope (Gleason score), the PSA level at diagnosis, and the person s overall health. For cases diagnosed early when there is no sign that the disease has spread outside the prostate the relative survival rate is close to 100%. Surgery and radiation are options to discuss; however, some men may not even need treatment. For most men, the treatment approach does not affect survival but can affect their quality of life. Each treatment is associated with its own set of side effects. For some men, side effects such as impotence and urinary incontinence might not be an issue. But for others, they might be. Participating in your own treatment decision contributes to greater understanding of your options and ultimate satisfaction with your treatment. Consult with experts If you are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, you should plan to meet with a urologist, radiation oncologist and your primary physician. The Community Cancer Center is working with local urologists to help strengthen this connection. Urologists are knowledgeable on the surgical management of prostate cancer and related side effects. Your radiation oncologist can advise you on the different approaches and impacts of using radiation to treat prostate cancer. You should also consult with your primary physician. He or she knows you and your health history. This understanding can influence your thinking on which treatment modality is most appropriate for you.

3 Spring According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018, 164,690 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. About 29,430 men will die of the disease this year. If your cancer has spread For more advanced cases, you may also choose to consult with a medical oncologist. These practitioners will have options for you beyond hormone treatment and also beyond what a urologist would offer. Be empowered Bottom line if the outcome for prostate cancer treatment is the same in terms of survival, you have real choices. You should take time to research and prepare before you decide. It s just reality that physicians are not experts in each other s fields. That means you need to get the information from each specialist to make appropriate decisions. Yes, this creates many appointments, but think of them as second opinions rather than time wasters. The best advice I can give you with regard to prostate cancer treatment is to become informed. You do have the power to make a difference in your quality of life and the satisfaction you experience after prostate cancer treatment. For more information, go to

4 4 Spring May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month Learn the facts about one of our area s most common forms of cancer Becky Powell, MS, RN, AOCN Now that the weather is warming, we re often more aware of our skin and of new lumps, bumps and changes. If you see something you d like to check out, we invite you to register for the Community Cancer Center s Free Skin Cancer Screening. Hosted at the center from 5-7 p.m. on June 7, it s a chance to have a trained professional take a look at any questionable spots. Appointments are limited and you must sign up in advance. See the ad on the back page for more information. Skin cancer is a common (and preventable) concern In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes. It s estimated that nearly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. In total, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. In Central Illinois, melanoma, an especially deadly form of skin cancer, is a particular concern. Fortunately, even melanoma is highly treatable when detected early. Are you at risk? Risk factors for all types of skin cancer include skin that burns easily. Your risk is higher if you have a history of sun exposure, including sunburns and tanning bed use. Your risk is also elevated if you have an immune-suppressing condition, have had treatments that suppress the immune system or have a history of skin cancer.

5 Spring Even though certain factors raise the risk, it s important to understand that anyone can get skin cancer. That s why prevention is so important. The damage caused by exposure to light is cumulative it adds up with repeated exposures over time. You can reduce the impact of those exposures by being diligent in applying sunscreen every day. Here are three things to look for on the label when you buy a sunscreen: Broad spectrum Make sure your product protects you from UVA and UVB rays. Both can cause cancer. SPF 30 or higher This is the level that will provide effective protection from sunburn and damaging exposure. Water resistant or very water resistant Make sure it s resistant for up to 40 minutes. Sunscreens that are not waterproof or sweat proof will have to be reapplied frequently. Another benefit: People who use at least SPF 15 sunscreen daily show 24% less skin aging. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun. An ounce of prevention You ll need an ounce of sunscreen enough to fill a shot glass to cover all exposed areas of the body. Caucasians and men older than 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma than other groups. Prevention is worth the effort How to find skin cancer early Have your doctor check any skin changes that don t go away within one month. Check the skin on all surfaces of your body, including your mouth. Watch for any new mole or new growth on your skin. Check for changes in old growths or scars (especially a burn scar). Watch out for a patch of skin that is a different color or that becomes darker or changes color. Be on alert for a sore that does not heal or bleeds or forms a crust. Check your nails for a dark band, especially one that begins to spread. Check. Prevent. Take control. A simple way to play it safe is to sign up for our upcoming Free Skin Cancer Screening! This summer and always, play it safe when it comes to preventing and detecting skin cancer. It s one form of cancer where it really pays to conquer your fears and take control. Don t forget your eyes Did you know that the same solar rays that damage your skin are also damaging your eyes? Over time, exposure to sunlight can seriously damage the eyes and surrounding skin. Cumulative exposure can lead to vision loss from conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. So when you go out, wear sunglasses year-round. Make sure they block % of both UVA and UVB rays. Wear a hat with at least a 3-inch brim. Hats block as much as half of all UVB rays from your eyes and eyelids. Also, seek the shade. Make a point to take cover especially between 10 and 4 p.m. when rays are most intense.

6 6 Spring Welcome, Dave Selzer New Director of Fund Development takes on a $1.2 million fundraising goal Dave Selzer understands the mission for the Community Cancer Center in a very personal way. In 1995, before the Community Cancer Center existed, one of our daughters was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he says. We had to go out of town to find the right kind of treatment. We always wished we could have had this kind of care close to home. Today, Dave s family experience with cancer informs his drive to support the center s life-extending mission as he becomes its new Director of Fund Development. A personal history in fundraising for health Dave started out his career with 23 years at AT&T. He followed that by working with local cardiologists to start a foundation to bring defibrillators to our town. The movement was a response to the untimely death of a young boy in Lexington. Thanks to that fundraising effort, there are now hundreds of defibrillators in our area. That was my introduction to nonprofits, Dave says. He went on to work for Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Provena Covenant in Champaign and then St. Jude Children s Hospital of Memphis, TN. He later spent eight years with Community Health Charities. And lo and behold this job opened up! he says. Working for the Community Cancer Center Foundation is a passion for me more than anything else. I wanted to be here to help raise money that will bring and keep the best possible cancer treatment services right here in our town. An active leader in our community I m very active in the community, Dave explains. I m on the county board and I m a parishioner at Epiphany Catholic Church. I m also a member of Sunrise Rotary Club and the Bloomington- Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau and others. Dave has four children, all grown. All of them went away to college, and all moved back. He and his wife enjoy having children and grandkids close by. I wanted to be in Florida by now, he laughs. But with our family nearby, we re still here! He adds Stop by, the coffee is always on Dave would love to hear your fundraising ideas and gain your support for the Community Cancer Center. He says, Stop in anytime! I d love to talk to you about the great future we have in store for our center. Dave adds, My actions have always been all about our community. And that s not going to change one bit. We have a great community here. And when people trust people, and we all work together, great things happen. To make a donation, host a fundraiser or get involved with the Community Cancer Center Foundation call (309) that he and his wife like to go on a couple of cruises each year, so we do have alternatives to enjoy. A $1.2 million PET/CT scanner is a critical goal Dave states, My goal is to raise enough endowment or longterm funding money to build a strong financial base for the center for the long term. The drive for the new PET/CT scanner is absolutely essential. Right now, we re trying to meet a $1.2 million goal. Dave would like to invite everyone in our community to join the drive to achieve this vitally important objective. Also on the fundraising list are funds to support maintenance of the Community Cancer Center facility and patient support services.

7 Spring EVENTS (continued from cover) renew Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. A monthly education program for individuals with any type of cancer covering nutrition, exercise and wellness. Call for more information. Cool Club (ages 5 12) Teen Group (ages 13 18) Summer session meets weekly through June and July. Support group for children and teens who have a loved one with cancer. Call to register. i care Caregivers Support Group Meets twice each month: First Thursday, 1 2 p.m.; third Tuesday, 9 10 a.m. Champagne British Car Festival June 3 Browse a bevy of British automobiles on the lawn of the David Davis Mansion. Five dollars at the gate will benefit the Community Cancer Center. Look Good Feel Better June 4 and August 6. Learn wig care, skin care and make-up application for women undergoing cancer treatment. Space is limited. Participants must register. Call or Lymphedema Clinic First and third Monday of each month, 9 a.m. This clinic provides preventative education and screening for breast cancer patients. Call to register. Honoring (continued from cover) More survivors, a greater need Today, thanks to better treatment strategies, more cancer patients are living longer lives. And that creates a need for continued support and care. Also, as a large part of our population ages, there are more patients in need of treatment. In 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. By 2026, that number is expected to grow to 20.3 million. Join us on May 30 On our center s Cancer Survivors Day, and every day, we at the Community Cancer Center pledge our support to you on every step of your journey. We hope you ll join us on May 30 for a day that honors cancer survivors everywhere. Activities and light refreshments will be on hand. To find out how you can help support the goals of treatment and survivorship at the Community Cancer Center Foundation, contact Joe Prosser at (309) or jprosser@cancercenter.org. #Comedy4Cancer brings humor to hope To help us hit our PET/CT fundraising goal, the foundation will host a new benefit dinner called Comedy 4 Cancer: An Evening to Benefit the Community Cancer Center. on Thursday, October 4, #comedy4cancer The event will feature Taylor Mason, a ventriloquist comedian. You can view a sample of his family-friendly act on YouTube at Dave says more details on the event will be available in coming months. We hope you ll join us!

8 407 E Vernon Ave #1 Normal, Illinois Free Skin Cancer Screening When: June 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Community Cancer Center 407 E. Vernon Ave., Normal Registration is required. Please call to schedule an appointment. Stephanie Pasley, FNP-C with Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute will conduct the screenings. This screening will provide an opportunity for people to have a spot check of an area on the skin they have a concern about. This is not a full body screening nor is it intended for people who see a dermatologist on a regular basis for skin cancer. Do you buy from Amazon? Support the Community Cancer Center with every purchase with Amazon Smile Same products. Same prices. Same service. Sign up with Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate.5% of every purchase to the Community Cancer Center. Get giving by going to smile.amazon.com. 407 E. Vernon Ave #1, Normal, Illinois Facebook.com/CommunityCancerCenter