Lung Cancer is not just for Smokers

We all know that smoking is known to cause lung cancer. The numbers are staggering: The American Cancer Society estimates that 221,130 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in this country during 2011. That is 14% of all cancer diagnoses expected this year. Of those, 156,940 people will die of the disease. Despite these numbers, and the widespread educational efforts showing Americans that smoking causes cancer, people continue to smoke.

Since 1987, more women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer. There are many reasons for this statistic, including the efforts made by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to increase the number of women doing self-checks and getting annual mammograms. Unfortunately, there are not many screenings that can be done to detect lung cancer in early stages. Certainly not any that are low cost and/or covered by a traditional medical insurance policy.

There are efforts currently being promoted at a legislative level to encourage insurance companies to cover screenings for those at high risk, but the argument being presented by those opposing the action is that lung cancer is primarily developed by people who choose to take up an optional habit. They claim that when a person starts smoking they know the risk, and it's their choice to light up. Admittedly, that is the case. But the problem is, smoking is not the only high-risk factor out there. According to the National Cancer Institute, the major risk factors for lung cancer are:

• Smoking - cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are all carcinogenic;
• Secondhand smoke;
• Family history;
• Environmental risks.

It's understood by most people that the risk factor in people who smoke is higher than those who do not. In fact, it is 20x higher. Smoking causes 9 of 10 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in men and 8 of 10 cases in women. Studies have also found that there is a relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked every day, the number of years you've smoked and your risk for lung cancer. But secondhand smoke is also deadly, and people who live with a smoker have no choice but to breathe the air that has been contaminated with carcinogenic compounds. Should they not have an opportunity to get screened?

A workplace can also be a source of cancer risk. Environmental exposures that cause a higher risk for cancer include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, tar and soot. A long list of industrial and labor jobs can involve exposure to these substances. Unfortunately, the people who work around these substances but who do not smoke are lumped into the same "you brought it on yourself" group that smokers are put in by those who don't understand the broad reach of this disease.

Until the negative stigma of lung cancer is reduced, there is little an at-risk individual can do except be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and their own risk. Stop smoking today or encourage your loved-ones to do so. We have certified tobacco counselors on staff who can help. Contact Casey Shelor for information at 479-361-5847. Some common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are:

• A cough that doesn't go away;
• Chest pains that get worse when breathing deep, laughing, or coughing;
• Hoarseness;
• Weight loss or loss of appetite;
• Coughing up blood or rust colored spit or phlegm;
• Shortness of breath;
• Feeling tired or weak without exertion;
• Recurring bronchitis; pneumonia, or other respiratory infections;
• New onset of wheezing.

Did you know?? Northwest Arkansas is fortunate to have a Center for Chest Care available for anyone with known or suspected cancers of the lungs or chest. The Clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. They schedule biopsies, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopies, mediastinoscopies and also do CTscans, pet scans, MRI, ultrasounds and lab work to provide the best possible care for their particular diagnosis. The Chest clinic meets every Tuesday afternoon in the Highlands Oncology Group building at 3232 N. Northills Blvd. in Fayetteville. There is also a Lung Cancer Support Group that meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs breakroom of the same Highlands Oncology Group building.

On Tuesday, November 1st, Hope Cancer Resources will join over 75 other groups across the nation to host a Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil to raise awareness and support for those living with lung cancer and to remember those who have lost their battle. Stop by from 6:30 - 8:30p.m. for a very special evening that will include short presentations by Dr. James Counce of the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, Kathy Britt, a local survivor and Leigh Ann Walker, a Hope Cancer Resources board member who lost her mother to lung cancer.

The national organization sponsoring these vigils, the Lung Cancer Alliance, has created a website where you can register to attend and have your name put in the running for a trip to Washington D.C. We hope you'll join us!

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women in the U.S. It will claim the lives of approximately 156,940 people (27% of all deaths from cancer) this year.

On November 1st we will join other groups around the country to host a vigil to raise awareness and support for lung cancer.  Attendees will hear from Dr. James Counce, a thoracic surgeon from the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, as well as Kathy Britt, a local lung cancer survivor and a volunteer for Hope Cancer Resources.  They will tell us about their own experiences with this devastating disease.

The idea and inspiration for the National Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil originated in Boston under the leadership of Diane Legg, a lung cancer survivor and founder of Lung Cancer Alliance's Massachusetts Chapter.  It began as a handful of volunteers on the steps of the capitol and quickly grew into an annual event with hundreds of participants lighting up the Prudential Building in downtown Boston.

Diane and another advocate, David Watson, envisioned a national program offering the millions of people touched by lung cancer a simple yet inspirational and effective way of raising awareness, honoring loved ones, and getting involved in the movement for change. Last year, 65 vigils took place nationwide with thousands in attendance and community-based media sharing the real stories and faces of lung cancer. Thanks to their vision and commitment, the vigil now aims to reach 100 communities nationwide representing all 50 states.  The vigil also has international venues in Australia, an Army base in Afghanistan, and inquiries from several other countries.

We hope you'll join us for this very special evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at our office at 5835 W. Sunset Avenue in Springdale. For more information please contact Adela Martinez, LSW, at 479-361-5847.

Story of Hope - Kyle Slone

When Natalie Slone walked through the front door of her new home in June of 2009, she was feeling good. As a single mom of four kids, she had worked hard to become a homeowner on one income. Her career as a photographer was going well, and she was feeling settled and optimistic.

Then, in October, Natalie's employer informed her through tears that he had to lay her off. She understood, but knew it was going to be tough. She started looking for a new job and relied on her savings and unemployment to pay the bills.

Fast-forward to a day in late December: Natalie's 14-year-old son, Kyle, complained of a mysterious pain. He was uncomfortable, but still managed to spend some time with friends that evening. The next day, he claimed the pain was so bad he couldn't get out of bed. Natalie's intuition told her something was really wrong. She picked him up after work and took him to the hospital, where the journey began.

Two days before Christmas, Kyle - an otherwise healthy, outgoing teenage boy - was diagnosed with cancer. The decision was made to manage the tumor with surgery and avoid chemo or radiation therapy. Natalie says she thought were "good to go." But, nine months later, a follow-up CT scan discovered activity in his lymph nodes as well. A course of chemotherapy was scheduled.

After two months of chemotherapy, the lymph nodes had not shrunk to the size the doctors were hoping for, and it was speculated that a risky surgical procedure might be necessary to remove the affected chemo-resistant nodes. In addition to the risk-factor of the surgery, it was not going to be covered by ARKids, the medical insurance coverage that Kyle had. Natalie had a lot to worry about.

Finally, after almost a year into the battle, the family saw a glimmer of hope. On the third visit to meet with surgeons, scans showed that the nodes in question had decreased in size and were no longer the threat they had been. The decision was made to continue to watch it closely but to cancel the surgery.

Enola Bunton, patient advocate at Hope Cancer Resources, introduced Natalie to our patient assistance programs and began the process of applying for emergency financial assistance. Enola kept in close contact with Natalie throughout the course of Kyle's treatment and recovery, and we were able to offer gas cards for travel as well as help with two mortgage payments. Natalie says "It was fantastic to have her call and check on things." Without the financial assistance we were able to provide, she thinks they would have lost their home.

Today, Kyle is a healthy 16-year-old. He has learned to drive, is growing back the hair he lost to chemotherapy, and making up for a missed semester of high school. He gets monthly CT scans for now, but will celebrate one year post-treatment in November.

And, every day, he gets to walk through the front door of the home his mom worked so hard to provide.

If you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatments and is having a hard time making ends meet, please contact us for more information on our patient assistance programs at 479-361-5847.

Walking the Runway for Cancer

Last Friday, twelve local gentlemen took to the runway to raise money and awareness for Hope Cancer Resources. Our annual fundraiser, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction, is a combination fashion show, live auction, and award presentation. This year, by all accounts, the evening was a beautiful and moving testament to the work we do for cancer patients and the community of Northwest Arkansas.

The room was breathtaking, with elegant decor created by the team of Goddard Design Group and some awesome volunteers. We especially loved the entryway created with striking urns, birch trees, and dainty yellow orchids.

After our hosts, Jeff and Eloise Davis, said a few words and welcomed attendees, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and additional comments from Roger Collins, CEO & Chairman of the night's Presenting Sponsor - Harps Food Stores and Price Cutter, and Brian Holt, President & CEO of Hope Cancer Resources.

Baumans Fine Clothiers was our Fashion Sponsor again this year, and models were dressed in the latest looks from HUGO BOSS. Our models all made the most of their turns on the runway - some even inspired cheers and catcalls - and their fans waited along the way waving signs to make them feel like superstars.

After the show, our live auction kicked off with some amazing packages: Spa treatments at Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics, a trip to San Diego for four including a Photo Safari at the zoo, a David Yurman watch from Blakeman's Fine Jewelry, a customized dinner with Chef Antonio Avona, and a week in an Escapes! condominium were only a few of the ten packages that were auctioned. Our auctioneer, Richard Clifton, did a fantastic job making the auction exciting and fun for everyone.

Finally, we watched a video that brought the whole evening home and reminded us what the evening was really all about. Esther was helped by our patient assistance programs - specifically our social workers who offer individual, confidential counseling. She has quite a story to tell.

People like Esther are the reason we do what we do. But not only do we serve patients going through cancer treatment - we also work in the community through our health educators, bringing education and awareness to our community in an effort to reduce the incidence of cancer in Northwest Arkansas. To learn more about how you can support our programs, please visit our website.

To all those who attended, sponsored, donated, and volunteered... thank you for helping us provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

October Awareness

This week we take note of two kinds of cancer that are being recognized during the month of October. One you may already know quite a bit about, but the other may be less familiar.

Breast Cancer

The number of breast cancer survivors has risen over the last couple of decades thanks in part to the efforts of national organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Under the umbrella of these organizations, thousands of small groups and local initiatives have been created with the mission of educating friends, neighbors, sisters and daughters about the need for routine exams and screenings in order to catch breast cancer in earlier and more effectively treated stages.

More people are surviving, but it's also good to know that incidences of breast cancer have been declining since 2000. This decrease (almost 7%, according to the American Cancer Society) can be attributed to reductions in the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The Women's Health Initiative produced a report in 2002 that found that the combination of estrogen plus progestin was associated with increased risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease. The report led to a reduction of therapies and birth control options combining both of those hormones.

At Hope Cancer Resources we approach breast cancer on many levels. We have certified health educators on staff who work in the community to spread information about early detection and screenings. Through our Save-A-Life program, we also help the under- and uninsured pay for their required mammograms. Finally, we share information about local support groups offered for women who are going through breast cancer treatment or who are survivors of the disease.

You can find breast cancer news and information at the following websites:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Young Survival Coalition

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is not common in the United States, with just over 26,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. That is about 2% of all new cancers expected to be diagnosed. In contrast, liver cancer accounts for up to half of all cancers in many underdeveloped countries, mainly because of the prevalence of hepatitis, caused by contagious viruses, that predisposes a person to liver cancer. In the U.S., new cases have been increasing by about 3.4% in men and 3% in women each year since 1992. Incidence rates are highest among Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics.


The liver can be affected by primary liver cancer, which begins in the liver, or by cancer which begins in other parts of the body and then spreads to the liver through the bloodstream. Most liver cancer is secondary or metastatic, meaning it started elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms for liver cancer include:

• Losing weight without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness and fatigue
• An enlarged liver
• Abdominal swelling
• Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• White, chalky stools

More information on liver cancer can be found at the following websites:
Mayo Clinic
National Cancer Institute