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The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center
Inside the ACI
Excellence in cancer care through research, education, and treatment. | Fall 2013
From the first abnormal test result, to
the day you officially become a survivor,
we’re with you every step of the way.
Experience Excellence. Memorial Health.
aci.memorialhealth.com
Experience Excellence.
Cancers that impact women
By Guy Petruzzelli, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FACS
PHYSICIAN-IN-CHIEF, CURTIS AND ELIZABETH ANDERSON CANCER INSTITUTE
This newsletter focuses on breast and gynecologic cancers that impact tens of thousands
of women every year. But it’s important to note that cancer care for women includes much
more than just breast and gynecologic malignancies. Of all new cancer cases diagnosed this
year, it’s estimated that 48 percent of them will be in women. That means 805,500 of our
mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, nieces, friends, and co-workers will receive
a potentially life-altering diagnosis. The five most common cancers in women — breast, lung,
colon and rectum, uterus, and thyroid — constitute 64 percent of all female cancer cases. Almost
one-third (29 percent) of these women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which will account
for nearly 40,000 deaths (14 percent of all female cancer deaths) or a 17 percent mortality.
Contrast this to pancreatic cancer that accounts for 3 percent of new cancers in women, but is
responsible for 7 percent of female cancer deaths and a frightening 85 percent cancer mortality.
Despite this serious prognosis, our team of skilled cancer surgeons is able to use the most
sophisticated minimally invasive procedures to stage and remove pancreas tumors with
reduced complications, allowing patients to start radiation or chemotherapy sooner. At the
Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute (ACI) at Memorial University Medical Center,
teams of dedicated providers lead by highly skilled subspecialty surgeons treat women
diagnosed with cancer.
At the Center for Breast Care, women are evaluated and cared for by a team of professionals
practicing in an environment designed exclusively for breast care. Our breast surgeons have
at their disposal all state-of-the-art technology needed to provide 21st century care, from
sentinel node biopsy to intraoperative radiation therapy. Our plastic surgeons are experienced
in all forms of breast reconstruction and are skilled at creating natural results.
Tumors of the uterus and ovary together account for 8 percent of new cancers in women.
Our gynecologic oncology surgeons are fellowship trained and skilled in all contemporary
treatments for female pelvic malignancies, including the da Vinci robotic surgical platform.
As members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, our gynecologic oncologists are able to
access a national database of clinical trials designed to improve outcomes for these women.
Lung cancer is the second most common malignancy in both men and women and accounts
for 26 percent of all female cancer deaths. Historically, lung cancer has been diagnosed at
advanced stages, resulting in 65 percent lung cancer mortality in women. Knowing that
early detection results in the best chance for cure, we offer a lung screening program. Call
350-LUNG (5864) for more information.
Finally, thyroid cancer is becoming one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women,
accounting for 6 percent (45,310) of new cancer cases. Fortunately, the great majority of
thyroid cancers are curable. Working with our partners in endocrinology, we have expanded
our head and neck tumor program to include the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of
thyroid cancer. We also perform office ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of
the thyroid at the time of office evaluation.
We know that caring for women with cancer goes far beyond chemotherapy, radiation,
and surgery. That is why we have invested in an integrative therapy program that includes
therapeutic massage, acupuncture, mind-body medicine, yoga, music, and other
complementary therapies to aid patients in their journey toward wellness. The dedicated
professionals at the ACI are passionate about providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art
care to all of our patients. The care of women with cancer is a particular privilege.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with your thoughts regarding our cancer
programs. I can be reached at [email protected].
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Accolades for cancer care
Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC) was the highest-rated hospital in Savannah on U.S. News & World Report’s
2013-14 Best Hospitals list. The annual list, now in its 24th year, recognizes hospitals that excel in treating the most
challenging patients. Memorial was also recognized for 10 high-performing specialties, one of which was cancer care.
Earlier this year, the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at MUMC received an Outstanding Achievement Award
from The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. It was the only facility in Savannah to receive the
Outstanding Achievement Award and one of only three hospitals recognized in the state of Georgia. This is the third
consecutive survey period in which the ACI has earned Outstanding Achievement.
You can read more about these and other MUMC headlines at memorialhealth.com/current-press-releases.aspx.
3
New technology shortens
breast cancer treatment time
Sandy Jones of Hinesville
had just started a brand new
job when she discovered a
lump in her breast. The 44year-old had completed her
yearly mammogram just four
months earlier, and everything looked fine. She was
certain the lump in her right
breast was nothing more
than a cyst. Her gynecologist
agreed that it was probably
nothing, but requested
another mammogram, just
Sandy Jones
to be safe. Jones was scheduled to travel for work on the day of her mammogram.
She was anxious to get the procedure completed and get
on the road.
“I thought it would take 20 minutes and they’d be done.
But I saw several people looking at my mammogram
and discussing it. Then they
told me I should have a
biopsy,” said Jones.
The biopsy toremove a
sample of tissue was
performed on a Wednesday.
On Thursday, Jones learned
that she had breast cancer.
On Friday, she found herself
sitting in the office of Ray
Rudolph, M.D., MPH, a
breast surgeon at the Center for Breast Care. Jones said it
all happened so fast, she barely had time to think.
Rudolph told Jones that she was a candidate for a new
procedure called INTRABEAM intraoperative radiation
therapy (IORT). The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer
Institute (ACI) at Memorial University Medical Center was
the first cancer center in the state of Georgia to offer
INTRABEAM IORT, and the technology had only been in
Savannah for about six months.
“We’re always looking for better ways to treat women
with breast cancer. We want to find less invasive treatments that are just as effective,” said Rudolph. He and
his colleague, radiation oncologist Aaron Pederson, M.D.,
were instrumental in bringing the technology to the ACI.
With IORT, cancer-killing radiation is delivered in the
operating room, at the time of the lumpectomy. After the
cancer tumor is removed by the breast surgeon, a radiation
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oncologist places a small applicator — 3 to 5 centimeters
in diameter — into the tumor bed. Depending on the tumor
size, the applicator is left in place for 13 to 43 minutes and
delivers a dose of radiation directly into the tumor cavity.
“The advantage of IORT is you can deliver the radiation
exactly where you just took out the tumor. With breast
cancer, most recurrence occurs within 1 centimeter of the
original tumor. With IORT, the radiation is given right
where you need it,” said Pederson.
Jones learned that traditional treatment for her
cancer would involve a lumpectomy followed by
six-and-a-half weeks of daily whole breast radiation.
But with IORT, she could reduce that to just three
weeks of daily radiation. The IORT would serve as a
“boost” and cut her radiation treatment time in half.
For some women, IORT can even eliminate the need
for any additional radiation after surgery. Whether
IORT can serve as a boost or as the entire treatment
depends on several factors, including the woman’s
age, surgical margins, and tumor characteristics.
“I tell my patients going into IORT, that you either
win or you win big,” said Rudolph. Jones had surgery
and IORT on March 25, 2013. Two weeks later, she
was at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in
downtown Savannah.
“IORT was absolutely the right choice for me. At the
race, nobody could even tell I’d had surgery,” said
Jones. In fact, some Race for the Cure participants
had undergone surgery and IORT just two days prior,
and they were able to attend the event.
Jones especially appreciated IORT when she began
her three weeks of daily whole-breast radiation
treatments. She had to drive back and forth from her
home in Hinesville to Savannah for treatment. Whole
breast radiation can cause side effects such as fatigue
and skin damage. But these effects are reduced
when the treatment time is shortened. IORT helps
many women avoid radiation side effects altogether.
“We’re seeing that IORT has a better cosmetic outcome
than traditional radiation. There is no dimpling, no
swelling, none of the skin changes you might see with
six weeks of whole breast radiation,” said Pederson.
Rudolph and Pederson predict that IORT will eventually become the preferred standard of care for earlystage breast cancers.
“This treatment creates less disruption and fewer
side effects for patients. And it’s less expensive than
other types of radiation. With IORT, we can provide
an equally effective treatment for one-tenth of the
cost and in one-thirtieth of the time” said Pederson.
Just three months after being diagnosed with breast
cancer, Sandy Jones was back at work full time and
maintaining a heavy travel schedule. When asked
how she feels about receiving IORT, her response is
simple: “thankful.”
Radiation
treatment for
women’s
cancers
By Aaron Pederson, M.D.
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
The Curtis and
Elizabeth Anderson
Cancer Institute ACI at
Memorial University
Medical Center offers
technology to safely
deliver radiation
with the highest
level of accuracy and
precision.
During radiation
treatment planning,
the ACI captures fourdimensional scans of the breast. These detailed
images guide radiation from many different angles
and help to provide treatment to every part of the
tumor. This technique allows us to radiate cancer
cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding
healthy tissue. The skilled team at the ACI delivers
radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy, reducing
treatment times and side effects for patients.
The ACI also provides innovative radiation treatment for women with cancer of the cervix or uterus.
simultaneous integrated boost intensity modulated
radiation therapy (SIB IMRT) delivers very high, but
targeted doses of radiation and shortens overall
treatment times. SIB IMRT leads to better-thanexpected outcomes and less toxicity and side
effects for the women receiving this treatment.
To learn more about the extensive radiation
oncology services at the Curtis and Elizabeth
Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University
Medical Center, visit memorialhealth.com/radiation-oncology-aci.aspx.
To hear from Sandy Jones and other women who’ve
received IORT for breast cancer, visit
breastcancer.memorialhealth.com. You can watch
videos from survivors, learn about the procedure,
and even schedule a mammogram.
5
Seamstress won’t back down
for ovarian cancer
With her tape measure draped around her neck, Diana Smock is hard at work behind
a sewing machine in her Wilmington Island alterations shop. Looking at her petite
frame, warm smile, and spunky blonde haircut, you’d never guess that she is waging
an all-out war against cancer. But Smock doesn’t want to be labeled a cancer patient.
Instead, consider her a feisty business owner, a fighter, and an inspiration.
When Smock was 58 years old, she noticed that her stomach was expanding. At first,
she thought it might be a normal part of aging. But she also felt full all the time,
even if she ate very little. Smock went to her doctor. She had a sonogram, followed
by a CT scan. On July 8, 2010, Smock was told that she had stage IIIc ovarian cancer.
Her gynecologic oncologist was James J. Burke II at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson
Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center. “I was sitting in Dr. Burke’s
office [getting the diagnosis] and he said to me, ‘you can cry.’ But I didn’t. I said,
‘let’s operate,’” said Smock.
Diana Smock
She underwent an intricate surgery to remove her uterus, her ovaries, and tissue
from her colon, bowel, and stomach. Burke also drained two liters of fluid from
Smock’s abdomen. The fluid had built up around the tumor and was causing the
full, bloated feeling. Smock spent 10 days at Memorial University Medical Center,
and another two weeks recovering at home. But after that, she was ready to get
back to her shop.
“I needed to go to work and stay busy. It doesn’t do any good to sit around the house and think about having cancer.
I need to keep living. I’m not dead yet!” said Smock.
At Burke’s recommendation, Smock enrolled in a clinical research trial to test a new chemotherapy treatment for ovarian
cancer. When Burke gave her information about the possible side effects of the treatment, Smock didn’t read it.
“I didn’t want to know the side effects or the statistics. Sometimes, the more you learn about it, the more scared you get.
I never thought about dying. I thought about fighting,” said Smock.
And so began a year-long rigorous chemotherapy regimen. When she felt sick, she took an anti-nausea pill and went to
work. When she felt tired, she drank a cup of coffee and kept going. When she lost her hair, she bought wigs to wear.
Throughout everything, Smock kept her shop open and kept her attitude positive.
By the time her 60th birthday arrived, her treatment was complete. Smock’s friend, inspired by her amazing strength and
determination, hosted a black-tie birthday celebration to raise funds for ovarian cancer programs. Together, they raised
$52,000 for the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute.
Smock continued to work and kept her spirits up. About 10 months ago, during a follow-up visit, Burke discovered another
cancerous spot on Smock’s pelvis. Once again, she qualified for a clinical trial. She became the first woman in Savannah to
test the effects of a drug called pazopanib for advanced ovarian cancer. She takes three pills a day and receives low-dose
chemotherapy three times a month. Smock says the treatment regimen is working because the spot on her pelvis has not
spread in almost a year. She is optimistic about her future.
“I could be on this current clinical trial long enough that they finally find a cure for my cancer,” said Smock. Her mantra is
stay busy and don’t give up. If there is work to be done or fun to be had, Diana Smock will take care of it. She is determined
to live her life on her terms, and cancer won’t get in her way.
For more information about the clinical trials available at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute
at Memorial University Medical Center, visit memorialhealth.com/clinical-trials.aspx or call 800-343-3025.
If you’d like to contribute to a fund to benefit ovarian cancer patients at Memorial Health, contact the Memorial
Health Foundation at 912-350-6370.
6
A cut above: New technology
for women’s cancer surgeries
Surgery – the act of physically removing cancer cells from the body — is the oldest form of cancer treatment. Modern surgical
technology has moved many procedures to an outpatient setting, meaning patients go home the same day, often with
only tiny scars and minimal, easily controlled pain. The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute (ACI) at Memorial
University Medical Center has a team of highly skilled surgical oncologists who specialize in all aspects of cancer surgery,
including breast and gynecologic procedures. The ACI recently added even more technology to further expand women’s
surgical options.
da Vinci robotic surgery
For complex gynecologic procedures, surgeons James J. Burke II
and Scott Purinton use the da Vinci Si Surgical System. This is often
referred to as “robotic surgery,” although every procedure is done by
actual surgeons. The da Vinci uses a state-of-the-art program that
mimics the surgeon’s hand movements through tiny instruments
within the body. This enables the surgeon to perform even the
most complex and delicate procedures through very small
incisions – often no bigger than 2 centimeters. For the patient,
benefits of robotic surgery include less pain, less blood loss,
smaller scars, less risk of infection, and a shorter hospital stay.
‘SPY’ technology
Memorial University Medical Center was the first in Savannah to offer
state-of-the-art “SPY” technology for breast reconstruction surgery.
When women undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, surgeons
may create a new breast from the woman’s own abdominal tissue. This
involves moving a flap of tissue from the abdomen to the breast, and
reattaching tiny blood vessels. If blood does not flow correctly through the
vessels, the tissue can die and more surgery is needed.
With SPY technology, surgeons inject a safe fluorescent dye into the body.
A laser within the SPY system follows the dye and sends the surgeon highquality video images of blood flow within vessels, micro-vessels, tissue,
and organs. The images appear within minutes and in real-time. This
allows surgeons to ensure a healthy blood flow to the breast mound and
precisely reattach blood vessels and the breast skin flaps.
These new advances make surgery safer and less traumatic for patients.
Today, many women recover quickly and are able to get back to their
normal lives within a few weeks.
7
Get by with a little help
from your friends
Helen Keller once said, “Walking with a friend in the dark
is better than walking alone in the light.” Those words
become especially poignant after a cancer diagnosis. When
facing a life-threatening disease, people need friendship
and support to pull them through. There’s something
very healing about knowing you are not alone.
“No two people will face cancer the same way. Different
people need different types of support. Our goal is to help
them find what they need to cope with their treatment
and transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor,”
said Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, LMSW, OSW-C, manager
of oncology support services at the ACI.
The support services at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson
Cancer Institute (ACI) at Memorial University Medical Center
strive to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support
for people with cancer.
Some of the ACI’s support services are listed here. To find
out more information about the support programs at the
ACI visit memorialhealth.com/aci-support-services.aspx,
or call Jennifer Currin-McCulloch at 912-350-7845.
“The first thing we do is acknowledge the fear that a newly
diagnosed patient can have. Cancer is something that
comes into their life that they didn’t invite. It’s like a rude
houseguest that comes in and takes over your living room,”
said Jennifer Sili, R.N., the breast cancer nurse navigator
at the ACI.
Community support groups are available for children,
caregivers, people in treatment, and cancer survivors.
The groups meet monthly or quarterly to share advice,
hear guest speakers, and offer support to one another.
Nurse navigators help guide patients through the treatment process. They also connect patients to support
services – everything from traditional support groups to
financial assistance programs.
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Survivorship Lecture Series addresses physical, social,
psychological, and spiritual health after treatment.
This lecture series helps create building blocks for healthy
survivorship and long-term healing.
Integrative Therapy Services
Integrative therapy combines traditional medical
therapies with alternative therapies that have been
proven to provide a health benefit. Integrative therapies
can assist patients in coping with anxiety, stress, and
treatment-related side effects.
•
•
Acupuncture and reflexology are ancient treatments
that may help ease stress and pain. Acupuncture
involves stimulating pressure points with small
needles. This service is available to ACI patients through
a partnership with Bauer Coslick of Vitality Acupuncture.
Reflexology applies gentle pressure to specific points
on the feet, hands, ears, or face. Both treatments help
relieve nausea as well as pain and stress.
Art therapy includes journaling, decorating memory
boxes, designing scarves, and various other therapeutic
art projects. This program is offered through a
partnership with the Savannah College of Art and
Design and the Healing and Education through Art
initiative. Activities are offered at the patient bedside
or in group settings.
•
Massage therapy is offered twice a week for people
receiving inpatient or outpatient cancer care. A
licensed massage therapist provides gentle touch
treatment to promote wellness and relaxation.
•
Music therapy is offered several times a week. The
ACI partners with Savannah Philharmonic musicians
to provide live performances in the ACI lobby and
on the inpatient oncology floor.
•
Pet therapy is provided by certified pet therapy dogs
that visit the ACI twice a month. They offer plenty of
hugs, kisses, and unconditional love for people with
cancer and their families.
Physical Wellness Programs
These support services focus on helping people build
their strength and endurance to get through the rigors
of cancer treatment. These programs also benefit
survivors after treatment.
•
Strength for Survivors is a program that enables
cancer survivors to meet with a personal trainer who
guides them through the recovery and healing process.
The program includes massage, yoga, Pilates, strength
training, cardiovascular conditioning, and stretching
exercises.
•
Yoga classes are offered free of charge for cancer
survivors and people receiving treatment. The classes
help with flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The
instructor received specialized training at OM Yoga
Center in New York.
•
Nutritional counseling is offered by a licensed
dietitian. Participants learn how a balanced diet can
help them get through treatment, maintain their
energy, and lower their risk of recurrence.
•
Pain management and palliative care services are
offered to help patients manage their symptoms and
improve their quality of life during treatment. We offer
inpatient and outpatient assessments for issues such
as pain, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety,
sleeplessness, and other treatment-related side effects.
The services are offered through a partnership with
the Steward Center for Palliative Care.
A cancer diagnosis might make you feel like you’re walking in the dark. But you’re not alone. We encourage you to take
advantage of the services that can help you through this difficult time. Again, for a full list of support programs, visit
memorialhealth.com/aci-support-services.aspx, or call to 800-343-3025.
9
Five things every woman should
know about gynecologic cancers
By James J. Burke II, M.D., GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST
and Scott Purinton, M.D., Ph.D., GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST
Gynecologic cancers occur in the female reproductive
organs and pelvic area. There are several types:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Cervical cancer —
begins in the lower part of the uterus that opens
into the vagina.
Endometrial/uterine cancer —
begins in the uterus or the lining of the uterus,
which is called the endometrium.
This is the most common gynecological cancer.
Fallopian tube cancer—
forms in the fallopian tubes.
Gestational trophoblastic disease —
cancer associated with a normal or abnormal
pregnancy that affects the placenta.
Ovarian cancer —
forms in the ovaries.
Primary peritoneal cancer —
affects the tissue that lines the abdominal and
pelvic cavities.
Vaginal cancer —
starts in the tissue of the vagina.
Vulvar cancer —
begins in the folds of skin that cover the vagina
(the labia).
One of the biggest challenges with gynecologic cancers is
the fact that many of them are not discovered until they
have reached an advanced stage. A Pap smear may detect
abnormal cells before they transform into cervical cancer,
but there are no effective early screening tests for other
gynecologic cancers. That’s why it’s vitally important for
women to pay attention to their bodies, recognize warning signs, and talk to their doctors. Here are five things
every woman should know about gynecologic cancers.
1. Know the early warning signs.
Often, your body will tell you when something is not right.
The early signs of a gynecologic cancer can be subtle, but
they should never be ignored. Early symptoms include:
•
•
•
•
•
Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding between
periods, bleeding after menopause, or unusually
heavy bleeding.
Changes in bathroom habits, such as painful
urination, diarrhea, or constipation.
Unusual vaginal discharge.
Pain during intercourse.
Pain, pressure, or a mass in the lower abdomen, or
feeling bloated or full in the lower abdomen.
•
•
•
Burning, itching, or pain in the genital area.
Skin changes on the vulva.
Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or other
sensations that just don’t feel right.
If an unusual symptom lasts at least two weeks, talk to
your doctor. Do not assume the problem is normal or will
go away on its own.
ovarian and uterine cancer, but slightly raise the risk of
cervical cancer. Taking estrogen without progesterone
during menopause can increase the risk for gynecologic
cancers. In addition, women who take tamoxifen to
prevent breast cancer recurrence have a slightly increased
risk of developing uterine cancer. Before using any synthetic
hormones, discuss all of the pros and cons with your doctor.
4. Consider the HPV vaccine and HPV testing.
2. Get serious about your own health.
Too often, women put their own health needs last
on their to-do list. But living a healthy lifestyle can
lower your risk for every type of cancer, including
gynecologic cancers.
•
•
•
Maintain a healthy weight. Research has shown that
obesity is linked to gynecologic cancers. There is an
enzyme in fatty tissue that converts androgen
hormones into estrogens. Unopposed estrogen causes
endometrial cancer. When you maintain a healthy
weight through exercise and a low-fat diet, you
significantly lower your cancer risk.
Stop smoking. We know for a fact that smoking
releases cancer-causing carcinogens into the body.
It is hard to quit smoking, but the health benefits
are worth it. Ask your doctor for help.
Have regular check-ups. A Pap test and pelvic exam
should be part of every woman’s routine healthcare,
from age 21 through 65. Some gynecologists only
require a Pap test every two or three years in women
who have had a series of normal test results and
who do not have any strong risk factors for a
gynecologic cancer. But a pelvic exam should be
scheduled annually. Your gynecologist can help you
determine the schedule that is best for you.
3. Understand the effects of hormones.
Synthetic hormones taken in the form of birth control
pills or hormone replacement therapy can impact your
gynecologic cancer risk. Using birth control pills for five or
more years has been shown to lower a woman’s risk of
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually
transmitted virus. It is linked to cervical, vaginal, and
vulvar cancer.
•
•
Pediatricians now offer an HPV vaccine for girls and boys.
It is a series of three injections that protects against
cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers and precancers,
as well as anal cancers and genital warts. The vaccine
is typically given at age 11, but girls may receive the
vaccine as young as age 9 or as old as age 26.
Women age 30 and over can ask for an HPV test with
their routine Pap test. An HPV test is typically ordered
when there is an abnormal Pap test. However, you can
ask your gynecologist to do the test regardless of
your Pap results. If you have HPV, your doctor may
recommend further testing. Being diagnosed with
an HPV infection does not mean you will get a
gynecologic cancer. But it does mean you are at an
increased risk and should be vigilant about screening
and watching for early warning signs.
5. If you are diagnosed with a gynecologic
cancer, seek the expertise of a fellowshiptrained gynecologic oncologist.
These doctors have received three additional years of
specialized training in the field of gynecologic cancers,
in addition to four years of medical school and four years
of residency training. Fellowship-trained gynecologic
oncologists such as Burke and Purinton are familiar with
the latest treatment techniques and clinical trials that
may benefit you.
The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center was the first facility in southeast
Georgia to provide fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists to treat gynecologic cancers. They are also skilled in robotic
surgery for complex gynecologic cancers. To learn more about our program, call 800-343-3025 or visit
memorialhealth.com/gynecologic-oncology.aspx.
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NON-PROFIT
U . S . P O S TA G E
4700 WATERS AVENUE
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31404
PAID
SAVANNAH, GA
PE R MIT N O. 8 0
Your gift makes a difference
The Memorial Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization
authorized to receive gifts for Memorial University Medical
Center (MUMC) The Foundation strives to ensure that MUMC
has the resources necessary to provide world-class healthcare
services for the community. Gifts to the Foundation help pay for
leading-edge technology, such as the INTRABEAM intraoperative
radiation therapy equipment.
Gifts to the Foundation’s patient assistance funds help improve
the quality of life for people with cancer. These programs provide
fuel cards to ensure that patients can get to their follow-up
appointments. They help pay for anti-nausea medicines,
acupuncture, and massage therapy to help patients cope with
the side effects of treatment. These funds also provide counseling,
mammograms for women in need, and genetic testing assistance.
All of these resources are important to the care of cancer patients
and their quality of life. Most of these services would not be
available without the generosity of our donors.
To learn how you can help, please contact Anne Cordeiro
at the Memorial Health Foundation at 912-350-8934 or
[email protected].