Charles Weber of Curwensville, right, is currently receiving treatment for lung cancer at the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center located on the Clearfield Hospital campus. Shown with Mr. Weber are, from left, Kris Strattan, NDYCC volunteer; Hazel Weber, Mr. Weber’s wife; and Dr. Joseph Pedersen, radiation oncologist.
For more information about lung cancer, please contact Kelley Hoffmaster at 814.768.2132, or Rose Campbell at 814.375.3578.
Clearfield Hospital also offers a tobacco cessation course. For more information about these classes, please contact Shelley Spicher, facilitator, at 768-2406.
More than 213,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The doctors and staff of the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center of Clearfield want to do their part to reduce the number of lung cancer cases through education.
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a national campaign dedicated to increasing attention to lung cancer issues. We urge everyone to become aware of the risks. With improved education about avoiding the risks that lead to lung cancer, fewer people may be diagnosed with this type of cancer,” said Rose Campbell, administrative manager for radiation therapy at the NDYCC.
Lung cancer is a disease that begins in the tissue of the lungs. Most lung cancer cases fall into two categories: non-small cell and small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, making up nearly 80 percent of all cases. This type of lung cancer grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer makes up nearly 20 percent of cases. It is associated with cancer cells smaller in size than most other cancer cells. These cells may be small, but they can rapidly reproduce to form large tumors. Their size and quick rate of reproduction allows them to spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs of the body.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Kelley Hoffmaster, director of medical oncology for the NDYCC, said there are several risk factors for lung cancer including:
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes.
- Exposure to radon.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Exposure to large amounts of asbestos.
- History of lung disease, such as tuberculosis.
“Smoking cessation decreases the risk of lung and other cancers, as well as chronic lung disease. If a person stops smoking before a cancer develops, his or her damaged lung tissue gradually starts to return to normal. Ten years after one quits smoking, the risk for lung cancer is significantly reduced,” Ms. Hoffmaster said.
In its early stages, lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include chronic cough, hoarseness, coughing up blood, weight loss, shortness of breath, fever without a known reason, repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia and/or chest pain.
Treatment for lung cancer may involve one or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
A Local Patient
Charles Weber of Curwensville, a retired purchasing agent and equipment operator, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in the summer of 2006 following surgery to remove an enlarged lymph node.
“I didn’t have any of the symptoms associated with lung cancer, like shortness of breath or coughing. The only reason I went to see my doctor was because I had a lump under my arm that was bothering me. That lump turned out to be malignant,” he said.
His surgeon referred him to the medical team of the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center for chemotherapy and radiation oncology. Dr. Joseph Padolick is medical oncologist for the cancer center; Dr. Joseph Pedersen leads the radiation oncology team.
Mr. Weber has completed his radiation oncology care, but continues to have chemotherapy at the center.
“The entire staff has been great. They are very good about answering questions I have and take time to explain the tests and procedures I need. I don’t think anyone could find better care or a better environment than the staff provides here,” he said.
Mr. Weber said he’s especially glad that he didn’t have to spend time traveling out of town for treatment.
“My priority is to spend time with my family. For me, the closer to home I am, the better,” Mr. Weber said. He and his wife Hazel have three daughters, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Dr. Pedersen said Mr. Weber did well during his radiation therapy treatments.
“It’s a pleasure caring for Charles. He is a wonderful person and is cooperative,” Dr. Pedersen said.
More Information
For more information about lung cancer, please contact Ms. Hoffmaster at 768-2132 or Mrs. Campbell at 375-3578.
The cancer center’s medical team is available for community presentations about cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Please contact Ms. Hoffmaster or Mrs. Campbell at the above phone numbers to make arrangements.
Clearfield Hospital also offers a tobacco cessation course. For more information about these classes, please contact Shelley Spicher, facilitator, at 768-2406.
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