Lung Cancer Awareness Month: A Deep Dive into Prevention, Detection, and Treatment

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment, there is hope—and much to discuss. This month, the Medicine Center Pharmacy podcast brings you a special episode featuring two distinguished guests, Dr. Raza Khan and Dr. Eric Olyejar from Aultman Health System in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Khan and Dr. Olyejar share their invaluable insights on the latest in lung cancer prevention, screening, treatment options, and ways we can all play a part in reducing lung cancer risks.

A Closer Look at Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, often diagnosed in later stages when treatment becomes more complex. The statistics are staggering, yet preventable measures and early screening can make a tremendous difference. Dr. Khan and Dr. Olyejar bring attention to key aspects of lung cancer:

• Risk Factors: Smoking remains the primary cause, yet many people are unaware of other contributing factors, such as exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, and certain occupational hazards. The doctors also discuss the role genetics may play and the importance of regular health check-ups for high-risk individuals.

• Screening and Early Detection: Lung cancer screenings, especially for high-risk individuals, are crucial for early detection. Dr. Khan and Dr. Olyejar dive into the benefits of low-dose CT scans as a powerful tool to catch lung cancer early. They also highlight who should consider screening and how frequently, emphasizing that early detection is key to increasing survival rates.

Innovations in Treatment

Treatment options for lung cancer have evolved dramatically in recent years. On the podcast, Dr. Olyejar explores how advancements in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and targeted therapies have transformed outcomes for patients. Immunotherapy, for instance, harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. Similarly, precision medicine offers treatments tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup.

These advances allow patients more personalized treatment options with potentially fewer side effects than traditional therapies. The doctors also discuss the role of clinical trials, which often provide access to cutting-edge treatments before they become widely available.

Preventing Lung Cancer: What We Can Do

Prevention is as important as treatment. Dr. Khan emphasizes lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, such as avoiding smoking, managing occupational exposure risks, and maintaining regular medical check-ups. For those who smoke, Dr. Olyejar offers compassionate insights into smoking cessation programs and support systems available through Aultman Health System and other healthcare providers.

The episode wraps up with a powerful reminder that awareness and education can make a significant difference. By understanding risk factors, committing to regular screenings, and making informed choices, we can take meaningful steps to reduce the impact of lung cancer.

Tune In to Learn More

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or someone seeking to understand more about lung cancer, this podcast episode with Dr. Raza Khan and Dr. Eric Olyejar offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Join us as we spread awareness and work towards a future with less lung cancer and more hope.

Listen to the full episode on the Medicine Center Pharmacy podcast to gain more insights and practical advice from Dr. Raza Khan and Dr. Eric Olyejar. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against lung cancer.

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Importance of Early Detection and Aultman Hospital’s Breast Care Center

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and highlighting the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, affecting one in eight throughout their lifetime. However, with timely screenings and advances in treatment, survival rates continue to improve.

At the forefront of these efforts in Canton, Ohio, is Aultman Hospital’s Breast Care Center, a facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients facing breast health concerns. The center stands as a beacon of hope for those affected by breast cancer, offering cutting-edge services and a supportive environment.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Regular screenings, including mammograms, can help identify cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Aultman Hospital’s Breast Care Center emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and provides education on risk factors and screening guidelines tailored to each individual’s needs.

In addition to mammograms, the center offers a range of diagnostic services, including ultrasound and breast MRI, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive evaluations. The highly trained staff at Aultman works closely with patients to discuss their concerns and create personalized care plans, fostering a proactive approach to breast health.

Comprehensive Care and Support

Aultman Hospital’s Breast Care Center prides itself on providing compassionate, patient-centered care. From the moment a patient walks through the door, they are met with a warm and welcoming environment. The dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including radiologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff, collaborates to offer seamless care throughout the entire process—diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

In addition to medical care, the Breast Care Center recognizes the emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. They provide access to support services, including counseling, support groups, and educational resources, to help patients and their families navigate their journey.

Advancements in Treatment

The Aultman Breast Care Center is committed to staying at the forefront of breast cancer research and treatment. The center offers access to the latest treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, all tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Additionally, Aultman collaborates with local and national research institutions to provide patients with access to clinical trials, allowing them to benefit from innovative therapies that may not yet be widely available.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.

Pain management is a specialized medical approach aimed at treating chronic or severe pain. The doctors at Aultman Pain Management help patients control and alleviate pain using various treatments and therapies. This episode of Health Matters includes Aultman Pain Management experts Dr. Sarah Rogers and Dr. Robert Dallara.

Why Would a Patient See a Pain Management Specialist?

Patients are often referred to pain management specialists when their pain becomes difficult to control with conventional methods or when it begins to interfere with their daily life.

Where is Aultman Pain Management Located?

Aultman Pain Management is located at Aultman Hospital, offering patients easy access to comprehensive care.

Why Do You Need a Referral?

A referral from your primary care provider is required to ensure that pain management is the right treatment approach for your specific condition and that other necessary evaluations have been completed.

What Happens After the Referral?

Once a referral is sent, the staff at Aultman Pain Management will review your case, and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. The next steps often include a consultation and thorough assessment.

Criteria for Acceptance

Patients must meet specific criteria to be accepted into Aultman Pain Management. This includes having a documented pain condition, appropriate medical history, and a referral from their primary care provider.

When Does Pain Become Chronic?

Pain is considered chronic when it persists for three months or more, despite treatment.

Types of Pain Treated at Aultman Pain Management

Aultman Pain Management treats various types of pain, including back pain, joint pain, neuropathic pain, and pain resulting from injuries or surgeries.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment options can vary from medications and physical therapy to more advanced options such as injections or nerve blocks.

Procedures for Pain Management

Common procedures at Aultman include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, all aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Patients can expect a thorough evaluation during their first visit. This includes discussing medical history, reviewing diagnostic tests, and developing a personalized pain management plan.

Follow-up Care

Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as needed. The frequency of follow-ups depends on the individual’s progress.

Who Provides Care?

Aultman Pain Management’s team includes highly qualified doctors like Dr. Dallara and Dr. Rogers, alongside other medical professionals specializing in pain treatment.

Meet the Providers

Dr. Dallara specializes in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, while Dr. Rogers focuses on treating chronic pain conditions through a range of innovative therapies.

Requesting a Specific Provider

Patients can request to see a particular provider when scheduling their appointment, ensuring they receive the care they feel most comfortable with.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Aultman Pain Management directly or through a referral from your primary care physician.

This comprehensive care model ensures that patients dealing with chronic pain can find relief and improve their quality of life through specialized treatments at Aultman Pain Management.

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Urology is a vital medical field that deals with the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. It’s not just for men; women also benefit from the expertise of a urologist, especially when it comes to urinary issues. Below, we’ll dive into some of the most frequently asked questions posed to urologists, shedding light on important aspects of both men’s and women’s health. This episode of Health Matters with Dr. David Turk from Aultman Urology.

  1. What is Urology, and When Should I See a Urologist?

 Urology covers the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and adrenal glands. For men, it also addresses issues related to the male reproductive organs, such as the prostate, testicles, and penis.

 When to see a urologist:

- For Men: Difficulty urinating, erectile dysfunction, prostate health concerns, or infertility issues.

- For Women: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder control problems, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

  If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or symptoms in any of these areas, a visit to the urologist is highly recommended.

  2. What are the Most Common Urological Conditions in Men?

 For men, urological issues are often linked to age and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common conditions include:

 - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can lead to difficulty urinating.

- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, often causing pain or difficulty during urination.

- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to maintain an erection, which may stem from physical, hormonal, or psychological factors.

- Kidney Stones: Hard deposits in the kidneys that can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.

  3. How Does Urology Address Women's Health Concerns?

 While urology is often associated with men, it plays a crucial role in women's health as well. Common urological conditions for women include:

- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent or recurrent UTIs can be painful and disruptive. Urologists can offer preventive strategies and advanced treatments if antibiotics alone aren’t effective.

- Overactive Bladder: This condition leads to an urgent need to urinate frequently and may result in leakage.

- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic bladder condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and pelvic area.

- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A weakening of the pelvic floor muscles that can cause the bladder to drop, leading to incontinence or discomfort.

 4. What Can Men Do to Maintain Prostate Health?

Maintaining prostate health is a top concern for many men, particularly as they age. Here are a few tips for keeping your prostate healthy:

- Regular Exercise: Physical activity can reduce the risk of prostate issues, including prostate cancer.

- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supports overall urological health. Lycopene-rich foods, like tomatoes, are particularly beneficial for the prostate.

- Routine Screenings: Men over 50 should consider regular prostate exams and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests to detect early signs of prostate cancer.

 5. Are Kidney Stones Preventable?

Yes, kidney stones can often be prevented with some lifestyle modifications. The most effective way to prevent kidney stones is by staying well-hydrated. Drinking enough water dilutes substances in the urine that can form stones. Limiting salt, reducing oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts), and maintaining a healthy diet can also help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

 6. How Can a Urologist Help with Sexual Health?

For both men and women, sexual health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, underlying health conditions, and emotional well-being. Urologists can address:

- Men: Erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and penile curvature (Peyronie’s disease) are common conditions that urologists treat.

- Women: Pelvic floor dysfunction or issues related to urinary incontinence that impact sexual function.

 7. What Are the Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer often presents subtle symptoms early on, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs:

- Blood in the urine (hematuria), even if it’s painless.

- Frequent or painful urination without an obvious cause like a UTI.

- Lower back pain that isn’t related to injury.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a urologist for further testing is essential.

 8. What’s the Difference Between a Urologist and a Nephrologist?

This is a common question. While both specialists deal with kidney health, they focus on different aspects:

- Urologists treat structural and functional disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including surgery.

- Nephrologists focus on diseases and conditions that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension.

 9. Can Lifestyle Changes Improve Urological Health?

Yes! Several lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on your urological health:

- Stay hydrated to support kidney and bladder function.

- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber to prevent constipation, which can affect bladder control.

- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of incontinence and other urinary problems.

- Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder and exacerbate urinary symptoms.

Urology plays a crucial role in maintaining both men’s and women’s health. From prostate issues and kidney stones in men to bladder control and UTIs in women, urologists provide essential care across a wide range of conditions. If you have any concerns about your urological health, don’t hesitate to consult a urologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.

Family Medicine integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences for

those of all ages, sexes, and for each organ system. Aultman Medical Group Family Medicine of Stark

County Family Physicians are highly qualified doctors, all Board Certified to

nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills to

provide high-quality care. Dr. Brian Krusemark will be talking about men’s health today.

In this episode, you can learn answers to important men’s health questions like:

1. What is the leading cause of death in males?

2. What types of cancer are men susceptible to?

3. Why should men schedule preventative health visits?

4. What complications occur when diabetes is not properly managed?

5. What are the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on physical activity for older adults?

6. What are some ways that older adults can meet the physical activity guidelines?

7. What are some of the signs of low testosterone?

8. How is low testosterone treated?

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform: