Couch for the Cause Photos

The Couch for the Cause is a one year campaign aimed at raising awareness of and support for cancer, which affects 1 in 3 people. The idea behind the Couch for the Cause combines creative photography with local business, family and friends who have been touched by cancer in some capacity and want to share in the mission. Each photography session will highlight the faces of supporters while raising awareness and funds for the Peoria Cancer Center Foundation. The monies raised will be earmarked in their entirety to be used in central Illinois to help cancer patients and their families as they undergo their cancer treatments and therapies.

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Interested participants will be photographed either alone or with one another on or around the “Couch”. Each group will have the option of a creative slogan, family name or company logo for use on the website, loribrooksphotography.com. The “Couch” can travel to accommodate the creative ideas each person/group may have. Let’s see just how creative you can be for the Cause.

Couch for the Cause

The Couch for the Cause is a one year campaign aimed at raising awareness of and support for cancer, which affects 1 in 3 people. The idea behind the Couch for the Cause combines creative photography with local business, family and friends who have been touched by cancer in some capacity and want to share in the mission. Each photography session will highlight the faces of supporters while raising awareness and funds for the Peoria Cancer Center Foundation. The monies raised will be earmarked in their entirety to be used in central Illinois to help cancer patients and their families as they undergo their cancer treatments and therapies.

Interested participants will be photographed either alone or with one another on or around the “Couch”. Each group will have the option of a creative slogan, family name or company logo for use on the website, loribrooksphotography.com. The “Couch” can travel to accommodate the creative ideas each person/group may have. Let’s see just how creative you can be for the Cause.

The campaign will last one year, beginning July 15, 2009 and culminating on July 15, 2010. At the end of the one year campaign, the website will open up for voting to determine the favored photographs/creative ideas. The top 13 (cover included) will be used to create a 12 month Couch for the Cause calendar. The winners will be announced at a press release in August 2010. All participants will be listed on the back of the calendar, and of course featured on the website throughout the campaign.

The cost for each photography session is $250 which includes the sitting fee, one 8 x 10 photo, and a $150 donation to the Peoria Cancer Center Foundation*. All calendar proceeds will also be donated to the Peoria Cancer Center Foundation.

Funds raised will be donated throughout the campaign to those families affected by cancer who are in need. Requests can be submitted to the Peoria Cancer Center Foundation through a simple grant request, including a short paragraph or two of how they might benefit from support.

Although the “Couch” is Pink, which for many is a significant color for breast cancer awareness, the cause will not discriminate, and is meant to raise awareness of a support for all cancer types.

How creative can you be? The idea combines community involvement, interesting photography and raising money for individuals and their families who are battling cancer. The ideas are endless. How many faces will I see on the couch? How far will the couch travel? Local business, firemen, steel workers, hair salons, little ballerinas, new babies, a favorite pet or maybe even a photograph in memory of someone who lost their battle? Can I convince musicians in town for a concert to take a quick photo shoot? Sports teams? The list is endless….

Just where we see this couch, only you can help determine that. But the benefits will be felt here at home, for all of us who in some capacity or another are affected by this dreadful disease.

As many of you probably are, I am enlightened to see the number of people who want to make a difference. I am one of those people and I hope you will join me in this year long campaign.

- Lori Brooks

Lung Cancer Overview

Lung cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both of the lungs. The majority of lung cancers begin in the bronchial tubes that conduct air in and out of the lungs. Cancers of the lung are classified by how they appear under a microscope. While there are more than a dozen different kinds of lung cancer, the two main types of lung cancer are non small cell and small cell, which together account for over 90% of all lung cancers. Non small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 75% of these cancers and consists of squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and large cell types. Small cell lung cancer represents 20-25% of all lung cancers and is also referred to as "oat cell cancer" because of the shape of cells when examined under the microscope.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

When lung cancer is diagnosed, the doctor must determine the type (small cell or non small cell) and the extent of spread or stage of the cancer in order to determine the best treatment. Lung cancer may grow locally in the lungs or spread distantly (metastasize) to other sites in the body, including lymph nodes, bones, and the brain. Determining the presence of a lung cancer and the type of lung cancer requires examination of tissues from the lung. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope and can be obtained using one or more of the following procedures.

Bronchoscopy: During a bronchoscopy, a surgeon inserts a bronchoscope (thin, lighted tube) through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (air passages that lead to the lung). Through this tube, the surgeon can examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi and lung and collect cells or small tissue samples.

Fine Needle Aspiration: During this procedure, a surgeon inserts a needle through the chest into the cancer to remove a tissue sample for examination under the microscope.

Thoracentesis: During a thoracentesis, a surgeon uses a needle to remove a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs in order to check for the presence of cancer cells.

Thoracotomy: A thoracotomy is a major operation, which involves opening the chest in order to diagnose lung cancer.

Sputum Cytology: Sputum cytology is a procedure used to examine mucus that is coughed up from the lungs or breathing tubes. The mucus is examined under a microscope in order to detect cancer cells.

Staging

When a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed, determining the stage or extent of spread of the cancer is essential in order to understand treatment options or interpret published cancer treatment information. Determining the stage of lung cancer may require many tests, which often include the following:

Mediastinoscopy: A mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can indicate whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest. During a mediastinoscopy, a surgeon inserts a mediastinoscope (lighted tube) through a small incision in the neck while a patient is under general anesthesia. This mediastinoscope allows the surgeon to examine the center of the chest (mediastinum) and nearby lymph nodes, as well as remove a tissue sample.

Computed Topography or CT Scan: A CT scan is a technique for imaging body tissues and organs, during which X-ray transmissions are converted to detailed images, using a computer to synthesize X-ray data. A CT scan is conducted with a large machine positioned outside the body that can rotate to capture detailed images of the oranges and tissues inside the body. This method is more sensitive and precise than the chest x-ray.

Magnetic Resonance Imagery or MRI: During MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer makes detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

Positron emission tomography (PET): Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has been used to improve the detection of cancer in lymph nodes. One characteristic of living tissue is the metabolism of sugar. Prior to a PET scan, a substance containing a type of sugar attached to a radioactive isotope (a molecule that spontaneously emits radiation) is injected into the patient’s vein. The cancer cells “take up” the sugar and attached isotope, which emits positively charged, low energy radiation (positrons). The positrons react with electrons in the cancer cells, which creates the production of gamma rays. The gamma rays are then detected by the PET machine, which transforms the information into a picture. If no gamma rays are detected in the scanned area, it is unlikely that the mass in question contains living cancer cells. In one clinical study, PET scanning detected 85% of lymph nodes involved with cancer, which was significantly better than the detection rate with CT scanning.

Bone Scan: A bone scan is used to determine whether cancer has spread to the bones. Prior to a bone scan, a surgeon injects a small amount of radioactive substance into a vein. This substance travels through the bloodstream and collects in areas of abnormal bone growth. An instrument called a scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these areas and records them on x-ray film.

All new treatment information is categorized according to whether patients have small cell or non-small cell lung cancer and according to the stage of disease. To learn more about the general treatment of lung cancer and current results achieved with new treatments, select small cell or non-small cell lung cancer.

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer

For more information about Lung Cancer, please visit our website at www.illinoiscancercare.com.

Leukemia Overview

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. There are many different types of leukemia, depending upon which specific blood cells are affected. Each leukemia has different disease characteristics and therefore different treatment options. Several clinical diagnostic tests are utilized in order to determine the type and extent of leukemia. In order to better understand leukemia and its treatment, a basic understanding of normal blood cell production is useful.

Normal blood is made up of fluid called plasma and three main types of blood cells. Plasma is mainly water, but contains minerals, proteins and antibodies. The three major blood cell types are white cells, red cells and platelets. Each type of blood cell has a specific function. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, help the body fight infections and other diseases. Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, make up half the blood’s total volume. They contain hemoglobin, which picks up oxygen from the lungs and carries it to the body’s organs. Platelets, or thrombocytes, help form blood clots to control bleeding.

Blood cells are produced inside the bones in a spongy space called the bone marrow. The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. All blood cells have a common origin called a stem cell. Stem cells develop into specific mature blood cells by a process called differentiation. Early immature cells are called blasts, which grow into mature blood cells. Once the cells are matured, they are released into the blood where they circulate throughout the body and perform their respective functions. In healthy individuals, there are adequate stem cells to continuously produce new blood cells. Normal production of mature blood cells occurs in an orderly fashion.

When leukemia occurs, the body produces large numbers of abnormal or immature blood cells. Leukemia cells look different and act different than normal blood cells and are often unable to perform their intended functions. Most leukemias occur in white blood cells and are classified as either myelocytic or lymphocytic, depending upon the type of white blood cell is affected. Leukemia is further classified by how fast the disease develops. When leukemia develops quickly and is composed of immature cells that do not properly mature, it is called acute leukemia. When leukemia is referred to as chronic, the cells are more mature and the accumulation of the abnormal cells occurs less rapidly.

Although leukemia is a cancer of the blood, it may affect other organs. In acute leukemias, the abnormal cells may collect in the central nervous system, the testicles, the skin and any other organ in the body. The most common place to detect the leukemia, however, is the blood and bone marrow. The following tests may be used to diagnose leukemia:

Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy: Since all blood cells ultimately originate in the bone marrow, an examination of the bone marrow consisting of a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, provides useful information regarding the diagnosis and management of leukemia. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies are typically performed on the hip bone with the patient laying face down. Patients are given an anesthetic under the skin to numb the area of the biopsy. The physician places a needle through the skin into the middle of the bone, typically a hip bone, and draws out a small amount of marrow (aspiration). This is followed by a biopsy, during which time the physician removes a small amount of bone as well as bone marrow from the same place the aspirate was drawn. Patients typically feel pressure and minimal pain from the procedure. The collected cells and the bone marrow biopsy are viewed under a microscope and special tests are performed to distinguish which type of blood cell is cancerous and the aggressiveness of the cancer.

Immunophenotyping: Different types of leukemias have unique proteins and/or carbohydrates called antigens found on the surface or inside of the cell. Certain antigens are correlated to specific disease characteristics, leading to further classification of leukemia to help define optimal treatment options. The detection of specific antigens is called immunophenotyping. A laboratory test called immunohistocompatibility (IHC) testing is able to test for a multitude of antigens from a sample of blood or tissue.

Chromosomal Abnormalities: The detection of chromosomal abnormalities, often referred to as “cytogenetic analysis”, is the testing of cancer cells to determine if specific genetic abnormalities exist. Chromosomes contain the genetic makeup or DNA of an individual, with a full copy of DNA present in every cell. Mutations, or alterations, in DNA can be responsible for the development of cancer and attribute to specific characteristics of the cancer. Different laboratory tests, including fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry, are able to detect specific genetic mutations within a cancer cell. Results from cytogenetic tests may become key factors in determining appropriate treatment options for patients.

To learn more about the treatment of leukemia, select one of the following types of leukemia.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia:
• Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia:
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:

For more information about Leukemia, please visit our website at www.illinoiscancercare.com.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Overview

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system and is diagnosed by the identification of a characteristic cell under the microscope (the Reed- Sternberg cell). Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically begins in the lymph nodes in one region of the body and then spreads through the lymph system in a predictable manner. It may spread outside the lymph system to other organs such as the lungs, liver, bone and bone marrow.

In order to understand the best treatment options available for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it is important to first determine where the cancer has spread in the body. All new treatment information is categorized and discussed by the stage, or extent, of the disease. Determining the extent of the spread or the stage of the cancer requires a number of procedures including CT scans, PET scans and blood tests. The goal of staging Hodgkin's lymphoma is to determine which patients have early and which have advanced stage cancer. Historically, many patients required surgical staging and removal of the spleen through an abdominal laparotomy. Recent advances in treatment described under stage I or II have essentially eliminated the need for laparotomy. In order to learn about the most recent treatment information available, click on the appropriate stage of Hodgkin’s disease.

Stage I: Cancer is found only in a single lymph node, in the area immediately surrounding that node or in a single organ.

Stage II: Cancer involves more than one lymph node on one side of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle separating the abdomen from the chest).

Stage III:The cancer involves lymph node regions above and below the diaphragm. For example, there may be swollen lymph nodes under the arm and in the abdomen.

Stage IV: Cancer involves one or more organs outside the lymph system or a single organ and a distant lymph node site.

Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma may also experience general symptoms from their disease. Patients with fever, night sweats or significant weight loss are said to have "B" symptoms. Patients who do not experience these specific symptoms are classified as "A".

Relapsed/Refractory: The cancer has persisted or returned (recurred/relapsed) following treatment.

For more information about Hodgkin's lymphoma, please visit our website at www.illinoiscancercare.com.

Head and Neck Cancer Overview

Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice box), pharynx, salivary glands, or oral cavity (lip, mouth, tongue). In 1999, there were 500,000 cases of head and neck cancers worldwide. Most head and neck cancers involve squamous cells, which are cells that line the mouth, throat, or other structures. Also, these cancers are often preceded by non-cancerous sores or an unusual patch of white tissue that cannot be rubbed off, called a leukoplakia.

A cancer that has not spread to deeper tissue layers is non-invasive, referred to as carcinoma in-situ. However, head and neck cancers do tend to spread, particularly to lymph nodes in the neck. On initial diagnosis, more than 70% of patients have cancer that has advanced locally, regionally, and/or to distant locations in the body. Furthermore, 10% to 15% of individuals with a cancer of the head and neck will have a second cancer that may or may not present with symptoms. The esophagus is the most frequent site in which additional primary cancers are discovered.

Diagnosis of head and neck cancers usually involves several tests to help determine the stage of the cancer. The size and extent to which the cancer has spread from its site of origin is referred to as the stage. A procedure called an endoscopy is performed to obtain a biopsy, determine the local extent of the cancer, and look for additional cancers. An endoscope is a lighted tube, which is used to examine the throat, larynx, and upper esophagus. A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of the suspected cancer. The samples are then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. Additional procedures may including blood tests, a chest x-ray, and sometimes additional surgery for lymph node evaluation. Computed tomographic (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are often valuable for detecting the extent to which the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and to further identify the extent of cancer at the primary location.

Patients with head and neck cancers should consider being carefully evaluated in a medical center that treats many patients with these cancers. Patients with head and neck cancer require a multidisciplinary team approach that is often only available at specialty medical centers. A multidisciplinary team may be comprised of a head and neck surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist, a dentist, and social services personnel. Evaluation and treatment by an experienced team is essential for determining optimal treatment.

Treatment for head and neck cancers depend on the stage and location, and is addressed under the following sections: Cancer of the Throat, Cancer of the Larynx, Cancer of the Salivary Glands, and Cancer of the Oral Cavity. These sections consist of general overviews of treatment for each specific type of head and neck cancer. Treatment may consist of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, biological therapy, or a combination of these treatment techniques. Multi-modality treatment, which is treatment using two or more techniques, may be the most promising approach for increasing a patient's chance of cure or prolonging a patient's survival. However, circumstances unique to each patient’s situation may influence how these general treatment principles are applied and whether the patient decides to receive treatment. The potential benefits of receiving treatment must be carefully balanced with the potential risks. The information on this website is intended to help educate patients about their treatment options and to facilitate a mutual or shared decision-making process with their treating cancer physician.

Throat Cancer
Larynx Cancer
Salivary Glands Cancer
Cancer of the Oral Cavity

For more information about Head and Neck Cancer, please visit our website at www.illinoiscancercare.com.

Gastric Cancer Overview

The stomach is the primary organ of digestion. Food passes through the esophagus into the stomach at the level of the diaphragm, which is the breathing muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. The stomach extends from the diaphragm to the duodenum, which is the first portion of the small intestine.

Cancer of the stomach is called gastric cancer. Gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common cancer of the stomach and it arises from the cells (columnar epithelium) lining the surface of the stomach. The primary risk factor associated with gastric cancer is infection with the bacteria, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori). In fact, 85% to 95% of all gastric cancers are believed to be caused by this infection. H. pylori is easily eradicated with antibiotics, which may prevent the development of this cancer.

There has been a marked decline in the incidence of gastric cancer in the United States and many other industrialized nations over the past 20-30 years. However, there has been an increase in cancers arising at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach. Approximately 22,600 new cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, with approximately 13,700 yearly deaths from gastric cancer. Gastric cancer ranks 14th in incidence and is the 9th leading cause of cancer death in the US.

Gastric cancer is more common and is the major cause of cancer-related death in Asian countries such as Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan. Thus, much of the knowledge about treatment, especially surgery, comes from these countries. The incidence of gastric cancer is so high in these countries that they perform routine screening by esophagoscopy for detection of early gastric cancer. Early detection programs, such as those implemented in Japan, are not practiced elsewhere in the world because of the lower incidence of gastric cancer. For this reason, gastric cancer is detected at a later stage (extent of spread) in the U.S. and Europe than in Japan.

Surgery is the primary treatment of gastric cancer. Two main factors affect outcome following surgery for gastric cancer, the depth of the penetration of the primary cancer into the wall of the stomach and the presence or absence of spread of cancer to regional or adjacent lymph nodes. The site of the primary cancer also influences outcome, as upper stomach cancers are associated with a worse outcome than cancers of the middle and lower stomach.

Staging of Gastric Cancer

If possible, it is important to determine how much the cancer has spread before initiating treatment in order to select the best treatment option. Of particular concern is the presence of cancer in lymph nodes, spread of cancer to distant sites or local extension of cancer into surrounding structures, all of which might make attempts to remove all of the cancer with surgery impossible. Unfortunately, in many cases the true extent of spread of gastric cancer can only be determined at the time of surgical resection. Frequently, more advanced cancer is found during surgery than was detected through diagnostic procedures.

Routine Staging

All patients with gastric cancer undergo a routine chest x-ray examination and a barium swallow performed under fluoroscopy (direct x-ray examination). All patients have computerized tomography (CT) scans of the chest, upper abdomen and possibly the neck. There can be considerable error in CT scanning in detecting the extent of local spread of gastric cancer, but accuracy for detecting distant spread (metastasis) is good.

Gastroscopy: A gastroscopy is an examination performed through an endoscope, which is a flexible tube inserted through the esophagus that allows the physician to visualize, photograph and biopsy (sample) the cancer. All patients have a gastroscopy with a biopsy to determine the histology or appearance of the cancer under the microscope.

Endosonography: Endosonography refers to an ultrasound test performed through an endoscope. Ultrasound tests utilize sound waves to detect different densities of tissue, including cancer. Endosonography can detect spread of cancer into various layers of the stomach, adjacent organs and lymph nodes better than CT scanning.

Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope through a small incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopy is an important tool for staging and has proven to be more reliable than CT scanning in detecting spread of cancer to the liver and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Ultrasonography can be performed through the laparoscope, thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis. Another procedure, called peritoneal lavage, involves the infusion of fluid into the abdomen. Peritoneal lavage can increase the accuracy of diagnosis of peritoneal spread. Typically, patients who have cancer cells in the fluid from peritoneal lavage have a worse outcome.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has also been used to improve the detection of cancer in lymph nodes. One characteristic of living tissue is the metabolism of sugar. Prior to a PET scan, a substance containing a type of sugar attached to a radioactive isotope (a molecule that spontaneously emits radiation) is injected into the patient’s vein. The cancer cells “take up” the sugar and attached isotope, which emits positively charged, low energy radiation (positrons). The positrons react with electrons in the cancer cells, which creates the production of gamma rays. The gamma rays are then detected by the PET machine, which transforms the information into a picture. If no gamma rays are detected in the scanned area, it is unlikely that the mass in question contains living cancer cells. In one clinical study, PET scanning detected 85% of lymph nodes involved with spread of gastric cancer, which was significantly better than the detection rate with CT scanning.

The current methods of clinical staging of patients with gastric cancer are not perfect and are constantly changing as new and more reliable tests are developed. At this point, the results of surgery are much more reliable in determining the extent of cancer spread than tests performed before surgery. In order to learn more about the most recent information available concerning the treatment of gastric cancer, click on the appropriate stage.

Stage 0: Cancer in situ is cancer that is limited to the surface layer of cells lining the stomach, which is called the epithelium.

Stage IA: Cancer invades beneath the surface layer of cells, but not into the muscle wall and there is no lymph node or distant spread of cancer.

Stage IB: Cancer invades beneath the surface layer of cells, with spread to 1-6 lymph nodes or invades into the muscle of the wall of the stomach without regional lymph node or distant spread of cancer.

Stage II: Cancer invades beneath the surface, with spread to 7-15 lymph nodes or invades into the muscle of the wall of the stomach, with 1-6 lymph nodes involved with cancer or cancer penetrates the outer wall of the stomach without invading local structures and without lymph node spread.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to adjacent structures and/or regional lymph nodes.

Stage IIIA: Cancer invades into the muscle of the wall of the stomach, with 7-15 lymph nodes involved or cancer invades the lining of abdomen (peritoneum) without invading local structures, with 1-6 lymph nodes involved or cancer invades the local structures without lymph node involvement.

Stage IIIB: Cancer invades the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), with 7-15 lymph nodes involved.

Stage IV: Cancer invades adjacent structures, with 1-6 lymph nodes involved or any degree of invasion of the primary cancer with involvement of more than 15 lymph nodes or cancer is spread to local structures, with more than 7 lymph nodes involved or cancer has spread to distant sites.

Locally Advanced: Often, stages IB-IVA can also be referred to as locally advanced cancers.

Recurrent Cancer: The cancer has returned after primary treatment.

For more information about Gastric Cancer, please visit our website at www.illinoiscancercare.com.