Early detection and prevention programs focus of 2014 efforts

It has been quite a busy 2014 for the Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center.

The Outreach Program, under the direction of Sarah Barnes, RN, has provided the community with several preventive screens and early cancer detection opportunities, when the treatment is the most optimal.

The Cancer Center prevention programs began in March 2014 when colon cancer education was provided to PCH staff members via e-mail.

In May, the Putnam County Hospital skin cancer education program began with weekly e-mails and a sunscreen giveaway.

The PCH Cancer Center staff also passed out sunscreen and skin cancer education at the Putnam County 4-H Fair in July. Approximately 200 tubes of sunscreen were handed out to community residents.

In September, the cancer center initiated the smoking cessation program with information that was sent via e-mail to the hospital staff. The colon cancer, skin cancer, and smoking cessation information was also made available to hospital employees and visitors with an educational table set up in the hospital lobby.

Sarah Barnes, RN, and Cindy Mason, PCH mammographer, visited a high school class at South Putnam and provided education concerning self-breast exams during May.

On Nov. 24, 2014, Dr. Lucio Palanca was a guest speaker for the Dine with a Doc program and he spoke to a large crowd concerning ways to prevent or find cancer at its earliest stages. The program was well-received by all.

The Cancer Center Outreach Program wants to provide as many screening opportunities as possible so that the community is informed in the cancer center's fight against cancer. There were free skin screenings conducted in May and October with a total of 66 participants -- 20 had biopsies recommended and three had lesions suspicious for melanoma. Dr. John Stephens of Dermatology Inc. voluntarily performed the exams

On July 1, the Radiology Department successfully launched a lung cancer screening program and since then has found one patient with lung cancer and several with calcium nodules that are presently observed. This is a way for those who are at increased risk for lung cancer to have a screening done before they develop symptoms that come with larger cancers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the cancer center made it a priority that educational material was available to area residents by manning an education table during the First Friday event on the downtown Greencastle Square.

Another event attended was the DePauw Dig Pink volleyball game where again literature was provided to the students and attendees. There were also educational tables set up in the cancer clinic lobby and the hospital lobby during the month.

Prostate screening was provided in November with Drs. Lucio Palanca, Mahesh Sreedasyam and Frank Workman volunteering to do free exams. PSA lab tests were also performed for a reduced fee of $10. A total of 55 men participated in the program this year.

With reaching out to residents of Putnam and the surrounding counties vital in the fight against cancer, the Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center arms individuals with information and tools to prevent or find cancer at the earliest stages, when it can be most easily treated or cured.

While the Cancer Center's mission is to treat those with cancer and blood disorders, it also has an obligation to educate local residents on how to have the best defense against cancer through screenings and preventative measures.

It takes many hours and a financial commitment to ensure that cancer awareness and prevention programs are available. The Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center appreciates the extra hours many of the oncology team members have worked to ensure programs are available to the community.

The cancer center offers thanks to the following for volunteering, making financial contributions or helping in any way: The Putnam County Community Foundation, individuals who have contributed to the PCH Cancer Center Endowment or to the Cancer Center, the DePauw volleyball team, the Women's VFWAuxiliary, the PCCS Peer Support Group, Greencastle CVS and the Cloverdale High School volleyball team.

It takes many volunteers to provide such programs in the community, so thanks also goes to Lori Lucas, Sue Stattner, Sue Ryland, Anne Clark, Jennifer Dunfee, Lauren Greeson, Conner Barnes and Mike McCammack as well as physicians Drs. John Stephens, Lucio Palanca, Mahesh Sreedasyam and Frank Workman.