CentraState - Healthy Directions

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to work through tiny incisions but with exceptional control, range of motion and visibility. This is particularly important with delicate and complex surgeries such as the removal of part of the colon, Dr. Kayal says. "The robot provides a magnified view of the inside of the belly that is unparalleled," Dr. Kayal says. "This allows us to remove cancerous tissue while better preserving healthy nerves and other critical structures near the colon." Because of the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, patients recover more quickly, return to normal activities faster and often have less blood loss compared with traditional open surgery with a large abdominal incision. Most patients are out of the hospital in a matter of days, and Jim says his recovery from surgery went smoothly. A CANCER-FIGHTING TEAM As part of CentraState's team approach to cancer care, Jim also met with Bhavesh Balar, MD, a board-certified hematologist/oncologist and on staff at CentraState. Dr. Balar recommended chemotherapy to reduce the chances that Jim's cancer would return or spread. "In early-stage colon cancer, chemotherapy is really designed to kill off any microscopic cancer cells floating around that are below the level of detection by any types of scans," Dr. Balar says. "It's really for prevention." Jim says his 12 chemotherapy treatments between May and October 2014 were "rough, very rough," but he kept up his spirits by trying to cheer up his fellow patients in chemotherapy. "He's one of the liveliest people you'll meet," Dr. Balar says. "He's always joking and laughing. He's doing amazingly well." A POSITIVE OUTLOOK More than a year after his surgery, Jim says he has most of his old energy back, and he needs it—he and his wife, Joan, babysit their grandchildren a few times a week. Jim is now taking advantage of CentraState's post-cancer services. CentraState offers patients and their families services including support groups and integrative therapies like meditation and nutrition programs offered at the Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center. Jim's health will continue to be monitored with regular blood tests and, as needed, follow-up colonoscopies. However, he's optimistic about his odds of beating cancer for a second time in his life. "I just keep thinking about my grandkids and saying, 'I'm going to beat this,'" Jim says. For more information about CentraState's cancer services, visit CentraStateCancerCenter.com or call 855-411-CANCER (855-411-2262). HD Are You a Candidate for Colonoscopy? "Screening for colon cancer is recommended for everyone starting at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of cancer or pre-existing colon disease," says Colin Brown, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist on staff at CentraState. Colonoscopy, which uses a flexible tube and camera to view the colon, is the most effective screening tool. The outpatient procedure, which is done under sedation, can detect and remove benign, precancerous growths called polyps. "We recommend routine colonoscopy screening, not to really look for cancers but to prevent them from ever happening," Dr. Brown says. "What you're trying to do is 'remove the weed at the root'—that is, remove the polyp before it becomes cancer." If a colonoscopy is normal, many patients do not have to repeat the procedure for up to 10 years, Dr. Brown says. If your gastroenterologist finds polyps or other abnormalities, more frequent screenings may be recommended. It's an old adage, but it's true about every disease: Your best defense is early detection. Getting a screening when you're otherwise healthy may seem like an odd notion, but if you're at risk due to factors such as family history or exposure to disease-causing elements, the short time it would take for a screening may be a life-changer. For a complete list of upcoming health screenings, visit CentraState.com/Events or call 732-308-0570. Bhavesh Balar, MD board-certified oncologist www.centrastate.com Summer 2015 7

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