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Health Matters: Providence St. Joseph Hospital | 3 New Lung Cancer Technology Just Got Better When diagnosed early, the survival rate for lung cancer increases from 20% to more than 90%. A newly acquired fluoroscopic navigation system helps doctors at Providence St. Joseph make an accurate diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer—when it is most treatable. Thanks to the generous support of philanthropic donors, Providence St. Joseph Hospital recently added a Siemens Cios Spin 3D Fluoroscopy system to the Ion platform for robot-assisted bronchoscopy. It integrates easily with existing technology to perform minimally invasive lung biopsies. The combined systems offer many advantages over a traditional diagnosis. Better visualization and extended reach facilitate improved sampling of pulmonary nodules deep within the lung. Patients experience more accurate results with decreased pain and lower risk of complications. "This adds a significant upgrade to the already excellent precision of the Ion system," says John Maurice, MD, a thoracic oncologist at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment. "We are now able to biopsy any lesion in the lung, with a diagnostic accuracy over 95%." Dr. Maurice is highly experienced with Ion robot- assisted bronchoscopy. He has performed over 40 procedures this year and more than 150 since 2020, which ranks him among the nation's most experienced with the procedure. 5 Screenings Every Man Should Get 1. Cholesterol screening. High cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease or stroke. Starting at age 35, have your levels checked every five years. 2. Colonoscopy. Colorectal cancers affect areas of the colon, rectum and anus. A colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer. 3. Diabetes risk assessment. By age 50, it is recommended you get a diabetes screening every three years. 4. Blood pressure measurement. Make sure you are getting your blood pressure levels checked every few years or as often as your doctor recommends. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease or stroke if left untreated. 5. Digital rectal exam/PSA screening. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. About one in nine men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetimes. If you are 45 or older, talk with your doctor about how often you should be screened. Pretreatment Option for Prostate Cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in nine men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Radiation therapy is effective in treating prostate cancer, according Robert B. Ash, MD, a radiation oncologist at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. "Advances in technology make it possible for more targeted, higher doses of radiation to be delivered over a shorter period of time," says Dr. Ash. "With external beam radiation therapy (ERBT), patients typically receive treatments five days a week for several weeks. New guidelines use hypofractionated radiation, where external beam radiation is given in fewer treatments," explains Dr. Ash. Ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy, also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRBT), can be completed more quickly. "A shorter radiation schedule means more convenience, but the higher doses of radiation can damage surrounding healthy tissue," says Dr. Ash, "most notably the rectum, which is located close to the prostate." The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment is now offering SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a pretreatment option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. The "OAR" stands for "organ at risk," in this case the rectum. SpaceOAR gel leaves the rectum out of the treatment area. SpaceOAR hydrogel is put in place under a local anesthetic in the doctor's office, prior to treatment. It takes half an hour. It separates the rectal wall from the prostate for about three months. The hydrogel provides protection during radiation treatment and is naturally absorbed by the body in about six months—after the completion of radiation therapy. To learn more, call the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at 714-734-6200. Dr. Robert B. Ash Dr. John Maurice

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