MOUNT VERNON – The Center for Cancer Care at Knox Community Hospital treats not only cancer patients but also those with blood disorders such as anemia and iron deficiencies, nurse practitioner Laura Eichenlaub told the Mount Vernon News.
“We provide treatments such as chemotherapy but also newer treatments such as immunotherapy,” she said. “We also participate in clinical trials, so we are able to offer patients new and upcoming treatments.”
Eichenlaub noted immunotherapies, which trigger the body’s immune system to fight cancer, are working well for many patients.
“They are constantly doing studies on what types of patients can use immunotherapies,” she said. “They’ve had really good results. People will see commercials for immunotherapies now. Those are all things we are offering at Knox Community Hospital. It’s really exciting.”
Patients with lung cancer, kidney cancer and melanoma are among those who are able to take advantage of the new treatments.
“It trains your body to recognize the cancer cells as something foreign and trains your body how to attack it and kills those cells, or at least keep them at bay,” Eichenlaub explained.
Patients usually tolerate the treatments better than chemotherapy, she said.
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for patients, but Eichenlaub stresses that all cancers are different.
“A lot of people just sort of lump cancer into one category,” she said. “But there are many different types even within individual cancers. For example, there are multiple types of breast cancer. Same for lung cancer. So we treat them differently.”
The chances of surviving cancer are increasing as new treatments are available.
“There is greater hope for people with a diagnosis of cancer,” Eichenlaub said.
The hospital does not treat cancer patients under the age of 18.
Not smoking and limiting alcohol use can help prevent cancer, Eichenlaub noted.
“Make sure you exercise and try to have a healthy diet,” she said. “See your doctor every year for your wellness check, because there are screenings you should get at certain ages.”
Possible signs of cancer include losing a significant amount of weight without trying to, Eichenlaub said.
If you are overly tired and suddenly don’t have an appetite, that could be a sign as well.
“Also, pain that you can’t explain,” she said. “You’re not sure why you are having this pain. It’s always good to have things checked out. Be on the safe side.”
