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WILKES-BARRE — October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to educate the public on one of the most fatal forms of cancer, but it isn’t alone on that list — colorectal, pancreatic and skin cancers are similarly dangerous.

Dr. Kyo Chu, a surgical oncologist practicing at Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s Henry Cancer Center, said colorectal, pancreatic and skin are three of the most common cancers he sees at his 1000 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre location. Chu said cancer treatments vary on a case-by-case basis, but once someone is diagnosed their first course of action should be to find a facility staffed with specialists who work together to provide specialized, consultative care.

“It’s important to have an accurate diagnosis with a pathologist, accurate staging with a radiologist and, based upon this information, the other oncologist disciplines need to come up with a strategy to treat that,” Chu said. “I think this type of more tertiary care gives us more of a chance to beat the cancer. Whatever cancer you’re talking about, that’s what you need.”

Tertiary facilities give physicians a chance to work as a team against cancer without having to refer the patient to a number of facilities before formulating a game plan. In order to seek out such advanced care, the cancer must first be discovered. In the case of skin cancer, Chu said patients should bring any abnormalities to the attention of their primary care physician immediately and should request regular skin screenings. The specialist said risk factors include blue eyes, fair complexion and repeated, prolonged sun exposure.

Colorectal cancer can be scanned for via a colonoscopy, which Chu recommends every five years for those older than 50 who are at-risk for the condition due to prior illness or family history.

There is no screening recommendation for pancreatic cancer though. Oncologists have to rely on symptoms — if they can find any.

“You usually don’t develop symptoms,” Chu said. “A lot of times we see jaundice, it’s one of the signs of pancreatic cancer, which is yellowing of the eyes.”

Chu said smoking and family history can put patients at high-risk for the cancer, while the development of diabetes in patients not at-risk for the condition can be a warning sign. Those showing symptoms or who are at-risk can undergo an endoscopic ultra sound to obtain imagery of the pancreas, but this isn’t a standard recommendation. Chu said physicians are conducting research for a reliable scan for pancreatic cancer.

No matter the cancer, Chu said a lot of patients ask him about altering their lifestyle to better combat the condition. In each case, his reply is the same.

“The first thing that I tell all of my patients is that you have to really have a positive attitude,” Chu said. “It really influences your whole body, your immune system which is trying to fight the cancer. That’s important, and at the same time, you have to eat healthy and regularly continue the activity you’ve been doing. I think that’s very important to relate to patients — and everybody.”

Chu has recommended therapy in some cases, but he emphasized the importance of a strong family support system during the war against cancer. Besides breast cancer, colorectal, pancreatic and skin cancers are the most common forms to come through Geisinger’s Henry Cancer Center, but with early diagnosis, tertiary care, high morale and an emotional support system, Chu said patients stand a fighting chance no matter which variation they’re facing.

Dr. Kyo Chu, a surgical oncologist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s Henry Cancer Center, said three of the most common cancers he sees in his office are colorectal, pancreatic and melanoma. He said thyroid cancer is a close fourth and affects more women than men.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Kyo-Chu-MD-untoned-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDr. Kyo Chu, a surgical oncologist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s Henry Cancer Center, said three of the most common cancers he sees in his office are colorectal, pancreatic and melanoma. He said thyroid cancer is a close fourth and affects more women than men. Submitted photo
Colorectal, pancreatic and skin cancers present their own symptoms, tests and treatments

By Gene Axton

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Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on Twitter @TLArts