Free Head, Neck and Oral Cancer Screenings

DERBY –Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings from 4-6 p.m. on Thurs.  April 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

This is the eighth straight year Griffin has offered the free screenings to the community. Held during Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, the free screenings aim to catch cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box) at an early, and treatable stage.

“Griffin Hospital urges our community members to participate in our free head and neck screening,” said Dr. Joseph Cardinale, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Griffin Hospital. “Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn more of the symptoms of head and neck cancers, which include a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, it’s important to get screened right away. For our community members who are tobacco users or who have a higher risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) due to having multiple partners, we strongly urge each individual to get screened as both are high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers.”

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance estimates that there will be more than 550,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2019, and many individuals will not be aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancer is now ranked in the top six cancers worldwide.

Last year, 63 individuals were screened at the Center. As a result of the screenings, four individuals were referred for further evaluation.

About Oral Head and Neck Cancer

Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside the cheeks, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland.

Some early signs and symptoms include:

• A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
• Sore throat or swollen tonsil
• Changes in your voice
• A lump in your neck
• Earache
• Difficulty swallowing

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use are very high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tongue, mouth, throat and voice box. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has recently emerged as having a connection to oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancer, particularly in non-smokers and younger age groups.

While anyone can develop thyroid cancers, a family history or exposure to radiation is considered a risk factor that may increase the risk. Most salivary gland cancers do not seem to be associated with any particular cause.

If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Fundraiser for Former Ansonia Employee

Shelton Woman Battling Cancer to Swim Across the Sound

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Shelton Resident Kim Adler Will SWIM Across the Sound While Battling Cancer BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut - July 19, 2017. On August 5, 2017, Shelton resident Kim Adler and her team will join approximately 200 swimmers, accompanied by a fleet of 100 boats, and take turns swimming 15.5 miles from Port Jefferson, New York, across Long Island Sound to Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport. All are participating in the St. Vincent's 30th Anniversary SWIM Across the Sound marathon to raise money for cancer patients. Adler -a Clinical Nurse Educator, Perioperative Services, at St. Vincent's Medical Center - is a member of the "Sink or Swim" six-person relay team. The money they raise from pledges goes to St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound, which helps cancer patients and their family deal with the non-medical challenges that cancer brings and that insurance does not cover.   Adler's own battle with cancer began in 2011, when the then 47-year old was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer. Her treatment required a colon resection followed by six months of chemotherapy. Around July 2012, Adler found out that the cancer had metastasized to her liver and underwent a liver resection and four more months of chemotherapy. Throughout the following year, she faced more medical procedures at St. Vincent's Medical Center. "Throughout my fight with cancer, during the radiation treatments, and working through my chemotherapy, I realized that working at St. Vincent's has been such a blessing," said Adler. "Not only did they work around my schedule when I had to have the treatments done, but everyone was very supportive and it showed me how family oriented the St. Vincent's environment truly is."    After Kim's initial diagnosis, she didn't work for six months. She approached the SWIM, filled out the application and the SWIM paid her mortgage for a month. Right before the SWIM marathon in 2016 - in which Adler participated - her doctors found a spot in her lung; however, treatment didn't begin until the end of August. In September, special markers were placed in her lungs and she had three doses of radiation.    Adler's story continues to this day as she is still fighting cancer, although the radiation therapy seems to be working. As a nurse at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Adler shares her story with patients who need the comfort and understanding another survivor can provide. "I have always been the glass is half full kind of girl instead of half empty," Adler said. "You can't sweat the small stuff because life's too short."    Come and cheer on Kim and all the swimmers on Saturday, August 5, at Captain's Cove in Bridgeport.    Help others like Kim who continue to fight the most important battle of their lives by supporting the Swim Across the Sound. Donations can be made at swimacrossthesound.org/ marathon2017. About St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, the SWIM has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer brings with it. The SWIM serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing over 45 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information, contact the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visit www.SwimAcrossTheSound.org.

Valley 5K Moves Back to the Fall

 

DERBY - The Ninth Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is moving back to the fall.

 

This non-competitive, family-friendly event is set for Sat., Sept. 30 at the Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the first 500 registered participants will receive t-shirts. Registration is $25. The registration fees will increase by $5 after Sept. 15.

 

Proceeds are earmarked for special needs of cancer patients, such as support for transportation, groceries, and wig and salon services, as well as patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. In addition to funding direct patient care needs, the proceeds from this year’s 5K will support the purchase of technological advances in Griffin’s Radiation Oncology department to provide exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, comforting, and close to home.

 

The 5K draws walkers and runners from all over the Lower Naugatuck Valley, including participants from Derby, Ansonia, Shelton, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck, and all over the state. The 5k Walk/Run was started by the caregivers of the Cancer Center as a way to raise funds to purchase wigs for patients. The first Walk/Run exceeded expectations drawing over 200 participants and raising more than $25,000, providing opportunity for additional financial support for patients as they undergo cancer treatment. Now in its ninth year, the 5K has drawn thousands of participants over the years and raised more than $300,000 to help support local cancer survivors.

 

Participants can walk or run individually, or form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one at the event.

 

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. For more information, call 203-732-7466 or e-mail 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.

Sponsor the Griffin 5K

 

The 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care still has sponsorship opportunities available, which include signage at the event, company logo on back of participant T-shirts, and opportunities to distribute promotional products at the event.

 

For more information about sponsorships, contact Laura Murphy at 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7466.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Softball Game to Benefit Cancer

Sen. Logan Discusses Cancer Prevention Efforts

Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino (left) speaks with Sen. George S. Logan (right) on the latest edition of Logan’s tv show “The Senate Reports.”  Commissioner Pino and Sen. Logan discuss DPH’s ongoing cancer prevention awareness efforts and DPH’s focus on reaching out to Connecticut’s African-American community.  March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Connecticut. The show airs on Access TV 22 (www.AccessTV.org) and can be viewed at Logan’s website: www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com . Logan, who serves as Vice-Chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 

Griffin Hospital Cancer Screenings

DERBY -The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby recently gave free oral, head and neck cancer screenings to 55 individuals in recognition of the Annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

 

This is the fifth year Griffin has offered these free screenings to the community. Participating physicians included Dr. Joseph Cardinale, Dr. Joyce Chung, Dr. Jay Dworkin, Dr. Ken Yanagisawa, Dr. David Fantarella, Dr. Michael Garaffa, and Dr. Michael Yungaitis. Volunteers also included medical student Katie Yanagisawa and students from University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene.

 

As a result of the screenings, four individuals were referred for further evaluation, three individuals were referred to a dermatologist for skin lesions and one participant was referred to for immediate follow-up for a suspected neoplasm.

 

In the past five years of this program at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, more than 280 free screenings have been conducted, with nearly 39 instances of individuals being referred for follow-up that could have saved their lives.

 

Oral, head and neck cancer can arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). According to the American Cancer Society, more than 48,300 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in 2016, resulting in more than 9,500 deaths.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for every adult, especially for tobacco and alcohol users who are traditionally at the greatest risk. However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus.

 

Symptoms associated with oral cancer, include:

·         A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

·         Persistent pain in your mouth

·         Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue

·         Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

·         Changes in your voice

·         A lump in your neck

 

If you have any of these warning signs, contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280 right away.

 

About the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital

Opened in October, 2008, Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care provides care that's comprehensive, comforting, and close to home. The Center provides access to Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and a range of affiliated physicians under the same roof in a Planetree-inspired healing environment. Support services include a Patient Care Navigator, dietary/nutritional consultations, genetic counseling, social work services, spiritual care, education and support groups, and a variety of non-traditional therapies to reduce anxiety. For more information, visit griffincancercenter.org or call 203-732-1260.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

All in for Anna fundraiser in Ansonia

Losing friends to cancer inspires Seymour native to ‘make a difference’

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> A Seymour High School graduate, inspired by the courage shown by two of his friends — the late Nina Poeta and Tiffany Nieves — in their fights against cancer, has been moved to embark on a mission to brighten the holidays for sick children.

Read more here. 

Reminder: Prayer gathering planned Saturday for Seymour teen

SEYMOUR - A Mass for Nina Poeta, 17, will be followed by a Community Prayer Gathering at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Augustine's Church, 35 Washington Ave.

Nina is battling a brain tumor.

Please join Poeta Strong for this special event. 

Refreshments will be served, and cards and notes will be available to send Nina to show her how much she is loved and supported.


The information in this post is taken from the Poeta Strong Facebook page. 

Prayer gathering planned for Seymour teen battling cancer

SEYMOUR - A Mass for Nina Poeta, 17, will be followed by a Community Prayer Gathering at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at St. Augustine's Church, 35 Washington Ave.

Nina is battling a brain tumor.

Please join Poeta Strong for this special event. 

Refreshments will be served, and cards and notes will be available to send Nina to show her how much she is loved and supported.


The information in this post is taken from the Poeta Strong Facebook page. 
 

Event to benefit Seymour teen battling cancer

Seymour resident Nina Poeta / Photo from GoFundMe website

SEYMOUR - Nina Poeta, 17, is a cheerleader for Seymour High School and a very special young lady in the Valley community. 

Most people in the area know of her battle with cancer.  She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in November. 

The past eight months have been quite challenging for Nina and her family. She has undergone radiation, two very delicate surgical procedures, and is currently receiving a second round of chemotherapy. 

At this time, Nina is struggling with several neurological complications. She is having vision problems and reduced use of her left side. 

The community’s love and support has been a blessing to the Poeta family. A fund was set up on Go Fund Me and has raised more than $75,000 to help with the financial challenges they are facing. 

Please visit the site to learn more about Nina and her journey http://www.gofundme.com/5eirqo.

A special day is planned for Nina and her family starting at noon July 26. Poeta Strong and Colonial Tavern in Oxford are hosting a Picnic and Silent Auction. 

They are hoping to have a great turnout to show Nina that she is not alone in this fight. This will be a great way to spend time with the Poetas and show your love and support. 

Tickets are available at Peachwave in Oxford, and Special Discount Liquor, Phoenix Yoga & Wellness Center and Peak Fitness, all in Seymour. 

Visit the picnic Facebook page or call Elizabeth Pisano, 203-415-4387 for information or to donate a prize for the auction. 

This is a press release from Poeta Strong.

A perfect day for lemonade, fund-raising in Derby

Derby residents Alexis Pudimat, left, and Shannon Cobaugh sold lemonade Saturday for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research at their Alex's Lemonade Stand on Derby Day. The girls sold the lemonade on the Derby Green and said by mid-afternoon they had almost reached their fund-raising goal.

Griffin Hospital in Derby screens 40 for cancer

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital recently gave free oral, head and neck cancer screenings to 40 individuals in recognition of the 17th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®. 

This is the third year Griffin has offered these free screenings to the community. 
Participating physicians included Ken Yanagisawa, MD and Joyce Chung, MD.

Oral, head and neck cancer can arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 118,000 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in 2014, resulting in an estimated 14,000 deaths.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for every adult, especially for tobacco and alcohol users who are traditionally at the greatest risk. However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus virus.

Symptoms associated with oral cancer, include:

·         A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

·         Persistent pain in your mouth

·         Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue

·         Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

·         Changes in your voice

·         A lump in your neck

If you have any of these warning signs, contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280 right away.

About the Center for Cancer Care

Opened in October, 2008, Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care provides care that's comprehensive, comforting, and close to home. 

The Center provides access to Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and a range of affiliated physicians under the same roof in a Planetree-inspired healing environment. 

Support services include a Patient Care Navigator, dietary/nutritional consultations, genetic counseling, social work services, pastoral care, education and support groups, and a variety of non-traditional therapies offered through the Integrative Medicine Center. 

For more information, visit griffincancercenter.org or call 203-732-1260.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Nonprofit seeks support for Oxford family

By Suzanne Major

Founder/CEO

Treasured Time, Inc.

We at Treasured Time know that there are many families battling life threatening illnesses and who are in need of support.

Our mission is to create moments that will last a lifetime for these families. 

Our focus during this holiday season turns to the Lee Family from Oxford.

Bob and his wife, Cathy, have two young boys, ages 8 and 10. Bob is battling a rare form of cancer called Synovial Sarcoma. Synovial Sarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma. 

We would like to “Give the Gift of Moments” this holiday with a Gift Card Drive that directly supports the Lee family. 

We are asking that you drop off your gift card donations (grocery, gas, department stores, restaurants, Visa/Mastercard/Amex) at the Starbucks location on Rt. 67 in Seymour, between now and Dec. 22. 

Please help us make it possible for the Lee family to make memories through your kindness and generosity.   

When you help a family in need, you encourage them to fight harder, dream bigger and look past the illnesses that they are facing.

Treasured Time, Inc. is based in Seymour.

Kick-a-thon in Seymour to benefit Oxford family

Treasured Time is a foundation started earlier this year by Seymour resident Suzanne Major to help parents who face life-threatening illnesses create memories with their children. 

Derby restaurant holds benefit, donates to cancer organizations

Pictured Monday at Marco Pizzeria and Restaurant in Derby are from left, Camp Rising Sun volunteers Scott Capozza of Oxford, Lindsay LaFemina of Danbury, and Dan Root of Fairfield. They are next to a banner announcing a 12th annual fund-raiser to benefit the camp for children with cancer to be held July 17 in Branford.  Patricia Villers/Register

DERBY - My husband and I attended a fun event Monday night at Marco Pizzeria and Restaurant that supported two great causes: Camp Rising Sun, an overnight camp for children with cancer, and CT Challenge, an organization in Southport that empowers cancer survivors.

Kudos to Marco owner Tom Andrews for donating half of the proceeds from the event to the two charities. And plaudits go to his eight employees who donated their time.

Andrews, a Valley native who lives in North Branford, told me he would like to host similar events to help other local organizations raise funds.

And I must add that the thin-crust pizza was delicious!

Derby restaurant to host fund-raising event Monday

DERBY - Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant, 656 New Haven Ave., will present a special night to benefit Camp Rising Run from 4-8 p.m. Monday.

Restaurant manager Jordan Mann said in a release that 50 percent of the proceeds (dine-in and take-out) will benefit Camp Rising Sun’s cycling team at this year’s CT Challenge bike ride in July.

Mann said the restaurant is opening up special for Monday's event  and the entire staff is volunteering for the benefit.

Visit Marco's for a great meal and Wooster Street-style pizza and support two local charities that benefit cancer survivors.

The fund-raiser is only being held at the restaurant's Derby location, Mann said. 

For more information on the organizations, visit www.ctchallenge.org or www.camprisingsun.com.



This post is taken from a press release from Jordan Mann, manager, Marco's Pizzeria Restaurant,  Derby.

Anyone for a screening?

 

DERBY - I had my first colonoscopy Monday. I don't know why it took me so long to undergo the procedure.
I take that back, maybe I do know: Fear and anxiety.


As friends and medical professionals alike had told me over the years, it's a piece of cake - once you get to the hospital, that is.
In my case, as you can see, it was Griffin.

The prep is not easy. I'm not sure which part I liked less - the not being able to eat or the taste of the stuff you have to drink to get "cleansed," shall we say.


But I don't want to scare anyone away from having it done. It's worth a day of just having chicken broth and lemon ice to eat.

As part of my own prep Sunday I watched video of the procedure as it was played out on live TV a few years back.

That's when TV newsman Harry Smith underwent a colonoscopy while the cameras rolled.

He was accompanied in the room by Katie Couric, long an advocate for regular colon screenings. Her husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer in 1998.

Also on Sunday I read a great column by humor writer Dave Barry who said he had put off the screening for quite a few years after hitting the half-century mark.

I'd love to share a quote or two here, they're quite hilarious, but that would be violating copyright laws. But I can urge you to look it up for a good laugh.


So the message today is if you're over 50 (or golden as I like to think of it) don't hesitate about getting checked.

As Debbie, the wonderful nurse who took care of me, said when she found out it was my first screening: "You're in for a treat."


I want to thank her, and Tammy, and Barbara and everyone in the Digestive Disorders Center who made the experience as easy as possible.
Sorry to say I can't remember all their names. I was a bit out of it from the dehydration.


And as you can see from the photo, they even give you a sticker when you're ready to leave.

72 tested for oral, head, neck cancer in Derby

Griffin Hospital offers free screenings 

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby recently screened 72 individuals for oral, head, and neck cancer in recognition of the 16th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®.

This is the second year Griffin has offered these free screenings to the community. 

Participating physicians included Ken Yanagisawa, MD, Ronald H. Hirokawa, MD, Joyce Chung, MD, Joseph Cardinale, M.D., Jay Dworkin., DMD, Brian Fusillo, DMD, Mitchell Quintner, D.D.S, and members of Huntington Family Dental Group in Shelton, Sensitive Care Dentistry in Milford, and Dental Associates of Connecticut in Shelton.

Of the 72 individuals screened, 14 lives were potentially saved by the screening physicians referring the persons for additional screening and, in three cases, giving an immediate referral for an abnormal growth.

Oral, head and neck cancer can arise in the the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). 

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 41,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and throat are expected in 2013.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for every adult, especially for tobacco and alcohol users who are traditionally at the greatest risk. However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus.

Symptoms associated with oral cancer include:

• A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

• Persistent pain in your mouth

• Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue

• Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

• Changes in your voice

• A lump in your neck

If you have any of these warning signs, contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-

1280 right away.

This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.