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“By working together early on, we are
able to make sure that the patient gets
the most effective treatment as soon as possible,”
says James McCaughan, M.D., medical
director of the Lung Cancer Specialty
Program at Ocean. Dr. McCaughan
developed the idea for the program and
brought it to Ocean Medical Center.
Ocean also offers state-of-the-art tests for
lung cancer, such as endoscopy ultrasound
with needle biopsy. This test can help
patients avoid surgery that was traditionally
needed to determine the stage of cancer.
When surgery is needed, patients
might benefit from video-assisted thoracic
surgery, which uses minimally invasive
techniques. In addition, patients who
come to Ocean have access to the latest
therapies through clinical trials.
Family Finds Support —
Even on Saturdays
Sixty-year-old Brick resident Barbara Schaffer
and her family are just some of the people
who have been helped through the Program.
“Everyone should have a Joyce,” says
Lauren Hussey-LoRusso, Barbara’s daughter.
Because Lauren lives in Connecticut,
it’s not always easy for her to manage her
mom’s care. But Cline-Blasi has been a
great source of support, even coming to the
hospital on the weekend to see Barbara’s
family. “Having a clinical advocate has
been extremely helpful to us.
“Joyce has a way about her — she’s very
calm and soft-spoken,” Lauren continues.
“She always returns our calls right away.
We love her. She’s been invaluable to us.”
about the doctor
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Cancer Can Affect Nonsmokers
Barbara, who never smoked, never thought
she would get lung cancer. Earlier this year,
doctors found her lung cancer by accident
during tests she had done while in the
emergency department after having tremors.
People who don’t smoke can develop
lung cancer, especially if they are exposed
to secondhand smoke at home or work.
As many as 3,000 nonsmokers die of lung
cancer every year, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
When doctors diagnosed Barbara, they
discovered that the lung cancer had spread
to her brain. They referred her to Ocean
Medical Center’s sister hospital, Riverview
Medical Center, to receive a targeted form
of radiation on her brain using CyberKnife. ®
This advanced treatment delivered intense
doses of radiation to her brain tumor. Today,
the tumor is no longer detectable.
At press time, Barbara was finishing
chemotherapy to help control her lung
cancer. Although she’s tired, she and
her family are grateful for the care they
received at Ocean Medical Center.
“We couldn’t have made it through this
without the kind of support we’ve received
from the hospital,” Lauren says. “They
really have gone above and beyond.” •
James McCaughan, M.D.
Board certified in
Thoracic Surgery
Brick | 732-836-0007
meridian Celebrates a
Year being Smoke-Free
This November, Meridian Health will
celebrate an important date: its first
anniversary being smoke-free. On
November 20, 2008 — the date of
the Great American Smokeout — all
Meridian facilities eliminated smoking
on their property — even outdoors —
as part of their commitment to provide
a healthier environment.
Are you ready to quit? Ocean Medical
Center can help you get started. Meridian
has partnered with the American Cancer
Society to offer the Freshstart program,
a group counseling program for people
who want to stop smoking. The program
consists of four one-hour sessions that
take place during a two-week period.
To register for one of the Freshstart
programs, call 1-800-DOCTORS.
For more information about smokingcessation
support available at Ocean
Medical Center, contact Certified Tobacco
Treatment Specialist Joyce Cline-Blasi,
R.N., at 732-836-4042. Other resources
available that can help you quit —
for good — include:
• American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org or 1-800-ACS-2345
• American Lung Association
Freedom from Smoking ® Online at
www.ffsonline.org or 1-800-548-8252
• New Jersey QuitNet at
www.njquitnet.com
• New Jersey Quitline at 1-866-NJ-STOPS
Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease.
TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
Statistics show that the rate of lung cancer is higher in Monmouth and Ocean counties than state and national
rates. At Ocean Medical Center, we offer the right blend of medical technology and specialists to support you and
your family when facing a lung cancer diagnosis.
• A team of physicians across specialties that meet and discuss the best plan for each patient’s care
• A single point of contact for connecting patients with educational materials, support services, and critical
aspects of care
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for faster recovery
• Access to lung cancer clinical trials
For more information, call 1-800-DOCTORS ®
or visit OceanMedicalCenter.com