Cancer Diagnosis

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Cancer Diagnosis

Learning that you or someone you love has cancer can make you feel that your world is being turned upside down. Your initial thoughts may be "How could this have happened to me?" and "How will I get through this?"

A cancer diagnosis is shocking and overwhelming. 

Specially trained nurse navigators are available to patients and their loved ones before, during, and after a diagnosis of cancer has been made. These nurses provide real-time education, guidance, and support to patients as they progress through their treatment and beyond into survivorship.

At Spectrum Health Lakeland, physicians and care providers meet before starting treatment to review each person's case. These weekly multidisciplinary cancer conferences are conducted to help coordinate care and enhance collaboration among team members. In addition, Spectrum Health Lakeland collaborates with community organizations that share the goal of cancer awareness and education, including the Berrien County Cancer Services and the American Cancer Society.

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Physician Profile Video: Jeffrey Grondin, M.D. (Pulmonary & Critical Care)

Jeffrey Grondin, M.D. says the best part of his job is being able to change people’s lives, because when someone is struggling with a breathing issue, it can significantly impact their quality of life.

Oct 30, 2023
Patricia McCarthy, N.P. (Pulmonary & Critical Care)

Patricia McCarty’s, N.P., wide range of patient management experience enables her to connect with patients to understand the root causes of their condition and find solutions.

Oct 30, 2023
Check-up: The importance of screening for lung cancer (Jeffrey Grondin, MD)

Pulmonary and critical care specialist Jeffrey Grondin, MD, Corewell Health explains the importance of lung cancer screening for those at risk.

Jul 27, 2023
Check-up: Removing cancer with surgery (Nathan Piovesan, MD)

Cancer care can involve surgery done by a general surgeon to either remove cancer or to do diagnostic surgery to identify what a tumor is.

Mar 03, 2023
Check-up: Detect lung cancer early (Kenlyn Laureys, NP)

Nurse practitioner Kenlyn Laureys in the high-risk cancer program at Corewell Health explains that if you are identified as being at high risk for lung cancer your doctor can refer you to receive a lung cancer screening.

Mar 03, 2023
Check-up: Cutting out colon cancer with surgery (Benjamin Sopczynski, MD)

General surgeon Benjamin Sopczynski, MD, explains what a colectomy is and how it can be used to remove colon cancer. Minimally invasive surgery is used to make this procedure less invasive with quicker healing times.

Mar 03, 2023
Corewell Health - We Can

What can we do together? Can we beat the unbeatable? Can we achieve the unthinkable? Can we reach our health goals? And accomplish even more along the way? Can we live healthier, fuller, happier lives? With Corewell Health, we can.

Feb 16, 2023
Provider Video Profile: Kenlyn Laureys, NP (Oncology)

Nurse Practitioner Kenlyn Laureys cares for patients getting cancer infusion treatments in Niles, Michigan.

Sep 23, 2022
Breast Cancer: Nancy Pallas "3D approach to care"

At age 79, Dowagiac resident, Nancy Pallas, decided to opt for a 3D mammogram, which was able to detect a stage 1A tumor. Her care team quickly assembled to help her beat the cancer.

Sep 07, 2022
Prostate cancer: Martin Dixon "Put to the test"

Retired engineer Martin Dixon takes a matter of fact, analytical approach to life. So, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he faced his treatment with the same outlook.

Jul 22, 2022

Trending on Lakeland

Corewell Health Center for Wellness Has Relocated to Expand Local Health Services in Benton Harbor

The Corewell Health™ Center for Wellness has moved to a spacious new building around the corner from its original facility. The new space is approximately 24,000 square feet - nearly 20 times larger than the previous location, adding adequate room to expand community-based health services.

Corewell Health’s President in Southwest Michigan Announces Retirement

Loren B. Hamel, M.D., president, Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan, has announced his plan to retire on June 30, 2024.

New Members Appointed to Corewell Health South Board of Directors

Corewell Health welcomed two new members to its board of directors in Southwest Michigan. Bertha King and Stephen Hempel, M.D., began three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2024.

Corewell Health Announces Changes to Board of Directors, Appoints New Chair

Today, Corewell Health™ announced changes to its board of directors, including the introduction of two new members, the appointment of a new chair and vice chair, and the departure of three founding board members.

Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season

Corewell Health™, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, is encouraging Lakeland area community members to donate blood this holiday season. A series of community blood drives will take place this December.

Corewell Health, YMCA Increase Access to Healthy Foods Through Veggie Van™ Partnership

The Veggie Van™, a mobile farmers market, served 13 counties throughout Michigan this year, ensuring that free fruits and vegetables were available to individuals who otherwise had limited access. The program, a joint effort of Corewell Health™ and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, launched in 2018 to combat food insecurity and will continue for a sixth consecutive year in spring 2024. Through their partnership, 46,466 free pieces of produce were distributed to Michigan families in 2023.

Corewell Health Named a Leading Inclusion Index Company

Corewell Health™ was named to professional services and research firm Seramount’s 2023 Inclusion Index. The recognition measures three key areas of an organization: best practices in the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from historically marginalized groups—women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people; inclusive company culture; and demographic diversity.

South Haven Luminary Fundraiser  for Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care

Community members are invited to support Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, formerly Caring Circle, by purchasing a luminary now through Monday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Gastroenterology joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan area residents can access gastroenterology services at a new Corewell Health™ facility, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology, 3903 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The facility, formerly Great Lakes Gastroenterology, joined Corewell Health on Nov. 1.

Drug Take Back Day Encourages Community to Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Corewell Health and Berrien County Sheriff Department have teamed up to collect unused and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal. Community members are invited to stop by Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital and Corewell Health Care Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New General Surgeon Joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

General surgeon Andrew Vaughan, D.O., joined the medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Vaughan will see patients alongside several board-certified surgeons and advanced practitioners at 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Physician to Diabetes and Endocrinology

Board-certified endocrinologist, Inderpreet Madahar, M.D., will join Corewell Health’s medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Madahar will see patients at Corewell Health Diabetes and Endocrinology – Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 288, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Primary Care Provider in Coloma

Family nurse practitioner Andrea Edgerly, N.P., has joined the Corewell Health™ medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Edgerly is accepting new patients at Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital Primary Care - Coloma, 6701 Paw Paw Ave.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Nurse Midwife

Alexandra Vroom, CNM, has joined Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan. Vroom will see patients alongside three physicians and four other advanced practice providers at Corewell Health Women’s Health‐ Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 100, in St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Named a 2023 Top 75 Company for Executive Women

Corewell Health was named among the list of 2023 Seramount Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.

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