FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Help Is Available to Live a Smoke-Free and Cancer-Free Life
The Steeplechase Cancer Center holds an educational forum on ending nicotine addiction and lung cancer prevention
Not only is smoking addictive, but there are serious health conditions that go along with it. To educate the public about smoking cessation options as well as lung cancer risks and prevention, the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center will hold a special information session on Thursday, November 18, from 6 to 8 pm. The event, to be held in the Steeplechase lobby at 30 Rehill Avenue in Somerville, will feature a panel discussion, and a special appearance by a former smoker and lung cancer survivor.
All attendees will receive a voucher for a free consultation at Somerset Medical Center’s Tobacco Quitcenter, the only Quitcenter in Somerset County. They also will be able to get a free lung assessment while enjoying free parking, refreshments and giveaways.
The evening’s panel discussion will focus on optimizing lung health, the benefits of early detection of lung cancer, and how the Tobacco Quitcenter can help smokers end their addiction and kick the smoking habit for good. Expert guests include the Steeplechase Cancer Center’s Jean-Philippe Bocage, MD, Lung Cancer Institute Chair, Aida N. Soriano, MD, Lung Cancer Institute pulmonologist, and Kathleen Toomey, MD, Medical Director, as well as Somerset Medical Center’s Robert J. Caccavale, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery, and Chris Kotsen, PsyD, Tobacco Quitcenter Program Manager.
Special guest Frank LaForgia will tell his story about quitting smoking and beating
lung cancer. Mr. LaForgia, who smoked for 35 years, tried to stop numerous times without any success. When he was diagnosed with lymphoma, he turned to the
Tobacco Quitcenter at Somerset Medical Center to help him end his addiction once and for all. At the same time Mr. LaForgia started his program at the Quitcenter, he underwent a CT scan which revealed a nodule in his lung strongly suggesting lung cancer. Drs. Caccavale and Bocage, of Thoracic Group, successfully removed the nodule, which was found in the earliest stage of lung cancer. Today, Mr. LaForgia is smoke-free, and eager to share his story of early detection.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Tracey Seibert at 732-247-3002 or at traceyk@thoracicgroup.com. RSVPs are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
The Steeplechase Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer services of the highest quality within a calm, compassionate, patient-focused environment. The Center provides a variety of educational and support programs related to cancer and wellness. Each patient’s treatment is guided by a multidisciplinary team that continually reviews and updates treatment protocols for the four most common types of cancer: breast, colorectal, prostate and lung. These teams ensure that the most advanced care is provided to improve the quality of life of patients. The Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons and is a certified Comprehensive Community Cancer Center.
