Cancer Center doctor to discuss Chronic Leukemia on Fort Wayne PBS 39

GOSHEN, Ind -- Chronic leukemia, a condition of abnormal white cells in the blood, often  goes undetected for many years until it is identified in a routine blood test. In fact, nearly one in five chronic leukemia patients have no symptoms at the time of their diagnosis.

There are two forms of chronic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), one of the most common types of adult leukemia. The disease occurs mostly in people older than 50 (average of 70), but can occur in any age group.

Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with chronic leukemia. In last five years, new treatments have shown dramatic success and the disease can often be cured.

Carol Westbrook, MD, PhD, medical oncologist at Goshen Center for Cancer Care, will appear on WFWA-TV PBS 39 on December 9, as part of its HealthLine program series to discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for chronic leukemia.

Dr. Westbrook is a medical oncologist with a longstanding interest in the relationship between gene mutations and cancer. She received both her MD and PhD from the University of Chicago, and completed Hematology-Oncology fellowships at UCLA and University of Chicago. Dr. Westbrook has pursued an active research career in the genetic analysis of breast cancer, colon cancer, and hematologic malignancies, leading to over 100 publications and one patent for leukemia diagnosis.

The HealthLine program airs on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 7:30-8 p.m. on Fort Wayne's PBS 39. The half-hour program is a live call-in show that invites viewers to call and ask their pressing questions about various health and wellness topics. 

 About Goshen Center for Cancer Care:
The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, part of Goshen Health System, is a leader in innovative cancer treatment. They were among the first to adopt a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. They offer holistic programs for strengthening minds as well as bodies, place a premium on family involvement and spiritual needs, and encourage patients to play a decision-making role in treatment selection. Through this integrative team approach, the center provides medical, radiation, nuclear and surgical oncology as well as naturopathic medicine.

To find out more about the Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Goshen Health System, call 866-561-4673 or 574-535-2888 or visit www.goshencancer.org. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.