Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

11/28/2025

Angie Gushow tasted the fresh air where she talked about rural communities among the flowers and fields. Nestled in the center of Mt. Pleasant, the Bay, Lapeer and Flint, it’s the perfect place to reflect amongst the best that the Central Michigan has to offer.

11/26/2025

Nov. 20 was recognized as World Pancreatic Cancer Day, and to honor that, Wasif Saif, M.D., MBBS, wore all purple in recognition of those affected by the disease. At Karmanos, our teams are dedicated to finding new ways to treat pancreatic cancer. “Though pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat, with our level of expertise at Karmanos, we are able to offer clinical trials to provide patients with better outcomes and extend their time with family and friends. We currently have investigative trials for pancreatic cancer that use new treatments and new therapy combinations that are not currently available at community hospitals,” said Dr. Saif.

11/25/2025

Due to his firsthand experience, 69-year-old Edgar Cooper now understands the importance of these screening guidelines. He made some critical life-changing decisions that found his cancer before it spread.

When asked how long he had been a smoker, Cooper’s answer was, “A long time.” In 2023, the Detroit resident finally followed through on a promise to quit after years of encouragement from his children. “I made up in my mind that I wanted to see my grandkids grow up, and my kids had been on me for a while to quit smoking,” Cooper described. “When I told them I was going to quit, they were happy to hear it, and my family support has been great.”

He made an appointment with his primary care physician to see if he could get ni****ne patches to assist in his journey. That’s when the doctor recommended a lung cancer screening.

From his decision to quit smoking to his decision to get a lung cancer screening, both likely saved his life. The lung CT scan revealed a nodule in the right upper lobe of his right lung, something he may not have known about for a while if he hadn’t gotten his lung cancer screening at that time.

Cooper’s doctor referred him to Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. After a biopsy on the nodule, it was confirmed that he had stage II lung cancer. In December of that year, his surgery was performed by David Sternberg, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon and member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. During the procedure, Dr. Sternberg found another nodule beside the other. The good news is that the cancer had not spread. https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4olsh2n

“If you care about your life and your family members, get the screenings because they are important." Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The current lung cancer screening guidelines are in place to help lower the number of deaths due to the disease by catching the ...

11/21/2025

Yesterday marked The Great American Smokeout, a day recognized annually on the third Thursday of November to encourage those who smoke to quit during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. We’re proud of you for quitting, but it’s also important to note you should still be screened for lung cancer. Dr. Choucair, member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos, covered the important facts to determine if you should be screened.

11/20/2025

Kim Harrison is an 11 year survivor of a bone marrow transplant. She’s also a big sports fan. We’re grateful to Comerica Park for giving her the best seat to tell her story.

11/20/2025

Between family gatherings, travel, and holiday meals, getting sick during Thanksgiving can throw off your plans. With McLarenNow Virtual Care, you can connect with a trusted provider anytime, anywhere, even on the holidays.

Whether you’re dealing with a cold, sore throat, or sudden stomach bug, our team is ready to help so you can get back to enjoying time with loved ones.

Learn more and visit https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4oQCW5B whenever the need arises for quick and convenient access to care.

11/19/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and at Karmanos, we are dedicated to finding better ways to treat this cancer. “This particular cancer type is difficult to treat, so it’s important to understand your risk for developing pancreatic cancer so that you and your health care team can work on ways of prevention and come up with a plan for early detection if cancer should develop," explained Dr. Saif, co-leader of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , along with cancer centers and other organizations nationwide, recognizes November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. As its name suggests, pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a crucial ro...

11/17/2025

To the Incredible MDwise Team — Thank You for the Important Work You Do. ❤️

For 30 years, MDwise employees have been the heart of their mission — caring for Indiana’s Medicaid members with compassion, skill, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. You have been there for people in their hardest moments, helping families get the care and support they need to live healthier, better lives.

That’s why it breaks our hearts to share that MDwise is confronting some very difficult challenges. As you may have heard, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has ended the MDwise contract.

We know this news is difficult. It affects real people, real families, and real communities. Please know that we are fighting FSSA’s misguided attack and advocating for the time needed to make sure there is a smooth transition for our employees and our members— because that’s what our employees and our members deserve.

We want to pause and say thank you — to the more than 300 Hoosiers who have made a difference every single day. You’ve shown what it means to serve with purpose, empathy, and pride. And MDwise’s work is not done. Your contributions are needed now more than ever.

We want all of Indiana to know this: MDwise’s commitment to its employees and its members will not waver.

To the MDwise team: your dedication has changed lives across Indiana. We are endlessly grateful for you, and proud of the impact you’ve made over three remarkable decades. Please know that you have our gratitude not only for all that you have done, but also for standing with MDwise as we fight this battle.

11/17/2025

Diabetes is known as “the silent disease” for a reason — many people have it and don’t even know it. Watch for early signs like constant thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination, and take simple steps now to protect your long-term health.

Diabetes is more common than ever — and the tricky part? Many people don’t realize they have it. It can develop slowly, without dramatic symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent disease.” But the earlier you spot the  early signs of diabetes , the better your chances of avoiding se...

11/14/2025

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, an emergency physician at McLaren, reports:

Slip-and-falls
The sudden snowy conditions caused many to seek care in the trauma center after a slip and fall resulted in various orthopedic injuries to the extremities.

Viral infections
A viral upper respiratory infection has continued to spread, causing symptoms of congestion, cough, fever, and muscle aches, though tests have been negative for COVID-19, the flu, or RSV, but severe cases have led to strep throat in pediatric patients.

Shingles
There have been several cases of shingles reported in the emergency department and treated for symptoms of a rash and skin pain and sensitivity, though patients are not presenting in high volumes.

Gastro
Viral gastroenteritis cases continue to trend in significant volumes, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

11/11/2025

From Northern to Central to Southeast Michigan, Karmanos Cancer Institute delivers expert and personalized cancer care across the state of Michigan. As an oncology nurse, Angie is part of the team ensuring our patients receive their best chance.

11/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Cher who has reached an incredible milestone in innovative and expert care by completing his 1000th robotic surgery. Robotics allows surgeons to do complex surgeries using tiny incisions, minimizing blood loss and allowing for a speedy recovery.

Dr. Cher performs robotic surgery for a variety of urologic cancers. Thank you, Dr. Cher, for your dedication to delivering top-notch cancer care to our patients through surgical excellence!

11/09/2025

Myth V. Fact: Clinical Trials Edition! There are a lot of myths we want to debunk about clinical trials, one of those being that clinical trials are only for adults. This is not true, because researchers ensure they study their trials among different age groups to ensure they work safely and effectively for everyone.

11/08/2025

As a patient navigator at Karmanos, Sophia ensures every patient she helps receives expert cancer care from start to finish. Request an appointment with the best.

11/07/2025

In May 2021, Bob Costello went to the ER with intense lower back pain. While there, his bloodwork revealed something quite serious. He had myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood cancer.

Referred to Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit for a bone marrow transplant, he found support and hope thanks to his care team led by Andrew Kin, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, member of the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant, Hematology Oncology and Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Teams.

“I'm always treated well when I come into Dresner Clinic. I just can't say enough good things about Karmanos, Dresner and Dr. Kin,” Costello raved.

Following his transplant and recovery, Dr. Kin let Costello return home to Charlevoix three months later. Although his transplant course was relatively uncomplicated, the initial activity restrictions and infectious precautions were a big adjustment for someone used to being an active skier and ski instructor.

In 2023, while checking his email, Costello saw an invitation to join the CAPABLE program available in his area. He was focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle since his treatment and wasted no time signing up. He was part of the first cohort of cancer survivors who participated in the program in Petoskey.

Read more about Bob and the CAPABLE Program: https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4qN79Ex

11/06/2025

November is lung cancer awareness month, and throughout lung cancer treatment, it's important to support the immune system. “Malnutrition and muscle loss are found in approximately 70% of lung cancer patients,” said Dr. Hadid, medical oncologist at Karmanos. “Nutritional deficits have been associated with worse treatment tolerance and lower survival.” Because of this, it's important to avoid processed, fried, greasy, and sugary foods, and focus on nutrient-dense foods instead to help the body recover. https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4qN5JtI

11/05/2025

“Men should absolutely have a discussion with their doctor about whether prostate cancer screening is necessary and when it should start,” said Dr. Prabhat Pokhrel of the McLaren Flint Family Medicine Residency Center. “After weighing all of the factors involved, men can make an informed decision about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.”

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death among men after lung cancer. Over the years, especially within the last decade, prostate cancer screening guidelines have changed dramatically. The guide...

10/31/2025

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Osama Fashho, an emergency physician with McLaren, reports:

Upper Respiratory
There has been a significant increase in pediatric patients receiving treatment for an upper respiratory infection and symptoms of cough, congestion, and sore throat.

Gasto
Common for this time of year, gastroenteritis has been trending among pediatric and adult patients, with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Allergies
Though late in the season, many asthma sufferers are continuing to experience varying degrees of complications caused by allergies and other environmental irritants.

Injuries
Even with weather cooling, there continue to be a steady volume of patients seeking treatment for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries in the trauma center.

10/29/2025

McLaren Greater Lansing, part of the statewide McLaren Health Care system, has completed the phased opening of McLaren Grand Ledge, its newly constructed, $40 million multidisciplinary medical campus in Delta Township, with the launch of the township’s freestanding emergency department.

McLaren Greater Lansing, part of the statewide McLaren Health Care system, has completed the phased opening of McLaren Grand Ledge, its newly constructed, $40 million multidisciplinary medical campus in Delta Township, with the launch of the township’s freestanding emergency department. The phased...

10/26/2025

A 6-million-dollar gift from Joe and Julie Serra, inspired by Joe's own open heart surgery experience, will transform cardiac care for future patients at McLaren Flint. Joe, a former patient who has endured a heart attack, multiple stents, and quintuple bypass surgery, can attribute his cardiac challenges to genetics despite his healthy lifestyle. Now, he and Julie are advocating for others and investing in the very care that saved his life. Learn more about what their philanthropy will mean at the link below.

A $6 million gift from Joe and Julie Serra, inspired by Joe's own open heart surgery experience, will transform cardiac care for future patients at McLaren Flint. Joe, a former patient who has endured a heart attack, multiple stents, and quintuple bypass surgery, can attribute his cardiac challenges...

10/24/2025

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Whether you're managing stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed, support is available and you're not alone. McLaren Health Care offers compassionate, confidential Behavioral Health Services to help you take control of your mental well-being. Take the first step!

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, caring for your emotional and psychological well-being plays a vital role in how you feel, function, and live every day. At McLaren Health Care, we believe that mental health matters, and we're here to provide guidance, s...

10/22/2025

A freestanding emergency room and many other medical services are coming to the McLaren Bay Region West Campus on Midland Road.

10/21/2025

The emergency department at McLaren Grand Ledge is NOW OPEN! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gYHFPT

10/17/2025

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Evan Coyne, an emergency physician with McLaren, reports:

Viral upper respiratory
While viral upper respiratory infections, with symptoms of congestion, runny nose, and persistent cough, continue to be a common condition treated in the emergency department, though those instances are trending downward. These viral conditions have largely tested negative for influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19.

Gastro
Common throughout the colder months, patients experiencing a viral gastroenteritis infection and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, have begun to be diagnosed in greater volumes.

Injuries
Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be a very common condition treated in the trauma center, with youth sports athletes the most frequently cared for.