October 2023

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PAGE 3B October 2023

Marshall Cancer Care Center Has Been Helping Cancer Patients For 10 Years

By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger Life can be difficult with any type of sickness, but for cancer patients and families, sometimes that level of difficulty is elevated beyond what others can image. Prior to 10 years ago some folks around Marshall County and Sand Mountain, had to travel to larger cities such as Huntsville or Birmingham for various types of cancer treatments. This was an additional burden on all involved because of travel, lodging, food and other costs. Luckily, for the past 10 years some advanced forms of cancer care has been available at the Marshall Cancer Care Center located between Albertville and Guntersville. The Marshall Cancer Care Center opened it's doors in July 2013 and is currently celebrating its 10th year of operation. It was a community supported effort to bring Cancer Care closer to home and a funding campaign reportedly raised over $3 million to build the 2-story 22,000 square foot facility and fill it with some of the best equipment and technology available. Over the past 10

years, it has been reported that the Marshall Cancer Care Center has treated more then 126,000 people, provided more than 44,000 radiation treatments, and administrated more than 100,000 infusion medicines. The number of physicians at the Cancer Care Center has increased from three to five over the years and the number of employees has doubled over the past decade. According to the Marshall Medical Centers website, the Cancer Care Center currently provides "the latest, multi- disciplinary techniques for both radiation and medical oncology in a convenient mid-county location." "Marshall Medical offers the best in cancer treatment. And now with our expanded physician team, we make sure you don’t have to travel far for that care. Board certified Radiation Oncologist Dr. Tom Payne has been joined by Dr. Gideon Ewing and Dr. Jonathan Storey, both board certified in Hematology/Oncology. Working together, these three excellent physicians provide another reason Marshall Medical is the right choice for all of your healthcare needs."

The Marshall Cancer Care Center, located on Highway 431 between Albertville and Guntersville recently displayed banners in support of Breast Cancer Month. The Cancer Care Center opened in 2013 and this year marks its 10 year anniversary of serving patients in Marshall County and surrounding areas. Celebrating 10 Years Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger

The Marshall Cancer Care Center also offers 3D Mammography, which according to the centers web site "offers a 41% increase in the ability to detect more invasive cancers."

"3D Mammography takes multiple images or X-rays of breast tissue to recreate a 3D picture of the breast. It’s different from traditional mammography which obtains just a single

image. Due to overlapping layers of tissue inside breasts, those 2D images could produce unclear results causing false alarms or allowing cancer to be missed altogether."

"Women with dense breast tissue in particular may benefit from 3D mammography because it provides a clearer picture, making it easier for doctors to catch breast cancer early."

File Photo by Brandon K. Pierce

First Patient

John Chumley (Center) enters the Marshall Cancer Center on July 15, 2013 with the help of Cindy Sparkman and Rita Blackwelder. Mr. Chumley signed in as the new center's first patient.

Some of those attending the Opening Day of the Marshall Cancer Care Center on July 15, 2013 were: Heather McCormick, Adriana Cervantes, Rita Blackwelder, Former Cancer Center Director Cindy Sparkman, Candace Hatfield, John Chumley, and Claudette H. DeMuth, Marshall Medical's Executive Director of Marketing and Community Relations. File Photo by Brandon K. Pierce Opening Day 2013

8563 US Hwy 431 Albertville, AL Office: 256-878-1000

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10831 US Highway 431 North Albertville, AL 35950 Email: pledgerinsurance@bellsouth.net Phone: 256-878-5454 Fax: 256-878-5315 Cell: 256-506-3105

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