For Immediate Release
June 19, 2007
Contact: John Shaffer
732-776-4166
jshaffer@meridianhealth.com

JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER DEDICATES ADVANCED GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY CENTERS

Gift by Wall Family Establishes Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology

Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center is taking aim at deadly gynecological "whisper" cancers through the creation of the Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology. A generous gift by Philip and Marilyn Perricone of Wall establishes this highly advanced center of excellence located within Jersey Shore's main campus and an outpatient center in Neptune. The Perricone Center brings together one of the largest teams of gynecologic oncology specialists in New Jersey with a wide range of advanced services and support programs.

Gynecologic oncology comprises several types of cancers, such as cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vulvar and uterine, which range in difficulty of diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian is one of the most difficult to detect, although a recent study said that symptoms are more predictable than thought. It strikes relatively few women -- approximately 25,000 -- each year, and comprises only 8% of gynecologic cancers. Yet, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths and the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths among women in the United States.

"Several gynecologic cancers can be very difficult to detect, often not until more advanced stages. The sooner we diagnose them, the better odds we give to our patients," says Henry Sprance, M.D., medical director of Gynecologic Oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "Through the Perricone Center, Jersey Shore is able to bring together an exceptional team of high-level specialists and programs to deliver a level of care more often found at large urban centers."

To address these deadly cancers, The Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology comprises a full range of diagnostic, treatment and support options:

*· Three full-time sub-specialty trained physicians
*· Genetic counseling and hereditary risk programs
*· National research programs and clinical trials
*· Intraperitoneal chemotherapy and other advanced chemotherapy techniques
*· Specialty gynecologic oncology surgery, radiation therapy, and post operative care
*· Emotional and social support networks and programs

"A national shortage of gynecologic oncology subspecialists results in many hospitals offering only part-time access to such a physician, whereas we offer three full-time sub-specialty-trained physicians," says Dr. Sprance. "With Jersey Shore's dedication to Gynecologic Oncology, we treat patients from across the state, which is important because experience shows that programs with high case volume provide better quality and outcomes. My vision is that everyone in New Jersey will think of Jersey Shore University Medical Center first for gynecologic cancer care, rather than the big name centers in New York or Philadelphia."

The dedication of the Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology is also hoped to raise awareness of gynecological cancers. Philip and Marilyn Perricone believe their gift to create the Center will make an immediate and lasting difference in women's health issues at Jersey Shore. "We should all reach into our hearts to be there for others -- in any and every way we can," said Philip Perricone. "Now women from the region will not have to travel far for the best care."

Dr. Sprance is joined at the Perricone Center by William Mann, M.D., board certified gynecologic oncologist and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jersey Shore, and Nicholas Taylor, M.D., who is fellowship trained in the specialty. The Perricone Center will be located at both Jersey Shore's main campus as well as at an outpatient center at Maggio Plaza on Route 33 in Neptune.

The Perricone Center will be formally named at a reception at the Amdur Ambulatory Care Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Tuesday, June 19.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit university teaching hospital and home to the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital -- the first children's hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and nationally-designated stroke center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiac care and surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and advanced women's and children's health services. For more information, please visit www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com.

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