Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report

Transcription

1 2010 Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report REGIONAL CANCER CENTER

2 A Note for the Community FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CANCER COMMITTEE Dear Friends, The treatment of cancer remains one of the most challenging areas of medicine. Mercy Regional Cancer Center strives to achieve excellence by integrating the activity of multiple healthcare providers. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all participants, our cancer program raises the bar of cancer care in Eastern Iowa. The Role of our Cancer Committee The Cancer Committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of cancer care at Mercy Regional Cancer Center. It is composed of physicians and allied health personnel from a wide variety of medical specialties. The Committee meets quarterly to discuss issues relevant to the quality of care for cancer patients and their families and to ensure that all of the standards of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer are met. The Cancer Committee is involved in promoting new technologies, developing new programs and fostering excellence in cancer care. Care Focused on Quality During 2010 Mercy Regional Cancer Center invested heavily in human technology. The medical oncology practice of Oncology Associates became a partner with Mercy. The Nurse Navigator program was initiated and Social Work, Dietitian, and Massage Therapy programs were integrated into the medical oncology practice. Additionally, elements of survivorship were enhanced by the change in access to our Thrive program. A survivorship retreat was held in the community and the Palliative Care Outpatient Program was developed. Through the dedicated efforts and experience of our cancer services leadership, Mercy Regional Cancer Center continues to evolve into an unparalleled center for inpatient and outpatient cancer care. The expertise, commitment, and compassion of the cancer center staff are widely recognized and appreciated by our patients and their families. Cancer Conference The Cancer Conference convenes each week for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of challenging patients. Increasing emphasis is being placed on the pathological and molecular evaluation of newly diagnosed cases. A thorough and focused discussion is promoted in order to define state of the art treatment for each individual patient presented. Research Through the Institutional Review Board, Mercy Regional Cancer Center participates in numerous clinical trials approved by the National Cancer Institute and various pharmaceutical companies. New, less toxic and more effective anti-cancer drugs are being developed. Mercy Regional Cancer Center assures that a wide variety of innovative treatments are available to our community. On behalf of the Cancer Committee I extend thanks to our community, the Medical Staff, and Mercy Medical Center administration and staff for the continuing support of the cancer program. Sincerely, James Renz, MD Cancer Committee Chairman On Behalf of the 2010 Cancer Committee The Cancer Committee is a multidisciplinary committee of Mercy Regional Cancer Center Medical Staff that meets quarterly to provide leadership in the cancer activities at the medical center and oversee the operations of the Cancer Registry. The Cancer Committee is involved in evaluating new technologies, establishing new programs, and making recommendations on improving cancer care within the healthcare community. CHAIRMAN P. James Renz, MD, FACS, Surgical Specialist COMMITTEE MEMBERS Beth Houlahan, MSN, RN, Senior Vice President Patient Care Services Penny Glanz, RN, MS, CNOR, Operations Director Outpatient Services Kevin Murray, MD, Cancer Liaison, Radiation Oncologist Janet Merfeld, MD, Radiation Oncologist Martin Wiesenfeld, MD, Medical Oncologist William Fusselman, MD, Medical Oncologist Ken Cearlock, MD, Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Director Julie Netser, MD, Pathologist Paul Schneider, MD, Radiologist Michelle Hocking, MD, Gynecologist Logan Hoxie, MD, Urologist Scott Huebsch, MD, ENT Surgeon Dean Abramson, MD, Gastroenterologist Ronald Reider, MD, Family Medicine/Geriatrics Colleen Keating, MD, Family Medicine David Basil, MD, Family Medicine/Pediatrics William Audeh, MD, General Surgeon, Retired Kathy Swift, MSN, RN Sheila Janda, CTR, Cancer Registry Jennifer Jamison, CTR, Cancer Registry Colleen Mohr, RN, MSN, OCN, ARNP, Oncology Genetics Program Shana Coker, RN, MSN, AOCNS, ARNP, Oncology Genetics Program Sue Rowbotham, RN, BSN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Manager Kris Sargent, RN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Celeste Barkley, RN, OCN Oncology Nurse Educator Kim Salzbrenner, Hall Radiation Center Christine Harlander, RN, BSN, Palliative Care Leanne Burrack, RN, BSN, CHPN, Director of Hospice & Palliative Care Aleka Turner Oncology Physician Liaison Joan Ortega, BSW, Oncology Social Worker Christine Strand, LBSW, Oncology Social Worker Christy Thurman, American Cancer Society Lou Ann Weber, OTR/L, Occupational & Physical Therapy Sr. Peg Murphy, Pastoral Care Nancy Jolliffe, RD, CSO, LD, Oncology Dietitian 2010 Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report 1

3 MERCY WOMEN S CENTER Mercy Women s Center provides breast care screening and diagnostic services, including mammography, education about early detection of breast cancer, ultrasound, and non-surgical breast biopsies. The Women s Center offers digital mammography with computer assisted device (CAD) which offers a second review of images. A Breast Health Coordinator offers education, resources, support and case management to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Since 1991, free mammograms and other breast care services have been provided to area women in need as a result of the Especially For You Race Against Breast Cancer. Free mammogram and gynecological screenings have also been established since 2007 as a result of the Especially For You fund. In addition, the Women s Center offers mobile mammography service to 25 surrounding communities in Eastern Iowa. CANCER PATIENT REHABILITATION Mercy Regional Cancer Center offers a full range of rehabilitation and support services for cancer patients including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy with the goal of maximizing and enhancing the quality of cancer survivorship. Mercy Regional Cancer Center provides rehabilitation services including: Physical therapy provides individualized solutions to improve/maintain maximum strength, balance and mobility including the use of specialized exercises, assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and caregiver education. Occupational therapy provides specialized services in breast cancer rehabilitation, exercise instruction to prevent limitations in upper extremities, lymphedema prevention and treatment, scar massage, patient and caregiver training in adaptive equipment to maximize independence Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report Speech/swallowing therapy provides specialized services to head and neck cancer patients, optimizing the safety and efficiency of oral intake, development of assistive communication devices and prescription exercises to inhibit fibrotic tissue changes following radiation therapy. SUPPORT SERVICES Dietitian Nutrition plays an important role in the care and healing of individuals with cancer. Individualized nutrition assessment and education is offered to each patient during their cancer treatment. The nutrition services are provided by a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO). There are 2 registered dietitians in Iowa with the CSO credential and in 2010 Mercy Regional Cancer Center has one. Board certification as a specialist in oncology helps to identify a registered dietitian with a specialized skill set as a nutrition expert for patients who are seeking timely, accurate, and reliable information on eating well before, during, or after cancer treatment. Social Worker Cancer treatment and care involves not only medical care but attention to the emotional, psychosocial and spiritual issues of the patient and family. At Mercy Regional Cancer Center, the social worker can provide assistance through ongoing supportive care, practical issues, community resources and referrals. Nurse Navigator The role of the Nurse Navigator is to ease the burden of cancer treatment on both the patient and family and to help coordinate the efforts of the medical team. The Nurse Navigator will help patients and families understand their diagnosis and available treatment options as well as assist in guiding through the health care system. There is no cost to utilize the services of the Nurse Navigator as it is part of Mercy s comprehensive cancer care. Thrive Cancer Fitness and Wellness Thrive empowers cancer patients by giving them the tools to assist in maintaining and improving their health and wellness from diagnosis through survivorship. Thrive Personal Training offers individualized and customized assessment, exercise prescription, and one-on-one exercise sessions with Mercy Fitness Center s Health and Fitness Coordinators. Participants also meet with a Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition to discuss how a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management can impact the cancer survivor. Additionally, Thrive offers wellness events for both cancer survivors and their caretakers. These events focus on the holistic aspects of recovery including fitness, nutrition, psychosocial concerns, spirituality, and education. Palliative Care Palliative Care is specialized care for those experiencing a serious, chronic or life-limiting illness. The goal of Palliative Care is to relieve the pain, symptoms and stress of a serious illness to achieve the best quality of life, while supporting patients and their families, regardless of treatment goals and life expectancy. Growth of the Palliative Care Program in 2010 included the partnership with Oncology Associates at Mercy Medical Center and Hall Radiation Therapy at Mercy Medical Center providing Palliative Care as part of Mercy Regional Cancer Center s comprehensive cancer care. Massage In 2010, Mercy Regional Cancer Center integrated massage therapy into their cancer program. The massage therapist for cancer patients is educated in cancer and the impact on the body, treatments, and how those treatments affect cancer patients. All of these influence how a massage therapist provides treatment tailored to the specific needs of the individual. A massage can be used to reduce symptoms, improve coping and enhance quality of life for patients with cancer. Nurse Educator The Nurse Educator for the Cancer Center is a patient, community and professional educator within the area of oncology. The educator serves as a resource in the development, implementation and evaluation of cancer related educational programs within the hospital and the community. GENETICS AND CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT Certain cancers, such as breast, colon, ovarian, melanoma, prostate, and pancreatic are more likely to run in families. There is mounting evidence that knowing cancer risk factors, including genetics, can make an astounding difference in future health. The Genetics and Risk Assessment Program helps patients assess, understand, and manage their risk of developing cancer. During the free consultation a review of personal cancer risks, education regarding preventative measures to decrease those risks, early detection procedures, and discussing the pros and cons of genetic testing are discussed. Additional services such as DNA banking, finding research opportunities for appropriate families, and providing support to patients and families are also available. Genetic testing can be arranged and assistance with insurance coverage issues is also provided. Since its inception, the program has served over 0 individuals. The program has also initiated a largescale screening program to identify patients and/or families who may be at increased risk for certain cancers. SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups provide patients and their friends and family members with connections with others that are facing the same challenges. These meetings provide a forum to provide education, share thoughts, and address issues related to cancer treatment and survivorship. Mercy Regional Cancer Center offers monthly support groups for breast, prostate, and other cancer survivors. These are all coordinated by the cancer nurse educator. Mercy Regional Cancer Center & PrairieWoods offered two relaxing retreat days for cancer survivors called Celebrating Life. It was a day for those who have had cancer or were undergoing treatment to refresh, renew, and celebrate the journey. It was facilitated by Mercy Regional Cancer Center s oncology social worker and cancer staff Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report 3

4 COMMUNITY EVENTS AND EDUCATION Sponsorship and involvement in cancer related community events allow Mercy Regional Cancer Center to give back to the community while raising awareness and funding for cancer research. In conjunction with the American Cancer Society and other community agencies, Mercy Regional Cancer Center sponsors annual cancer screenings and programs for the community at large. The programs for 2010 included: Especially for You After Breast Cancer Support Group US TOO! Prostate Cancer Education & Support Group General Cancer Support Group Celebrating Life Retreat for Cancer Survivors Thrive Cancer Fitness & Wellness Program Breast Cancer Screening Skin Cancer Screening Cervical Cancer Screening Prostate Cancer Screening I Can Cope Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report Gems of Hope Monthly Workshops Relay for Life Public Forums on Breast, Colon, Prostate, and Skin Cancer Public Forums as related to cancer or cancer treatment on Genetics, Exercise, Nutrition, Osteoporosis & Survivorship Health Fairs Daffodil Days Annual Gala HALL RADIATION CENTER Mercy s Hall Radiation Center has been caring for cancer patients and their families since The center has been a leader in cancer treatment from the start, offering Iowa s first cobalt-beam radiation treatment technology. Today, the radiation center is home to the region s most sophisticated cancer technology, including the newest Varian linear accelerator, Trilogy, Iowa s first TomoTherapy image-guided radiation therapy system, a Large Bore CT simulator, state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner, IMRT 3 dimensional radiation, and High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation therapy Hall Radiation Treatments Linear Accelerators 9,4 Tomo 4,187 HDR 70 Mammosite 240 Brachytherapy 61 In 2010, 574 new patients were seen at the Hall Radiation Center. A total of 14,212 radiation therapy treatments were administered using Brachytherapy, external beam including linear accelerator and TomoTherapy imageguided radiation therapy (IGRT), and High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation therapy. INPATIENT PERRINE ONCOLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY CENTER Inpatient care for patients with cancer is provided on our 31 bed, all private room floor within Mercy Medical Center. The Perrine Oncology and Neurosurgery Center has dedicated staff and many of the registered nurses are Oncology Certified Nurses. The Oncology Center offers a broad range of state-of-the-art services and can provide acute and chronic care for cancer patients and their families through a multidisciplinary professional team. For patients with advanced cancer receiving primarily symptomatic and supportive care, the Oncology Center works closely with the Palliative Care team. Additionally, care is coordinated with various area hospice programs, including Hospice of Mercy, home care, and bereavement support. OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER Mercy Treatment Center provides outpatient support services within Mercy Medical Center. The Center serves outpatients in need of chemotherapy, antibiotic infusions, fluid therapy, blood transfusions, and dressing changes. The service is open from 7:00am to 11:00pm Monday through Friday and 7:00am to 7:00pm on weekends and holidays. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Oncology Associates became affiliated with Mercy Medical Center, combining health care providers to ensure that the cancer treatment provided is first-rate and patient-focused. The patient can meet with their care team, all in one place, in one visit shortening the time between diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to provide comprehensive and personalized cancer care to patients in our community using a variety of the latest, most effective therapies. The five experienced oncologists and their dedicated staff work to ensure that patients receive individualized treatment planning, therapy and follow-up care. Oncology Associates at Mercy Medical Center work together with the patient s support system of family and friends while providing excellent medical care in the comfort of, or close to, their home community. With that in mind, the oncologists travel to Outreach Clinics in the surrounding area, including Anamosa, Independence, Manchester and Vinton. This enables the continuity of high quality oncology care for patients with limited access, or limited transportation to health services. Martin Wiesenfeld MD, FACP Medical Oncologist Hematologist

5 RESEARCH Oncology Associates at Mercy Medical Center, through the Cedar Rapids Oncology Project, have partnered with the Mayo Clinic-based North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) for over 25 years in clinical research studies funded by the National Cancer Institute. Clinical trials are an important step in finding new and better ways of treating cancer. Mercy Regional Cancer Center is dedicated to advancing cancer care by leading and participating in many clinical trials that test the safety and efficacy of new or modified cancer treatments. In addition to the NCCTG, these include clinical trials from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), the Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU), the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University (CCCWFU) and independent industry studies. CANCER CONFERENCES Mercy Regional Cancer Center held 45 Lung and 47 Multidisciplinary cancer conferences in These conferences, which discussed over 4 cancer patients, provide physicians with the opportunity to provide a diagnosis, tumor staging, treatment, and outcomes of cancer patients. Treatment recommendations are made that will provide the highest quality of care. Representatives from the major disciplines including: medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, plastic surgery, and radiology participate in discussing diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for the cancer patient. Patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. CANCER REGISTRY The Cancer Registry was established in 1988 to collect data for all hospital patients diagnosed and treated for cancer. To date, the Cancer Registry has more than 18,0 patient records in its database. Data collection of patients care and treatment is an important part of a successful cancer program. A Certified Tumor Registrar collects demographics, pathology, radiology, and treatment information on each cancer patient diagnosed and treated at Mercy Regional Cancer Center. This case reporting is required by state law and reportable by Iowa State Health Department regulations. The data provides medical staff and administrators with statistical information for research investigation, facility utilization assessments, the allocation of resources, and patient care outcome improvement s. The information is also used in the community and is submitted to the State Health Registry of Iowa and the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for research purposes. Mercy Regional Cancer Center Registry complies with data standards regulated by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACOS) and the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Iowa is one of 20 population-based registries utilized as a source for cancer incidence and survival data for 28% of the US population. The development, ongoing growth, and support of the registry shows the commitment of Mercy Regional Cancer Center as it continues to provide high quality, comprehensive care for its cancer patients FOCUS: COLON AND RECTAL CANCERS According to the American Cancer Society Facts and Figures for 2010, colon cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women and 91% of colorectal cases are diagnosed in individuals or older. Over the past two decades, colorectal cancer mortality rates have declined due to the increase in colorectal screening that allows early detection and treatment of cancers. At Mercy Regional Cancer Center colorectal cancers are among the top 10 cancers. In 2010, 33% of colon cancers were male, and 82% of rectal cancers were male. Female colon cancers were 67% and rectal cancers 18%. Colon Rectum Lung Skin Breast Prostate Kidney Bladder Thyroid Lymphoma Male 33 % 82 % % 53 % N/A 100 % 59 % 78 % 22 % 62 % Female 67% 18% % 47 % 100 % N/A 41 % 22 % 78 % 38 % Source: Mercy Regional Cancer Center Registry RISKS Beginning at, men and women are at an average risk for developing colorectal cancer and should begin screening. There are several factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer including: obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red and/or processed meats, heavy alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease can also increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. The risk of colon cancer is also affected by specific inherited genetic mutations including familial adenomatous poylposis (FAP) and non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch Syndrome. High risk families can have genetic testing to ascertain the lifetime risk of colon cancer potential. Mercy Regional Cancer Center offers a free cancer genetic assessment by an advanced practice nurse who specializes in cancer genetics. SIGNS/SYMPTOMS Advanced colorectal cancers may cause rectal bleeding, bloody stool, changes in bowel habits and abdomen cramping. Significant blood loss from this cancer may cause anemia, weakness and fatigue. EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENING Early stage colorectal cancers usually do not have symptoms. Therefore, it is even more important to start screening when recommended. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women at average risk begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at the age of years. If everyone aged or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented. Screening can prevent many cases of colorectal cancer because precancerous polyps are being identified and removed. Polyps are non-cancerous growths in the colon and rectum. The following are National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for colorectal cancer screening for average risk individuals: ESTIMATED NUMBER OF NEW CANCERS IN IOWA FOR 2010 LYON 70 SIOUX 160 PLYMOUTH 145 WOODBURY 515 MONONA 70 OSCEOLA 40 O BRIEN CHEROKEE HARRISON IDA DICKINSON 120 CLAY EMMET PALO ALTO BUENA VISTA POCAHONTAS 60 CRAWFORD 100 SHELBY POTTAWATTAMIE 0 MILLS FREMONT SAC CARROLL 120 AUDUBON CASS MONTGOMERY PAGE CALHOUN ADAMS 30 TAYLOR 40 KOSSUTH HUMBOLDT GREENE GUTHRIE ADAIR WEBSTER 235 UNION RINGGOLD 35 WINNEBAGO 60 BOONE 145 DALLAS 230 MADISON 85 HANCOCK WRIGHT 100 HAMILTON 95 CLARKE DECATUR STORY 320 POLK 1860 WARREN 215 WORTH CERRO GORDO 305 FRANKLIN 70 HARDIN 120 LUCAS WAYNE MITCHELL FLOYD BUTLER 90 MARSHALL 240 JASPER 220 MARION 1 GRUNDY 90 MONROE APPANOOSE 90 TAMA HOWARD CHICKASAW POWESHIEK MAHASKA BREMER WINNESHIEK ALLAMAKEE FAYET TE 140 BLACK HAWK BUCHANAN 700 WAPELLO 215 DAVIS BENTON 140 IOWA KEOKUK LINN 1015 JOHNSON 430 WASHINGTON CLAYTON DELAWARE JONES CEDAR MUSCATINE 220 LOUISA JEFFERSON HENRY 85 DES MOINES 2 VAN BUREN LEE 240 DUBUQUE 0 JACKSON CLINTON 310 SCOTT 870 The State Health Registry of Iowa estimated there were 18,400 new cancer cases diagnosed in the state of Iowa in Average Risk Individuals: Age > years No family history of adenoma of colorectal cancer No history of inflammatory bowel disease Negative family history If a person is at average risk the next steps are one of the following: Colonoscopy Stool based: Guaic-based or immunohistochemicalbased testing annually + flexible sigmoidoscopy ever 5 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy In May 2010, Mercy Regional Cancer Center provided its first ever web-based live colonoscopy with Dean Abramson, MD providing an educational narration of the procedure. It was viewed by over 1200 individuals live and has been viewed over 0 times since the event in May. This far exceeded our expectation of providing education on the importance of colon cancer screening after age for all individuals at average risk Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report 2010 Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report 7

6 Age group of colon cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases. Age group of rectum cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases. *** Please Note the most current data is available is 2008 taken from the National Cancer Database benchmarking reports. The following charts compare Hall Perrine Cancer Center (Mercy Medical Center) with other Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Programs (COMP). COMP programs: 6 or more newly diagnosed cancer cases per year, full range of diagnostic and treatment centers available onsite or by referral. Members of the Medical staff are board certified in major specialties, including oncology. Participation in clinical research is optional. Stage of colon cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases. STAGE DISTRIBUTION A comparison of stage at diagnosis for colon and rectum cancer with other facilities is included below. The earlier the stage at diagnosis, the better the prognosis is with colon cancer. Early colorectal cancer often has no presenting symptoms, which is why early detection through screening is so important. TREATMENTS The treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Surgery is the most common treatment for early stage cancers that have not spread. If the cancer is diagnosed in an early stage surgery may be curative. Chemotherapy is given either before (neoadjuvent) or after surgery (adjuvant) to those patients where the cancer has spread through the bowel wall and/or to the lymph nodes. FOLFOX (Oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, Leucovorin) is a chemo regimen that is commonly used to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Avastin, Erbitux, and Vectibix are monoclonal antibody therapies that block hormone factors that cause cancer cell growth. Radiation may also be utilized alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapies. Source: National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) Commission on Cancer, First course treatment of colon cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases. First course treatment of rectum cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases. Stage of rectum cancer diagnosed in 2008 Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa vs. comprehensive hospitals in state of Iowa. All diagnosed cases Mercy Regional Cancer Center Community Report Source: National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) Commission on Cancer, Source: National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) Commission on Cancer, SURVIVAL According to the American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2010, when colorectal cancers are detected at an early stage the 5-year survival rate is 91%, however, only 39% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage due to the lack of appropriate screening. If the colorectal cancer has spread to involve other organs or adjacent lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate decreases to 70% and if the disease has metastasis to distant organs, the 5-year survival is 11%. MULTIDISCIPLINARY CANCER CONFERENCE WITH A GI FOCUS A multidisciplinary approach is in line with guidelines set by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a national initiative dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer care. In light of all the treatment modalities involved in treating cancers of the Gastrointestinal (GI) system, Mercy Regional Cancer Center s team continues to improve care with a multidisciplinary approach. Currently, one multidisciplinary conference each month is dedicated to challenging GI prospective cases. Specific disciplines of physicians attend the conference to review GI cases and collaborate on best treatment practice and recommendations. Diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists all collaborate to provide the best treatment options for a cancer patient. This concept is designed to ensure that patients are getting all available services and the most effective treatment at the earliest point possible in their disease for the best possible outcomes.

7 REGIONAL CANCER CENTER th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA