www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org
Diagnosis........................................3 Medical Oncology.......................4 Radiation Oncology....................7 Alternative Treatment.................8 Support System..........................10
With state-of-the-art technology, a caring staff and a patient-friendly, healing environment, Emanuel Cancer Center brings world-class cancer care close to home. Emanuel Cancer Center is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer in recognition of its stellar quality of treatment and care. This accreditation is awarded to only about 20 percent of cancer programs in the country. In fact, the Commission recognized the Emanuel Cancer Center program in all eight areas of excellence for which they score. The goal of the Commission is to promote a multi-disciplinary approach to cancer care that focuses on the well being of the whole patient, while still focusing on curing the disease. Requirements for accreditation include: • Multi-disciplinary physician involvement in care planning • Cancer prevention programs • Continuing clinical education • Ongoing program improvements Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer lets patients know they are receiving the best care available – patient-focused treatment based on the latest science. At Emanuel Cancer Center, we are proud of our accreditation and the peace of mind it provides our patients.
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The Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center offers the latest advancements in the detection of breast cancer. Inside the Center’s beautiful, spa-like facility, you’ll find the very latest in digital mammography and the region’s only dedicated breast MRI. And at the Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center, you will be cared for by our nurturing staff who treat you with the care and compassion you deserve. Digital Mammography Emanuel’s advanced digital mammography equipment not only captures exceptionally detailed images of the breast, it does so during a shorter, more comfortable exam than traditional mammograms. Digital mammography also allows more accurate stereotactic biopsies to be performed at the Center if any anomalies are detected. Dedicated Breast MRI Our Aurora Breast MRI system produces high-resolution, three-dimensional images designed specifically to enhance detection, surgery planning and image-guided biopsies. The specially contoured scanner is also the most comfortable and patient-friendly scanner available today. The images produced by the Aurora system are each examined by the medical director of the Women’s Center, Walter Maynard, M.D. Dr. Maynard specializes in analyzing these breast MRIs, and upon reaching a diagnosis he personally contacts each patient to discuss the next steps.
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Medical oncology at Emanuel Cancer Center is provided in an intimate, friendly atmosphere designed to make every patient feel at ease. Led by board-certified medical oncologists, the medical oncology team includes highly qualified and compassionate oncology nurses, counselors and technicians. We are committed to timely patient scheduling, and have a dedicated patient-service coordinator to assist patients with financial resources. Our staff provides personal, warm and reassuring care to each patient and their loved ones, treating you like members of our own family.
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Using state-of-the-art equipment, the Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center provides some of the most advanced radiation therapy available anywhere. The Center is a joint venture between Emanuel and Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Stanford University School of Medicine, and is staffed by Stanford physicians. Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator The technological heart of the Center is our $3 million Varian Trilogy linear accelerator, technology that focuses therapeutic radiation exactly where the patient needs it. Tools like this enable our Stanford radiation oncologists to perform a variety of advanced procedures, including: • Precisely target tumor sites using IMRT technology • Time radiation delivery to a patient’s breathing cycle using our Respiratory Gating technology • Perform image-guided radiation therapy for the most accurate targeting of cancer cells • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) to eradicate cancer cells in the head and neck, often in a single session • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) to kill cancer cells within the body, often in just a few sessions Partial Breast Irradiation Therapy Emanuel Cancer Center offers breast cancer patients a new, more convenient alternative to conventional radiation therapy. With Partial Breast Irradiation, women with early-stage breast cancer, who are considered appropriate candidates, receive their entire radiation treatment in a five-day period instead of the six to seven weeks required by conventional radiation therapy. Patients are monitored closely by their radiation oncologist and team, ensuring this treatment is an equally effective way to conquer breast cancer. 6
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Surgery Surgery is the first line of treatment with certain malignancies and several outstanding surgeons practice in Turlock, including some whose offices are located right inside Emanuel Cancer Center. From lumpectomies and mastectomies to reconstructive surgery, these world-class surgeons consult with patients to determine the most appropriate approach and treatment that best fits the patient’s priorities and provides long-term peace of mind. Clinical Trials Cancer patients can play an active role in developing new cures by participating in Emanuel’s clinical cancer trials. Patients can participate in breast, lung, colon, and head & neck cancer studies. Patents in these studies will not only get the standard of care for their disease, but also FDA-approved drugs that have shown promise in small-scale tests and are now being used in new and innovative combinations. The clinical trials at Emanuel Cancer Center are conducted in affiliation with the Stanford Cancer Center. Patients may realize incredible benefits through participating, and may discover a treatment that is far better than the current treatment options.
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Breast Health Navigator Navigator. Educator. Friend. The Breast Health Navigator at Emanuel is your personal guide through the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment process. She helps patients get the tests they need and understand the results and terminology. She links patients with care providers and ensures everyone works together. She answers questions and helps patients know the questions they need to ask their doctors. Our Breast Health Navigator works with patients and their families to understand their priorities and develop a treatment plan that respects those priorities. She’s part support person, part advocate, part teacher, part guide, and all guardian angel. Genetic Counseling Emanuel’s genetic counselor helps patients understand their genetic risks for certain cancers and explore the various proactive and preventive measures patients can consider to lower their risk.
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Social Services The Masters trained social worker at Emanuel Cancer Center provides services to patients, families and caregivers through all phases of the cancer continuum, including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care and bereavement. With these services, we help patients and their families to: • Better cope and adapt to cancer and its effects • Mobilize support systems, including family and community resources, to enhance emotional support for patients and families while respecting their dignity, confidentiality and rights • Assist and educate survivors in navigating the health care system
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Support Groups An important part of Emanuel’s approach to cancer care is taking care of the emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones. We offer a variety of support groups for patients and families, including: • Journaling and writing groups • Newly diagnosed breast cancer support group • Hospice support groups • One-on-one grief support • Y.A.C. — Young Adults with Cancer support group • Look Good...Feel Better — support group for women undergoing cancer treatments • Monkey Business — support group for kids, ages 5-13, whose loved one has cancer For more information or to register, please call (209) 664-2434.
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Classes Emanuel offers educational classes for cancer patients, including nutrition classes for patients who wish to modify their eating habits to help their overall health. For more information or to register, please call (209) 664-2580. Massage Therapy At Emanuel Cancer Center, complimentary massages are available for cancer patients. Call (209) 664-2434 to schedule an appointment for a free 30-minute massage. Cancer Library Emanuel Cancer Center offers an impressive resource library where patients can find a variety of material that will help guide them — and their loved ones — in their fight against cancer. The library includes clinical trial information, books, videos and computer resources with the very latest research and information available.
www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org