October 2012 Health Matters

HealthMatters To Help People Be Healthy | October 2012

Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute Offers Patient Comfort, Care

HaysMed

HealthMatters

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Therapies, remedies, support available to cancer patients Diet, exercise the first steps to cancer prevention

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he Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing patients new ways to predict, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, as well as transform the quality of life for our cancer patients today and in the future.

Inside the doors of the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute are individuals who have dedicated a life and career to treat and care for cancer patients and their families. Our professionals possess and maintain specialized education and credentials at every level of service. These people form a team working together on behalf of the patient. Our Team ‌ Your Team.

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Our goal is to make it abundantly clear your team is working collectively, collaboratively and passionately to deliver a customized course of treatment with professionalism, skill and compassion that is reflective of the initials and titles behind our names. You can be assured we have someone here to see you through every step.

Just as the institute’s namesakes, Leo J. and Albina Dreiling and Robert and Patricia Schmidt were dedicated to enriching the lives of people in the area, the Dreiling/ Schmidt Cancer Institute remains dedicated to enriching the cancer services available to the people of western Kansas.

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Early detection improves outcomes

We’re here to help Bryce Young, Chief operating officer, HaysMed

What’s

in a name?

Excerpt from August 2002 Hays Medical Center Foundation press release:

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n 2002, the cancer center at Hays Medical Center was named in recognition of significant donations received from the Leo J. and Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust and from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.

“It’s difficult to put into words the gratitude the Dreiling Trust and Schmidt Foundation trust deserve for these marvelous gifts,” said Dr. John Jeter, president and CEO of HaysMed. “Everyone in this area knows full well the kindness and generosity extended by both of these families to so many worthy programs and projects for so many, many years. The name change today continues to recognize the ongoing support from those generous benefactors.”

“During their lifetimes, Leo and Albina Dreiling were gracious and benevolent people. They would be extremely proud to know that their tradition of supporting important community projects with gifts of love are being continued by members of their family and by the current trustees of the Dreiling Charitable Trust,” Jeter said.

“The names Leo and Albina Dreiling adorn many buildings and programs in this area. Their kind and sincere involvement with projects make Hays a better place to live.

“The names Bob and Pat Schmidt are synonymous with the words giving, caring and shar-

The medical team at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

ing,” Jeter said. “They, too, are kind and generous people who have shared themselves and their good fortune with countless worthwhile projects in Hays, Ellis County and other parts of the state of Kansas.

This community is very, very fortunate to have Bob and Pat Schmidt reside here.”

“There is no more fitting tribute to the Dreilings and Schmidts than to rename the Cancer Center in their honor,” Jeter said.

“Their names will add dignity and strength to an area where dignity and strength are displayed on a daily basis.

“The Dreiling Foundation has chosen to help the medical center purchase new cancer treatment

equipment and help provide some equipment upgrades in the Cancer Center. The Schmidts chose to add their gift to the assets of the Hays Medical Center Foundation to provide future funding for initiatives and projects that will provide a continuity of progress for better health care in western Kansas.”

••• In August 2008, the name was upgraded from “center” to “institute.”

The name change reflects the evolution of services, as the center grows and expands in response to the needs of patients.

Quality service always has been, and will continue to be, the foundation of the cancer center’s care.

Ongoing success is owed in large part to the physicians’ and staff’s commitment to providing the best care possible.

Taking precautions Cancer prevention starts with right diet, exercise

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any doctors believe there are simple lifestyle changes people can make to help reduce their risk of getting cancer.

One of the most important things to remember is eating well and staying active can go a long way in cancer

Prevention

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prevention, said Dr. Anne O'Dea, a medical oncologist.

For example, studies suggest women who are obese have more than double the risk of developing endometrial cancer during their lifetimes, she said.

A National Cancer Institute study estimated approximately 34,000 new cases of cancer in men and 50,500 in women were due to obesity in 2007 in the United States. The percentage of cases attributed to obesity

was as high as 40 percent for some cancers, such as endometrial cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

It's recommended people concerned about their cancer risk consume a diet low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables.

Smoking has been tied to increased incidence of lung, kidney and bladder cancers, and consuming large amounts of alcohol has been linked to a higher breast cancer risk.

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer and is usually preventable, said Dr. Sameh Abuerreish, a medical oncologist at HaysMed.

Health Matters

The right food Apples, blueberries, broccoli and cruciferous vegetables, cranberries, flaxseed, legumes (dry beans, peas and lentils), squash (winter), beans, garlic, grapes and grape juice, green tea, soy, tomatoes and whole grain.

The American Cancer Society uses the word C-A-U-T-I-O-N to help recognize the seven early signs of cancer:

C hange in bowel or bladder habits A sore that does not heal U nusual bleeding or discharge T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing Obvious change in size, color, shape, or thickness of wart, mole or mouth sore Nagging cough or hoarseness The following symptoms also could signal the presence of some types of cancer: • Persistent headaches • Unexplained loss of weight or loss of appetite • Chronic pain in bones or any other areas of the body • Persistent fatigue, nausea or vomiting • Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent • Repeated infection

Call your doctor about cancer if: You develop symptoms that could signal cancer, that are specifically not related to another cause, and/or persist for more than two weeks.

If this occurs, schedule a medical examination.

If the cause of your symptoms is cancer, early diagnosis and treatment will offer a better chance of a positive prognosis.

Reducing Risks Take control of your health and reduce your cancer risk.

• Stay away from tobacco.

• Stay at a healthy weight.

• Get moving with regular physical activity.

• Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you drink at all).

• Protect your skin.

• Know yourself, your family history and your risks.

• Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.

For information on how to reduce your cancer risk and other questions about cancer, visit American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org.

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The risk of lung cancer associated with cigarette smoking increases according to the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person smokes.

It is estimated smokers have approximately 20 times the risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Those exposed to second-hand smoke also have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, as the concentration of some toxic chemicals is higher in second-hand smoke.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of several types of cancer, such as breast, colon and liver cancers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states daily consumption of approximately 50 grams of alcohol doubles or triples the risk for mouth, voice box and throat cancers.

While preventive medicines are not yet available for all forms of cancer, women who are shown to have a significant risk of developing breast cancer might be eligible for Federal Drug Administration-approved drugs to help prevent the onset of cancer.

Patients concerned about their cancer risk or family history should begin by visiting with their primary care provider, O'Dea said.

Seven Warning Signs

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“Once we met the staff, we just felt confident that everything was going to be fine, and it was in their hands.”

Linda Steele, Cancer Institute patient

High doses of comfort Cancer Institute strives for patient success

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hen Linda Steele was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, the Ulysses woman said she took comfort in the compassionate care she received at Dreiling/ Schmidt Cancer Institute.

“Once we met the staff, we just felt confident that everything was going to be fine, and it was in their hands,” she said.

“Whatever they say, we do. They just have an excellent group of people in all their departments.”

From preventive screenings to cancer treatments and support for survivors, HaysMed’s Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute strives to meet every patient’s needs. The institute provides state of the art cancer treatments for patients from throughout western Kansas.

The institute’s four physicians offer chemotherapy and radiation therapy, treatments for various blood disorders, any type of cancer and comprehensive breast care.

“I would highly recommend for anybody to go there,” Steele said.

Right on target HaysMed offers state of the art radiation therapy for patients battling cancer.

Innovations during the past several years have made it possible for oncologists to pinpoint the exact location of a Page 6

Dr. Babu Prasad, radiation oncologist, demonstrates the linear accelerator used to deliver radiation treatment for cancer.

tumor with a CT scan, then administer radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing harm to healthy tissue, said Dr. Babu Prasad, a radiation oncologist. This type of treatment is called conformal radiation.

“That way, patients have a lot less side effects and a lot less complications,” he said. “You are able to deliver a very high dose (of radiation) to the target.”

A CT scanner is built into the radiation

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equipment, enabling radiation therapists to ensure the treatment is hitting the tumor, even if it has shifted locations.

HaysMed obtained Image Guided Radiation Therapy in 2007 and was among the first medical centers in the state to do so, Prasad said.

“I would not have imagined that we would have a hospital of this level today when I came back in ‘83,” he said. “I’m proud and I’m glad to be part of that.”

Health Matters

“With early diagnoses, you don’t need radical operations. This day and age, patients are treated with radical radiations.”

Dr. Babu Prasad, Radiation Oncologist

There are two forms of conformal radiation, 3-D or IMRT, short for IntensityModulated Radiation Therapy, which is the more advanced form of treatment.

Another advanced form of treatment is hypofraction. Patients who qualify for this treatment will receive a higher dose of radiation in a shorter amount of time.

The treatment currently is most often used in treating breast cancer patients, Prasad said, noting he expects it to become more widespread in the near future.

“Patients like it because they don’t have to travel for seven weeks. We have patients traveling long distances,” he said.

“For them, taking three weeks of breast radiation is a lot more convenient than taking seven weeks of treatment,” Prasad said.

All of these advances have revolutionized the way doctors are able to cure cancer. Prasad said surgery often was the best option for many patients when he first began to practice medicine.

“With early diagnoses, you don’t need radical operations,” he said. “This day and age, patients are treated with radical radiations.”

Radiation therapy most often is suggested for patients with localized forms of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. Radiation sometimes is combined with other treatment methods such as surgery or chemotherapy.

While not all advanced cancer cases can be cured medically, radiation also can help offset symptoms and relieve pain to help those patients, he said.

“Many cancers are cured, and many patients with advanced cancers can be helped,” Prasad said. “Because of conformal techniques and because of IGRT, we can do radiation with a lot of safety.”

Another treatment option for patients Health Matters

Garrett Roe, certified medical dosimetrist, illustrates a prescribed radiation treatment for a cancer patient.

Prasad, right, demonstrates the linear accelerator used to deliver radiation treatment for cancer at HaysMed.

diagnosed with cancer is chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy encompasses drugs that are taken by mouth or administered through an IV. There are two types of chemotherapy offered at HaysMed — cytotoxic and targeted chemotherapy.

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Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the more traditional treatment, while newer targeted treatments were developed to treat a specific cancer growth, said Dr. January Fields, a medical oncologist and hematologist at HaysMed.

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“Families of patients are always asking what they can do to help. If they could donate blood or platelets, that would be very helpful for somebody else.”

Dr. January Fields, Medical Oncologist The targeted treatments have been offered at HaysMed for approximately 10 years, and more types of drugs have been added through the years. While traditional chemotherapy often is associated with side effects such as hair loss and nausea, the targeted approach has milder repercussions.

“There are less side effects than with more traditional drugs,” she said.

In the veins The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute also provides care to patients with various blood disorders.

Hematology is a separate specialty dealing with the blood, bone marrow and the lymph system.

The most common cancers of the bone marrow are leukemia, in which a clone cell has taken over and is filling the bone marrow. Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that usually is found in the lymph nodes.

“We treat those here with chemotherapy,” Fields said. “Occasionally, we need outside help. Some of those patients will be looking at a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant.”

For those patients, the Institute uses their partnerships with academic institutions through the Midwest Cancer Alliance. The oncologists at HaysMed hold clinical faculty positions at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Many benign, or non-cancerous, disorders also are treated at the cancer institute. Those disorders include blood clotting disorders, iron deficiencies and illnesses in which the bone marrow produces too many or not enough white blood cells.

“We see benign problems in the cancer center, which does concern some patients (wondering) why they’re referred Page 8

Dr. January Fields, medical oncologist at HaysMed, talks with Cancer Institute staff.

Shanahan, right, is checked by pharmacist James Meier after preparing the chemotherapy drugs.

here,” she said. “But it does not necessarily mean they have cancer.”

Some patients with blood-related illnesses do not even require treatment.

Others are treated with medication. In fact, chemotherapy also can be used for some non-cancerous disorders.

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Blood and platelet transfusions also can be used. Fields stressed the importance of donating blood.

“Families (of patients) are always asking what they can do to help,” she said. “If they could donate blood or platelets, that would be very helpful for somebody else.”

Health Matters

“Say we got a new drug for testing for a particular cancer. We want to have that drug in Hays. We don’t want to have the patient drive to Kansas City.”

Dr. Gary Doolittle, KU Medical Center oncologist

Many of these disorders, both benign and cancerous, can be detected with blood tests. HaysMed offers monthly community blood screenings, which is a good way to detect early problems, Fields said.

“I have had numerous patients who have come in because of seeing blood counts be abnormal on that,” she said.

‘Close to home’ Rural cancer patients have been able to receive highly specialized care previously only available in urban areas, thanks to a partnership between HaysMed and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

The Midwest Cancer Alliance is a network of 13 hospitals that brings together patient care, research and support professionals throughout Kansas and western Missouri. HaysMed was a founding member of the alliance, first joining several years ago.

“The mantra for the alliance is care close to home,” said Dr. Gary Doolittle, a KU Medical Center oncologist.

Too often, cancer patients have had to travel far from their homes to gain access to leading-edge clinical trials.

“Say we got a new drug for testing for a particular cancer. We want to have that drug in Hays,” Doolittle said. “We don’t want to have the patient drive to Kansas City.”

Through the partnership, Dreiling/ Schmidt Cancer Institute is working to bring the best cancer clinical trials the region has to offer into the community and directly to patients.

KU Medical Center recently was designated as a National Cancer Institute, which means more clinical trials will be available to western Kansas patients.

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Midwest Cancer Alliance The Midwest Cancer Alliance is a membership-based organization created by the University of Kansas Cancer Center that links member hospitals, physician groups, cancer support and advocacy organizations, industry and government throughout Kansas and western Missouri. Its purpose is to provide strong support to community oncologists and cancer care professionals. Its goal is to advance the quality and reach of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship in the Heartland.

Cancer continues to take a significant toll on the lives of patients, as well as their families and friends. The MCA builds on the strengths of cancer professionals in the region to find the best resources.

As part of this organization, Dreiling/ Schmidt Cancer Institute is teaming with other cancer care leaders to ensure patients receive the best options to heal.

Benefits • Advanced care for patients • Cancer treatment is disruptive enough in patients’ lives. The MCA’s core goal is to facilitate advanced clinical trials for cancer patients as close to their homes as possible, helping to remove one of the burdens of receiving cancer care.

• Oncologists affiliated with MCA can share information efficiently to help diagnose and treat patients,

which advances Dreiling/Schmidt’s high standards of care.

• Patients at MCA-affiliated hospitals and physician practices have access to comprehensive cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and care information, along with other health resources.

• Patients can receive second opinion services through the University of Kansas Cancer Center and multidisciplinary care for every diagnosis.

• Patients can be enrolled in MCAsponsored prevention, screening and early detection trials at HaysMed. Patients who have had standard therapies fail can receive access to state of the art clinical trials, thanks to the collaboration.

• MCA members share information and best practices for the benefit of patients in the region. Cancer care professionals have access to member networking events and conferences, continuing medical and nursing credits and members-only Web resources.

• Dreiling/Schmidt physicians can share valuable resources with a host of other regional cancer care leaders and be part of a team dedicated to finding answers.

• Advances in cancer care and therapies close to home help Dreiling/ Schmidt attract and retain top physicians, nurses and staff in rural areas.

These advances create and maintain jobs, and they spur related economic development.

To learn more, visit www.midwestcanceralliance.org.

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“Cancer treatment is a team effort. ... With the help of other team members, you can make a better diagnosis and you can offer better treatment.”

Dr. Babu Prasad, Radiation Oncologist New drugs typically come to National Cancer Institute-designated centers first.

It’s estimated NCI centers throughout the nation care for approximately 10 percent of cancer patients, leaving the majority of care to community hospitals, Doolittle said. The University of Kansas Cancer Center obtained NCI designation in June 2012.

“So it doesn’t make sense to have new drugs and new treatment options at cancer centers, because they’re only going to serve 10 percent of the people,” Doolittle said. “So the whole idea with the Midwest Cancer Alliance is to spread that throughout the region.”

Clinical trials are available for many different types, and stages, of cancer. Josette Klaus, a clinical research registered nurse, reviews patient files and notifies physicians if a patient qualifies for a clinical trial. HaysMed offers several trials in-house, but some patients might be referred to Kansas City for more complex treatments. Clinical trials typically involve new chemotherapy drugs or treatment regimens.

Even if a doctor recommends participation in a clinical trial, the final decision is up to the patient, Klaus said, noting the trial is explained thoroughly to patients beforehand.

All new drugs given at HaysMed are FDA approved. Patients undergoing clinical trials also are closely monitored by HaysMed staff, she said.

“We do nothing that is not safe,” she said. “We are the advocate of the patient here.”

Comprehensive care Genetic testing and counseling are other services offered at the cancer institute. Genetic counseling is recommended for patients who might have Page 10

Dr. Babu Prasad presents findings from a case to members of the tumor board at HaysMed.

or be at risk of developing a hereditary form of cancer. It is estimated hereditary cancer syndromes comprise 5 percent of all cancers encountered, said Dr. Sameh Abuerreish, a medical oncologist at HaysMed. The genetic counseling process often begins when physicians first visit with a patient. Factors such as age, ethnicity and whether first-degree relatives developed cancer at an early age can help doctors decide if specialized tests are necessary.

“A family pedigree is a good start,” he said.

Genetic testing identifies mutations in certain genes that occur frequently in families with hereditary cancers, such as breast, colon, stomach and brain cancers. The mutations are passed from one generation to the next, increasing an individual’s risk of developing cancer.

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But even if a patient tests positive for these mutations, it does not necessarily mean that person will get cancer, he said. If a mutation is identified, younger relatives who also might be at risk can be tested.

Cancer genetics specialists from KU Medical Center are available for consultation via telemedicine.

Second opinions also are available at HaysMed for patients from outlying communities.

“Often, patients tell me they have been told by well-meaning friends and relatives to ‘get a second opinion,’ “ Fields said. “They are confused as to what a second opinion even is or how they should go about it.”

A second opinion is when a patient has questions about their treatment plan, pathology specimen, diagnosis or other health care issues.

Health Matters

“Numerous patients probably wouldn’t have received their treatments if there wouldn’t have been a place for them to stay while they did get their treatments.”

Stephanie Bedore, Cancer Support Programs

Look Good ... Feel Better Look Good ... Feel Better is a free program from the American Cancer Society designed for women dealing with hair loss and skin changes from chemotherapy and radiation.

You can learn specific techniques to help you make the most of your ap-

pearance while undergoing treatment.

You also will take home a makeup package valued at $200.

The next events will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

Call (785) 623-5757 to register.

For a complete list of patient resources, visit www.haysmed.com/supportservices

Cathy Carney receives a makeover from Janel Weigel as part of Look Good ... Feel Better at HaysMed.

Support HaysMed’s cancer support group is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and family members dealing with cancer. Support people and caregivers are invited to attend, too.

The group meets at 6 p.m. at the Center for Health Improvement Education Room on the following days: • Oct. 11 • Nov. 15 • Dec. 13 The group is free to attend.

Call (785) 623-5757 for more information.

Health Matters

When a patient is diagnosed with a new cancer at HaysMed, the case has been reviewed by two pathologists, she said.

However, patients sometimes are referred to a larger institution.

“It may be we recommend traveling for a ‘second opinion’ to enroll in a treatment trial not open at Hays Medical Center,” she said. “It may also be that certain treatments cannot be administered at Hays Medical Center, such as induction treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia.”

HaysMed oncologists also host “tumor board” discussion groups twice a month.

Doctors and nurses from Hays and the region gather to share information about complex cases and seek input from others.

The meetings seek to provide a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer, thus providing better patient care, Prasad said.

“Cancer treatment is a team effort.

One person cannot do it,” he said. “So different specialists are involved. With the help of other team members, you can make a better treatment plan and you can offer better treatment.”

The meetings also serve as a platform

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for continuing professional education for health care professionals.

Full support Beginning when a patient is diagnosed and continuing through the treatment’s duration, HaysMed has staff on hand to help patients and their families.

New patients complete an orientation process, during which they are provided a wealth of information.

Information about the specific type of disease and available resources is provided, as well as a health management tool to help patients keep track of various appointments and medications.

Stephanie Bedore, cancer support programs coordinator, helps families identify support programs, both local and nationwide, they might qualify for.

HaysMed offers lodging assistance for qualifying patients, enabling them to stay at a Hays hotel for as little as $10 per night.

“It’s huge,” Bedore said. “Numerous patients probably wouldn’t have received their treatments if there wouldn’t have been a place for them to stay while they did get treatments.”

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Nurse practitioner Nicole Spray and oncologist Dr. Anne O’Dea staff the Breast Care Center at HaysMed.

Patients, survivors benefit from center

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fter recognizing a need to provide comprehensive care to breast cancer patients and survivors, HaysMed founded the Breast Care Center in 2011.

The center offers a wide array of preventive services, striving to help women who might be at an increased risk of the disease because of family history.

“Some of our patients have risks as high as 85 to 90 percent at some point during their lifetime,” said Dr. Anne O’Dea, an oncologist specializing in breast care.

“So obviously, these patients want to be proactive and do everything they can with their health to try to minimize the risk.”

Patients can ask their primary care Page 12

physicians to refer them to the Breast Care Center, or they can make appointments themselves.

Genetic testing and counseling are available, and health care providers educate patients about healthy lifestyle choices. Approximately 50 women have qualified for genetic testing at the center during the past year, O’Dea said.

“There are actually quite a lot of women in the region who would benefit and meet the eligibility criteria for genetic testing,” she said, “which obviously is highly beneficial to that woman and also for their family.”

If a patient is found to have a genetic predisposition that could increase the risk of developing breast cancer, they

Specialty

might be given preventive medicines.

The center, currently located in the Oak Park medical complex, 2501 E. 13th, is housed adjacent to the imaging center, making it a one-stop shop for women needing mammograms. The center will move to the hospital’s main campus, along with imaging, following ongoing renovations.

Thanks partly to a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Breast Care Center also offers patient navigation services, led by nurse practitioner Nicole Spray.

She helps coordinate care for breast cancer patients, helping them find the resources they need and schedule necessary appointments.

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Bedore also helps patients identify other resources, such as the Cancer Council of Ellis County, the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The ACS offers a popular transportation assistance program to help qualifying patients offset fuel costs.

HaysMed also offers a financial consultation, during which patients visit with financial customer service representatives to discuss billing practices, insurance policies and other concerns patients might have.

The institute also offers a resource library. Patients can obtain materials pertaining to cancer, treatments and how to cope through the process.

An image boutique also is available to help patients, particularly females, who have lost their hair or are struggling with changes in appearance through cancer treatments. Patients can obtain wigs, scarves and other accessories.

Another program, “Look Good and Feel Better,” is a two-hour session with licensed cosmetologists. Patients receive complete makeovers, and are given tips for applying makeup and using different head coverings.

The ACS also provides a free beauty kit valued at about $200 to each patient.

“Patients have said to me, ‘Wow, I’ve wanted to face the day now that I look like myself,’ “ Bedore said. “It makes them feel normal again, and it also gives them that boost of security to go out and

continue to push forward with their cancer treatment.”

The hospital’s Center for Health Improvement offers massage therapy and a Healing in Motion program, in which patients can work with a cancer exercise specialist.

There also are several support groups available for patients and families during and beyond the healing process.

The cancer institute has its own support group, and there are other options, such as the nationally known 4th Angel programs.

Another major focus of the institute is educating patients about nutrition.

Coupons are available for nutritional supplements, and some patients are referred to HaysMed’s nutritional specialists.

“Cancer treatments will affect your taste, your smell, your appetite and the ability to eat foods,” Bedore said. “So nutrition is a big thing for our patients.

Patients who come in well nourished, they do have a better prognosis or chance of recovery.”

••• The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute program is one of the oldest accredited cancer programs in the nation, first receiving approval in 1951 from the American College of Surgeons and having continuous approval ever since.

The program is approved as a cancer program by the American College of Surgeons’ prestigious Commission on Cancer.

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“We’re trying to make the best use of a lady’s time and expedite their care so we can get them the answers they need in a timely manner,” Spray said.

The Komen grant also will enable HaysMed to offer a new gas voucher program for women who might need financial assistance when traveling to Hays for appointments and procedures.

“There are some people out in the community we serve who have difficulty getting to an appointment specific to their breast health,” Spray said. “Whether it be getting here to have a biopsy or just getting here to have a mammogram.”

Staff also work to help identify outside resources from which breast cancer patients can benefit. The ultimate goal is to help eliminate the obstacles that might keep women from achieving the level of care they need.

Once a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, staff work closely with other specialties, such as radiation oncology, general surgery and reconstructive surgery, to help women achieve their desired results.

The center also helps breast cancer patients identify and take advantage of clinical trials through the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. Approximately 50 northwest Kansas women are participating in a diet and exercise study for breast cancer survivors, O’Dea said.

“We’re seeing fabulous results from that,” she said. “Women are able to participate in this program, and by doing so, they are significantly reducing their risk of recurrence of breast cancer.”

The center also provides several education events each year for breast cancer survivors. Previous sessions have offered tips for healthful eating and dealing with anxiety and depression.

“We want to help the ladies who have had breast cancer from the time their medical oncologist releases them to 20 years out,” Spray said. “We follow those ladies and help manage those long-term side effects or problems that arise.”

••• For more information, contact the Breast Care Center at (785) 623-5114 or visit www.haysmed.com/breastcarecenter.

Upcoming Events Oct. 13 — Flamingo 5K Run/Walk at Breast Care Center Advanced registration information available at www.haysmed. com/flamingo. Race day check-in at 8 a.m.; race starts at 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 — Pink Zumbathon at Center for Health Improvement

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“Get Your Pink On” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the CHI gym.

Oct. 16 — Women’s Health Symposium for Cancer Survivors Question and Answer Panel Presentation for Women, 7 p.m., Center for Health Improvement, west Orthopedic entrance.

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Early detection improves outcomes Page 14

Intervention

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Upcoming

event

Stress and Your Immune System When: 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 Where: St. Agnes #1 Who: Moira Mulhern, Ph.D., cofounder and CEO, Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing Stress just seems to be part of everyday life. It can affect physical health, with chronic illnesses often flaring up during repeated times of stress. When hit repeatedly with stress, your immune system defenses often are impaired. Learn about the inner workings of your stress response system, its links to the immune system and strategies for managing this common aspect of life in more effective ways. colon cancer, which is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in females and third in males. The recommended screening procedure is a colonoscopy, which can be done by general surgeons at HaysMed. For those preferring a less invasive

approach, a stool test also is available.

That test, however, will not detect polyps, the pre-cancer-stages, as well as the colonoscopy does.

“Unfortunately, almost all (colon) cancer patients, who are referred to us, never had a colon cancer screening.

It is striking,” Abuerreish said. “Nationwide, 70 percent of the patients who are eligible for colon cancer screening do not get it. This has a huge impact on patients’ quality of life and a huge impact on the cost of health care.”

Women older than 40 also are encouraged to have yearly mammograms.

Patients who have a strong family history of the disease can begin getting screened at an age 10 years younger than the age at which a first-degree relative developed cancer.

It’s also important for women to conduct self breast exams each month.

More than half of breast cancers are detected by the patients, Abuerreish said.

Men between the ages of 50 and 75 also are encouraged to undergo annual PSA tests to check for prostate cancer.

Pre-emptive lung screenings are currently recommended for detection of lung cancer, and these tests are currently available at HaysMed.

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hen it comes to cancer treatment, one thing is clear: Patient outcomes usually are better when the disease is detected in its early stages.

Screenings are available for some of the most common forms of cancer, and patients should know the recommendations and remember to get checked regularly, said Dr. Sameh Abuerreish, a medical oncologist at HaysMed. “We really can double or triple our early detection rates just by applying the existing screening guidelines,” Abuerreish said.

When cancer is detected at stage 1, the cure rate averages 80 percent to 90 percent.

By the time the disease reaches stage 4, it can be incurable. That’s why, he said, it’s important for patients to follow screening recommendations to help catch the disease before symptoms begin.

Patients who are unsure of the recommendations or who think they might need screenings earlier due to increased risk should visit with their primary care physicians, he said.

As a general rule, patients who are older than 50 should be screened for