2019 Cancer Center Annual Report

2019 Cancer Center Annual Report

Callahan Cancer Center

2019 Annual Report

C O M P A S S I O N A T E C A N C E R C A R E

WELCOME TO THE 2019 GREAT PLAINS HEALTH CANCER REPORT This year, we will focus our attention on melanoma. Although, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., many people don't realize this, because it does not cause the most number of deathers. The most common type of skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell. Melanoma accounts for only 1 percent of all skin cancer cases, but it is associated with the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates the following for melanoma in the US in 2019: about 96,480 new cases of melanoma (57,220 in men and 39,260 in women), and approximately 7,230 deaths from melanoma (4,740 in men and 2,490 in women). Melanoma is most commonly diagnosed in non-Hispanic whites. The lifetime risk of developing melanoma is about 2.6 percent for Caucasians, 0.1 percent for African Americans, and 0.58 percent for Hispanics. Incidence rates are higher in women than men before age 50, but by age 65, rates in men are double those in women and by age 80, they are triple.

2

T H E C A L L A H A N C A N C E R C E N T E R C OM PA S S I O N AT E C A N C E R C A R E

It is important to know the risk factors for melanoma, because there may be things you can do to lower your risk of developing it. A major risk factor for melanoma is high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from sunlight or use of indoor tanning. People at highest risk include those with sun sensitivity, for example, individuals who sunburn easily, or people with natural blond or red hair color. Another risk factor is a family history of melanoma or having numerous moles. Most moles will never cause any problems, but someone who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma. Lastly a person that has a weakened immune system from a certain disease or medical treatment is more likely to develop skin cancer, including melanoma. The most important way to lower your risk of developing melanoma is to protect yourself from exposure to UV rays. You can do this by practicing sun safety when you are outdoors. The American Cancer Society offers this catchphrase to help remember some of the key steps in protection: “Slip! Slop! Slap! And wrap” Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses. Children need special attention, as the majority of skin damage happens before the age of 24 months. Parents and caregivers should protect children from excess sun exposure by using these same tips. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is 97 percent effective in the prevention of skin cancer. Another way to lower risk of melanoma is to avoid the use of tanning beds. Many people believe the UV rays of a tanning bed are harmless. However, this is not true. Melanoma is highly curable if detected in its early stages. To help detect melanoma early, it is important to perform monthly skin self-exams. As you become familiar with your skin, you will

be more alert for an area that appears to be changing. If you see something different, it is important to notify your physician. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for features to be on the lookout for during your skin exam. These are: A is for Asymmetry; one half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half. B is for Border; the edges are irregular, ragged or blurred. C is for Color; the color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black or sometimes patches of pink, red, white or blue. D is for Diameter; the spot is larger than 6 mm across, although some melanomas can be smaller than this. E is for Evolving; the mole is changing in size, shape or color. Not all melanomas will have these signs, so it is important to be alert for any new or changing skin growths or spots. Great Plains Health provides a full range of services for prevention, early detection and treatment of melanoma. I would encourage everyone to perform regular skin exams and to promptly notify your primary care physician of any skin changes you notice. Referrals can then be made to our team of specialists here in the North Platte area, including dermatologists, surgeons and oncologists.

Tammy Niemoth, RN BSN OCN Callahan Cancer Center director CoC Cancer Program Administrator

3

2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Clinical research Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer

Center’s medical oncology department is dedicated to providing the most up-to- date clinical research for our patients. Our clinical research coordinator, along with our nurse navigator, is responsible for keeping the physicians updated on potential trials, opening new trials, assessing patients for possible enrollment and working with the physicians to determine patient eligibility. Along with registering patients for clinical trials, following these patients’ progress and treatment on a scheduled basis and doing all required >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online