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Research: New Treatment Options
Clinical trials not only provide treatment options which might otherwise be unavailable to cancer patients but also guide researchers in evaluating promising new therapies. Through Kirkland Cancer Center's research participation, eligible patients can benefit from cutting edge treatment "without leaving home."
A new study from the American Cancer Society is open to adults age 30-65 years. The "CPS-3" or Cancer Prevention Study, will help researchers understand more about cancer prevention. The goal is to recruit 500,000 people from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This is a long-term commitment that requires some paperwork, a waist measurement, small blood sample, and follow-up surveys each year or two. The survey will ask for information on lifestyle, behavior, and other factors related to health. If you are interested in participating in CPS-3, call American Cancer Society at 1-888-604-5888 or e-mail cps3@cancer.org. Registrations for this CPS-3 research program will be done at the Relay for Life in Jackson, Tennessee, May 14, 2010 at Jackson Fairgrounds Park, 800 S. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN. For more information, click here.
Tumor Registry: A Physician Resource
The Tumor Registry is an important part of the Kirkland Cancer Center at General Hospital. It is staffed by two full-time certified tumor registrars who are trained in current cancer care methods, information collection, and statistical evaluation. The registrars are also members of the Tumor Registrars Association. The registry is a collection of data of patients diagnosed and/or treated with cancer. The data includes patient demographics, extent of disease, treatment, and lifetime follow-up. This information is used by the medical staff, administration, and other related parties.
Since 1990, the Registry has accessioned over 20,000 cases with 1,382 new cases diagnosed in 2008. We currently follow 4400 patients with letters to the physician or patient or with a telephone call to the patient. The registry has maintained a 94 percent follow-up rate which exceeds the American College of Surgeons standards. This is accomplished with the cooperation and support of the medical staff.
Quality assurance is performed by a physician audit on at least 10 percent of our analytic cases. This assures accuracy in staging in adition to establishing a link between the medical staff and the Tumor Registry.
Cancer conferences are held weekly with multi-disciplinary staff in attendance. An average of three cases are presented each week with discussion concerning diagnosis and treatment.
The registry staff also helps with cancer screenings, health fairs, Relay for Life, and other Kirkland Cancer Center events.
Community Education Programs
Community education on prevention and early detection of cancer remains a year-round priority of the Kirkland Cancer Center. Approximately 2,000 people participate in the breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin screenings yearly with follow-up provided for those having "abnormal" findings. An active speaker's bureau is available to schools, churches, civic, and community groups with topics ranging from the "preventative" role of sunscreen to new advances in cancer treatment. The Cancer Center also participates in area-wide health fairs.
For Cancer Survivors
Survivors are "guests of honor" at the Annual Jackson Relay for Life, of which the KirklandCancer Center is title sponsor. This 24-hour activity-filled community party is both a celebration of life and opportunity to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Camp Bluebird, a 3-day camp for adult cancer survivors at beautiful Lakeshore Campground, sponsored by the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and BellSouth Telephone Pioneers, provides a weekend getaway for cancer survivors twice a year. This camp is open to all cancer survivors. Call Sandra Atherton at 731-423-3001 for more information or to register.
The American Cancer Society's Annual Golf Classic and Fashion Show are also programs supported by the Cancer Center. We are constantly finding new and wonderful ways to celebrate cancer survivors, so be sure to check the website for updated events!
Local Support Groups
Cancer Support Group 731-541-5087Passages Grief Support Group 731-664-4220
National Cancer Resources
American Cancer Soc. 1-800-227-2345 http://www.cancer.org/
Ntl. Cancer Institute 1-800/422-6237 http://www.nci.nih.gov/
West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation
Call 731-984-2140 for information on:
Kirkland Cancer Center Foundation Fund
Hospice of West Tennessee Foundation Fund
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