Download a year in review - Martin Health System

a year in review
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15
contents
3
4
Letter from the Chairman
Welcome New Oncology
Team Members
Prostate Screening
Leads to Diagnosis and Treatment
5
Center for Clinical Research
Advances Quality Care
6
No Cancer Patient is Alone
7
Community Forums and Presentations Cancer Screenings
Cancer Registry Activity Report Cancer Registry Statistical Summary Top Five Cancer Sites
at Martin Health System
2014 Analytic Cases
Age and Gender Diagnosis
2014 Facts and Figures
Leading Sites of New Cancer
Cases and Deaths – 2015 Estimates
2015 Cancer Program Committee
How Big is Your Brave
Philanthropy and Oncology Services
Definition of Terms
2 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
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MISSION
STATEMENT
A multidisciplinary team providing quality, individualized, whole person
care devoted to improving the lives of all cancer patients.
VISION
To be the premier destination for cancer care on the Treasure Coast
through caring professionals, leading technology, cutting edge research,
and compassionate support services.
VALUES
Patients first through: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
letter from
the chair
This has been a very rewarding year for those of
us at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer
Center at Martin Health. For the third consecutive
survey cycle, our multidisciplinary team has earned
the highest possible level of accreditation that a
comprehensive community cancer program can
receive from the Commission on Cancer. The
Commission assesses our physician credentials,
cancer committee membership, community
outreach, clinical education activity and more. In
addition to full accreditation, the Commission
awarded the cancer center a commendation for
excellence in numerous areas. We couldn’t be more
pleased—for both the cancer center and the more
than 2,000 patients we serve each year. You can
read more about the rigorous guidelines of this
prestigious award at www.facs.org/cancer.
What makes the Robert and Carol Weissman
Cancer Center so remarkable? I would say, first
and foremost, it is our people. Our team draws
from many different disciplines that include
board-certified specialists, oncology nurses and
technicians, cancer patient navigators, a social
worker and an oncology dietitian. These caring
and committed professionals bring together their
expertise and experience to provide the very best
treatment for our patients.
With support from our very generous community,
we are also fortunate to be able to offer some of the
best cancer treatment technology right here on the
Treasure Coast.
When we learned that Martin and St. Lucie
counties had higher incidences of lung cancer than
the state average, we created the Center for Lung
Health and acquired the cutting-edge TrueBeam
radiotherapy system last year. In conjunction with
this, we introduced a low-dose CT screening for
lung cancer, with the goal of finding cancers early
when they are most treatable. In the first 200
patients who participated in the screening, five lung
cancers were uncovered and treated!
Our lung cancer navigator worked with these
patients—and many others—to provide
information and resources, ease the anxiety of being
diagnosed with cancer, and/or helping to remove
any barriers to services.
This program has been a major success, creating lung
cancer awareness, and providing a way for those who
are at risk to be proactive and get screened.
The cancer center is driven by the mission of Martin
Health System – to provide exceptional health
care, hope and compassion, to every person, every
time. So as we strive to eradicate cancer by using
the most effective ways to prevent and diagnose
it, we are also dedicated to ensuring our patients
receive the highest level of care, from a caring and
compassionate oncology team, within a comforting
and healing environment.
Alpana Desai, MD
Chair, Cancer Program Committee and Cancer Liaison Physician
3 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
welcome new oncology
team members
Craig Wengler, MD,
Breast Surgical
Oncologist
Craig Wengler, MD, was happy
to return home to Stuart, Florida
where he was born and raised. He
joined Martin Health Physician
Group after completing a Breast
Surgical Oncology fellowship at
Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. During
his fellowship, Dr. Wengler had
the opportunity to see more of the science and research behind the most
effective breast cancer treatments. “This is one cancer we’re starting to beat,”
Dr. Wengler said. “We’re really making strides in the right direction.”
Dr. Wengler returned to his hometown to help those on the Treasure
Coast who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I am fortunate to
be surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and well-rounded
physicians, nurses, and support staff who help me provide the best patient
care possible,” he said.
Dr. Wengler sees patients in Stuart and Port St. Lucie. In addition to breast
cancer surgery, he treats benign breast disease, performs breast and lymph
node biopsies, specializes in high-risk breast surveillance, and performs
nipple-sparing mastectomies and oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer.
4 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
Michael Burke, MD,
Radiation Oncologist
When Michael Burke, MD, joined the Robert
and Carol Weissman Cancer Center last year,
he brought with him 24 years of experience in a
practice he finds extremely rewarding.
After obtaining his medical degree from
Georgetown University School of Medicine,
Dr. Burke completed his residency in radiation
oncology at the University of Kansas Medical
Center. Prior to joining Martin Health System, he was medical director
in radiation oncology at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York and
medical director in radiation oncology at Delta Medix Cancer Center in
Pennsylvania.
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Burke spends a great deal of time both with
his patients and in front of the computer to provide advanced treatment
delivery. “There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in meticulous treatment
planning in order to deliver significant dosages of radiation to cancer cells
without damaging the surrounding normal tissue,” he said. “Here at Martin
Health, we have the most advanced equipment available and a great team
including our three radiation oncologists, a physicist, dosimetrist, therapists,
nurses and office staff. I am truly blessed to be here.”
prostate screening
leads to diagnosis
and treatment
In February 2015, Gary Ferguson heard an
announcement at his church about a free prostate
cancer screening and thought he should attend.
For the 59-year-old who rarely saw a doctor, this
turned out to be a life-saving decision. The screening
uncovered Stage 3 prostate cancer.
When Gary received his diagnosis, he didn’t have
any health insurance. With assistance from Marisa
Baskin, oncology social worker, Gary was able to
submit applications for Medicare, Medicaid and SSI.
Additional support from Volunteers in Medicine
made it possible for Gary to pursue surgery.
Gary was shocked. He wasn’t a smoker and never
felt sick or had any symptoms. He was referred to
Stuart urologist, Michael Lustgarten, MD.
“Gary remained very upbeat throughout his
treatment,” Baskin said. “His positive attitude made
his experience so much better.”
“It’s very typical for patients to have prostate cancer
and not have any symptoms,” Dr. Lustgarten said.
“We were fortunate we caught Gary’s cancer when
we did. It had spread to seminal vesicles—which
is why we also prescribed radiation treatment
following the surgery.”
For Gary, the care he received was life-saving. “They
really care about you at the Cancer Center,” he said.
“I felt like I’ve known the staff for a long time.”
Over the next six weeks following his surgery, Gary
traveled to the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer
Center from his home in Hobe Sound five days
a week for radiation therapy. He completed his
treatments in November.
Gary Ferguson (left)
and Michael Lustgarten, MD
The annual free prostate cancer screening is offered through the Robert and
Carol Weissman Cancer Center’s community outreach initiative with the goal
of decreasing the number of patients with late stage disease. All patients with
positive findings receive follow-up care and financial assistance screening for those
who are uninsured and underinsured.
5 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
center for clinical
research advances
quality of care
Clinical Research at Martin Health
(left to right)
Kensington Daigle, RN
Belinda Russell
Thomas Calkins
Mary Allison, RN
Kristen Sweeney, RN, Manager
Davy Thach
Cathryn Connelly, RN
clinical research employs six staff and has two
locations: at the Robert and Carol Weissman
Cancer Center in Stuart and at Tradition Medical
Center in Port St. Lucie.
University and OneBlood. Affiliation with the
Moffitt Cancer Center provides the community
with an extension of services for referrals, research
and clinical trials.
The Martin Health System Center for Clinical
Research plays a key role in helping research the
effectiveness of potential new drug therapies,
advancing clinical technologies and finding new
methods of detecting and treating cancer. This
research is critical to advancing the quality of
care we offer at the Robert and Carol Weissman
Cancer Center.
For more than 10 years, the Center for Clinical
Research has successfully collaborated with
industry sponsors, biotech companies and local
life science organizations to promote research
activities. Utilizing a comprehensive clinical
research infrastructure, the center supports
sponsors and investigators in the initiation,
conduct and reporting of clinical research that can
help understand human conditions and aid in the
development of new therapies.
Relationships with life sciences, pharmaceutical
companies and government-funded programs
enable the research department to participate
in multi-therapeutic clinical trials. The research
department focuses on trials that bring the latest
science to patients in our community.
Led by Moti Ramgopal, MD, medical director,
and Kristen Sweeney, manager, the center for
Partner organizations include the Moffitt Cancer
Center in Tampa, MRI Global, Florida Gulf Coast
Moti Ramgopal, MD
6 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
As part of the research community, our clinical
research center strives to develop a program to
elevate awareness of clinical trial opportunities,
provide greater access to clinical trials and deliver
high-quality clinical data while meeting all
regulatory regulations.
no cancer
patient
is alone
Our Oncology Support Team
(left to right)
Mary Smith, Breast Health Navigator
Kim Pacewicz, Lung Health Navigator
Maria Baskin, Social Worker
For anyone diagnosed with cancer, learning how to
fight the disease can be an emotional, frightening
experience with more questions than answers.
Currently our navigation program is comprised of two
breast health navigators, one lung health navigator and
two oncology social workers.
At the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center,
our oncology nurse navigators help patients navigate
through the complex health care barriers, from
screening to survivorship or end of life. These
navigators provide information and resources,
minimize barriers to services and help expedite access
to care in order to reduce anxiety and ease the patient’s
cancer journey as much as is possible.
“I’ve always loved working with oncology patients,”
said Mary Smith, breast health navigator. “As a
navigator, I feel like I am really making a differencealleviating our patients’ concerns, connecting them
with resources and making sure they understand their
options and their prescribed course of treatment, tests
and therapies.”
Just as our oncology nurse navigators provide the
necessary clinical support, our oncology social
worker provides the necessary psychosocial support.
The oncology social worker oversees the distress
screening process that patients undergo prior to
beginning cancer treatment. Distress screening
provides the patient, care team and social worker
with a deeper understanding of current anxieties,
fears, challenges or worries; the team then provides
additional assessment and interventions as necessary.
Completing cancer treatment can be an overwhelming
accomplishment. Our patients receive individualized
post-treatment care plans and care summaries. This
not only provides direction for follow- up, but also
enhances communication among each patient’s
various physicians.
“When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, their
world is turned upside down and they don’t know who
to turn to,” Smith said. “It’s such a relief when they
discover someone is there who is knowledgeable and
supportive, and can be an advocate for them.”
7 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
community forums
and presentations
Director of Oncology Services,
Cheryl Larschan, RN, BSN, OCN,
(left) and Kaushal Gundavda,
Assitant Vice President of Oncology
and Research Services.
January 27, 2015
Lung Cancer: How Medical
Research, Advanced Technology
and Early Detection Are
Saving Lives
Dennis J. Tishko, MD, Center for Lung Health
Tradition Medical Center
August 22, 2015
Friends in Pink 8th Annual
Friendship Luncheon
Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart
October 9, 2015
Breast Cancer
Todd Horkins, MD
Temple Beit Hayam, Stuart
8 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
October 21, 2015
Breast Cancer and
Genetic Testing
Craig Wengler, MD
Indian River State College, Fort Pierce
December 8, 2015
What You Don’t Know
CAN Hurt You: New Ways
to Think About Cancer
Dennis J. Tishko, MD, Center for Lung Health
Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club, Palm City
“
The team of doctors
and staff at Martin
Health are fantastic!
”
– Kim, patient
cancer
screenings
Prostate Cancer Screening
February 24, 2015
This annual prostate cancer screening was held on
February 24 at the Robert and Carol Weissman
Cancer Center with a panel of three physicians.
A total of 86 participants were screened, with
nine percent having a PSA result higher than 4.0.
Participants included 61 Caucasians, 21 African
Americans and four Hispanic
Clinical findings:
Normal – 56
Abnormal – 2
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) – 28
Lung Cancer Screenings
July 2014 – October 2015
As part of the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer
Center, the Center for Lung Health at Martin Health
System has been committed to addressing the high
lung cancer mortality rates in Martin and St. Lucie
counties.
Starting in July 2014, a low-dose CT lung cancer
screening has been offered through the Center for
Lung Health. In the first 15 months of the screening
campaign, the center surpassed national benchmarks
by completing 694 scans and diagnosing 14 patients
with lung cancer. (National benchmarks are one
diagnosis per 320 scans.)
Screening results:
Six (6) patients diagnosed with Stage 1
Three (3) patients diagnosed with Stage 2
Two (2) patients diagnosed with Stage 3
Three (3) patients diagnosed with Stage 4
Dennis Tishko, MD
All diagnoses were non-small cell
lung cancer:
8 adenocarcinomas, 4 squamous cell, 1 large cell
neuroendocrine and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma.
The low dose CT lung screening program will
continue to be offered at a reduced price for those
patients who are not covered by insurance.
Digital Mammography Screenings
October 2015
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, digital mammography screenings were offered
at a reduced rate.
“
Thank you Martin
Health for everything.
All the people I met
here have blessed me
beyond compare.
– Stephen, patient
”
9 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
cancer registry
activity report
The cancer registry is vital to the success of
any cancer program. Here at Martin Health
System, the cancer registry strives to surpass the
expectations of the Cancer Committee and the
standards set forth by the American College of
Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The registry
sets its focus to exceed in these areas as it is
essential to accurately evaluate and impact the
future management of cancer and the outcomes
of patient survival.
The evidence-based medicine of today recognizes
the skill and abilities of the cancer registrar. At
Martin Health System, Certified Tumor Registrars
(CTR), maintain certification from the National
Cancer Registrars Association and possess the
clinical and technical knowledge skills necessary
to maintain each component of the diseaserelated data collection consistent with medical,
administrative, ethical, legal, and accreditation
requirements of the health care delivery system.
The primary role of the cancer registry at Martin
Health, like cancer registries worldwide, is to
collect data on all cases of cancer, including
benign brain and central nervous system tumors
10 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
Martin Health System received the 2014 Jean Byers Award for Excellence
in Cancer Registration. Martin Health System Cancer Registry is a nine-time
recipient of this award.
The prestigious award is given based on the level of accordance with national
standards for timeliness and completeness of data registry. The award recognizes
excellence in these key constituents of running an exceptional registry program.
diagnosed and or treated at Martin Health.
Cancer cases identified are abstracted by recording
all details in tumor histology, size, location, and
stage of disease at diagnosis, as well as collecting
data on diagnostic testing and all treatment
received by our patients. As required by law,
the data is reported to the Florida Cancer Data
System and voluntary submitted to the American
College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer’s
National Cancer Data Base. Ultimately, the data
is used at the local, state and national levels for
research, assessment of treatment effectiveness,
allocation of resources and identifying trends in
cancer incidence and mortality.
The cancer registry also assists Martin Health
System’s Center for Clinical Research by
providing statistics on the number of patients at
MHS diagnosed with specific type and stage of
cancer. This information is useful to determine
which clinical trials to open that would provide
the greatest benefit to our patients. The cancer
registry also provides direct, clinical data to H.
Lee Moffitt Cancer Center/M2Gen, for patients
who enrolled in the Total Cancer Care Program
improving efficiency to the research process.
The cancer registry maintains a database of
17,138 patients. Lifetime follow-up of our
patients is a significant component of the
registry and is essential to accurately assess the
effectiveness of treatment modalities and patient
survival. The registry currently follows 7,589
patients on annual basis.
The cancer registry staff also coordinates weekly
cancer conferences held at Martin Health System.
Through the commitment of many physicians
at Martin Health System, 193 cancer cases were
discussed at cancer conference in 2015. The
weekly conference permits a multidisciplinary
team approach to the cancer care of our patients.
The conferences are well attended by medical staff
members and representatives from all specialties
and departments involved in the care of our
cancer patients. Review and discussion of cases
may include diagnosis, methods of diagnosis,
visual presentation of pathology slides and
radiographic films, cancer staging and treatment
plans. Cases can be scheduled for presentation
by calling the cancer registry at 772.223.5945,
ext. 13706.
cancer registry
statistical
summary
(left to right)
Maria Loyola
Karan Boyles
Patricia Weston, CTR
Lisa Borodemos, CTR
Nancy Maul, CTR
“
My wife will beat
her fight with breast
cancer – thanks to
all the wonderful
caregivers here at
Martin Health!
– Bill, patient’s husband
”
The American Cancer Society’s publication, Cancer
Facts and Figures 2015, estimates 114,040 new
cancer cases diagnosed in Florida, with an estimate
of 43,050 deaths from the disease. National
estimates of new cancer diagnosis is 1,658,370
with an estimated 589,430 deaths, making cancer
the second leading cause of death in the nation
surpassed only by heart disease.
To date the cancer registry staff at Martin Health
has accessioned 1,684 new cancer cases into the
cancer registry database for the 2014 reporting year.
The cancer cases reported in these statistics reflect
cases from Martin Medical Center, Martin Hospital
South and Tradition Medical Center. Of the 1,684
cases, 1,335 cases are analytic (first diagnosed and/or
treated at Martin Health), and 349 cases are non-
analytic (first diagnosed and/or treated elsewhere).
There was a higher incidence reported in the female
population with 923 newly accessioned cases and
761 in male cases. Cancer was most frequently
diagnosed in the 60–69 age groups for both males
and females.
The most frequently diagnosed cancer sites at Martin
Health System in 2014 continues to be breast cancer
which comprises 27 percent of the total analytic
cases, lung cancer at 16 percent, colorectal cancer at
8 percent, bladder cancer at 7 percent and prostate
cancer at 6 percent. Other sites account for the
remaining 36 percent of cases.
11 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
top five cancer
sites at martin
health system
Breast
27%
Lung
16%
Colorectal
Other
8%
36%
Bladder
6%
Prostate
9%
12 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
2014 analytic cases
age and gender diagnosis
250
200
150
100
50
Male
Female
0
10 - 19
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89
Age at Diagnosis
13 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
2014 facts
and figures
2014 Estimation of
New Cancer Incidence
in United States Oral Cavity
3%
Colon6%
Rectum2%
Pancreas3%
Lung and Bronchus
13%
Melanoma of the Skin
5%
Breast14%
Uterine Corpus
3%
Ovary1%
Prostate14%
Urinary Bladder
4%
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
4%
Thyroid4%
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 4%
Leukemia3%
All other sites
16%
14 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
2014 Actual Percentage of
New Cancer Incidence
at Martin Health System Oral Cavity
2%
Colon6%
Rectum3%
Pancreas2%
Lung and Bronchus
16%
Melanoma of the Skin
3%
Breast27%
Uterine Corpus
2%
Ovary1%
Prostate6%
Urinary Bladder
7%
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
2%
Thyroid3%
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 3%
Leukemia2%
All other sites
16%
leading sites of new cancer
cases and deaths
– 2015 estimates
Estimated New Cases*
MALE
Prostate
220,800 (26%)
Lung & Bronchus
115,610 (14%)
Colon & Rectum
69,090 (8%)
Urinary Bladder
56,320 (7%)
Melanoma of the Skin
42,670 (5%)
Non-HodgkinLymphoma
39,850 (5%)
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
38,270 (5%)
Oral Cavity & Pharynx
32,670 (4%)
Leukemia
30,900 (4%)
Liver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct
25,510 (3%)
All Sites
848,200 (100%)
FEMALE
Breast
231,840 (29%)
Lung & Bronchus
105,590 (13%)
Colon & Rectum
63,610 (8%)
Uterine Corpus
54,870 (7%)
Thyroid
47,230 (6%)
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
32,000 (4%)
Melanoma of the Skin
31,200 (4%)
Pancreas
24,120 (3%)
Leukemia
23,370 (3%)
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
23,290 (3%)
All Sites
810,170 (100%)
Estimated Deaths
MALE
Lung & Bronchus
86,380 (28%)
Prostate
27,540 (9%)
Colon & Rectum
26,100 (8%)
Pancreas
20,710 (7%)
Liver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct
17,030 (5%)
Leukemia
14,210 (5%)
Esophagus
12,600 (4%)
Urinary Bladder
11,510 (4%)
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
11,480 (4%)
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
9,070 (3%)
All Sites
312,150 (100%)
FEMALE
Lung & bronchus
71,660 (26%)
Breast
40,290 (15%)
Colon & Rectum
23,600 (9%)
Pancreas
19,850 (7%)
Ovary
14,180 (5%)
Leukemia
10,240 (4%)
Uterine Corpus
10,170 (4%)
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
8,310 (3%)
Liver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct
7,520 (3%)
Brain & Other Nervous System
6,380 (2%)
All Sites
277,280 (100%)
*Excludes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers and in situ carcinoma except urinary bladder.
©2015, American Cancer Society, Inc., Surveillance Research
15 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
2015 cancer
program
committee
Required Physician Membership
Alpana Desai, MD, Chair
F. Nicholas Garcia, MD, Interventional Radiology
James M. Hayes, MD, Pathology
Michael E. Lustgarten, MD, Urology
Kiran Reddy, MD, Radiation Oncology
Dennis J. Tishko, MD, Cancer Liaison Physician
Program Activity Coordinators
Marisa Baskin, MSW, Psychosocial Services
Coordinator
Karan Boyles, Cancer Conference Coordinator
Marie DeGrosa, Community Outreach Coordinator
Fernando Petry, DO, Quality Improvement
Coordinator
Kristen Sweeney, RN, BSN, CCRC, Clinical
Research Coordinator
Patricia Weston, CTR, Cancer Registry Quality
Coordinator
16 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
Non-Physician Membership
Dorothy Artioli, MS, Health and Fitness
Ken Chu, PhD, DABR, PEng, Radiation Oncology
Kaushal Gundavda, MBA, MHA, Assistant Vice
President, Oncology & Research Services
Maria Heimer, RN, OCN, Radiation Oncology
Bonnie Gulko, RD/LD, Cancer Center Dietitian
Cheryl Larschan, RN, OCN, Director, Oncology
Services
Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA, Manager, Inpatient
Oncology
Carrie Oscarson, RN, BSN, OCN, Outpatient
Oncology Services
Kim Pacewicz, RN, MHA, OCN,
Lung Health Navigator
Michele Richardson, Account Representative, Hospital
Systems, American Cancer Society
Andrea Schwerdt, RN, OCN, Inpatient Oncology
Services
Carolyn Shore, RN, OCN, CBCN, Breast Health
Navigator
Mary Smith, RN, OCN, Breast Health Navigator
Joseph Thagard, Rph, Pharmacy
Invited Physician Membership
Guillermo Abesada-Terk, Jr., MD, Oncology/
Hematology
Bernice Burkarth, MD, Treasure Coast
Palliative Care
Michael Burke, MD, Radiation Oncology
Jorge G. Castillo, MD, Radiation Oncology
Alexander DeBonet, Pain Control Specialist
Todd Horkins, MD, Radiology
Nicholas O. Iannotti, MD, Oncology/Hematology
Avron Lipschitz, MD, Plastic Surgery
Gerardo Olivera, MD, Psychiatry
Devang Patel, MD, Pulmonology
Kiran Reddy, MD, Radiation Oncology
Seth D. Rosen, MD, Oncology/Hematology
Denise Sanderson, MD, General Surgery/Breast Surgery
Michael Skehan, MD, Sr. VP, Chief Medical Officer
Paul M. Swanson, MD, Oncology/Hematology
James J. Vopal, MD, DDS, General Surgery
Craig A. Wengler MD, Breast Surgery
Michael S. Wertheim, MD, Oncology/Hematology
Heather Yeckes-Rodin, MD, Oncology/Hematology
how big is
your brave?
Cancer survivors, caregivers and their
families and friends are greeted by the
comforting words of their peers when they
visit the second floor of the Robert and
Carol Weissman Cancer Center. One wall
is covered with a growing collection of
sticky notes containing the inspirational
thoughts and feelings of other cancer
survivors such as: “Everyday is a gift” and
“You can do this and it is ok to let people
help you.”
The series is part of a “How Big is Your
Brave” campaign organized by Jane
Broderick, of Stuart. Broderick came up
with the idea in 2014 while working on
a charity golf tournament. She saw it as a
way “to celebrate the bravery” exhibited
by people who live with any kind of
serious illness. The campaign raises money
through t-shirt sales; a portion of the
proceeds are designated to the cancer
center, among other charitable causes.
For Broderick, who chose to support the
cancer center in honor of her parents’
battles with cancer, the campaign has
special meaning. “It means to me that
every single day that people live with any
kind of issue, they have to be brave just
to function in daily life,” she said. While
she has not yet posted a “How Big is Your
Brave” sticky note of her own, Broderick
said she would share two messages: “Live
your life, not your cancer” and “Celebrate
the bravery behind the smile.”
17 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
philanthropy and
oncology services
The generosity of our community
makes it possible for the Robert and
Carol Weissman Cancer Center to provide
patients on the Treasure Coast with the
best cancer care close to home. With
When Lindsay Hansen was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, she found the
breast health navigator to be a tremendous support. The breast health navigator
program is made possible through the support of the Martin Health Foundation.
philanthropic dollars, we are able to
purchase state of the art technology,
life-saving equipment and continuing
education for staff. We wish to extend
our sincere thanks to all those donors
who have supported comprehensive
cancer services here in our community.
Learn how gifts to the Martin Health
Foundation can transform the care we
provide. Visit GIVEmhf.org.
18 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
“
The whole team was always
there for me. I knew in my heart
”
I was with the right people.
Lindsay Hansen
definition
of terms
Analytic – The class of case that describes
all cases initially diagnosed or receiving the first
course of therapy at Martin Health.
Non-analytic – The class of case that
Celebrating National Cancer Survivor’s Day, June 5, 2015
describes those cases initially diagnosed or
received their first course of treatment at
another hospital. This category includes patients
being treated for recurrent disease and all
historic primaries.
Stage of Disease – Staging describes the
extent or severity of an individual’s cancer based
on the extent of the original (primary) tumor
and the extent of spread in the body. Knowing
the state of the disease helps the doctor plan
a treatment and determine a prognosis. The
Cancer Registry uses the AJCC staging system,
7th edition developed by the American Joint
Committee on Cancer.
Survival – Survival calculated from date of
best confirmation of diagnosis to date of last
contact for analytic cases only. Survival rates
were calculated using the life table Method.
19 | Cancer Annual Report 2015
ACCREDITED PROGRAM
In 2015, the cancer program at Martin Health System
received Three-Year Approval with Commendation
by the Commission on Cancer of the American
College of Surgeons, which demonstrates the
comprehensive scope of our cancer programs. This
is the third survey cycle in which we have received
accreditation with commendation, also earning the
Outstanding Achievement award in 2012.
To learn more about the services available at the
Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center,
visit martinhealth.org/cancer or call 772.288.5858.
3732-15