Download 2016 Annual Oncology Report

Based on 2015 Data
2016 Annual
Oncology Report
Cancer Center at
Table of Contents
Welcome
Pg.3
Mission Statement
Pg.4
DCH Pride
Pg.4
Cancer Center Care Team
Pg.5
Cancer Services
Pg.7
Quality/Outcomes
Pg.9
Focus on Prostate Cancer
Pg.19
Professional Education/Community
Pg.20
Welcome
Cancer has no boundaries, it can and does affect anyone. At the Douglas County Hospital
Cancer Center, our team focuses on providing a full spectrum of care with the highest
standard available. The Cancer Treatment Team takes pride in serving the needs of the
community and surrounding areas by addressing each patient’s needs individually. With
our commitment to provide high quality patient care, and dedicated team of caregivers,
Douglas County Hospital’s Oncology Center stands as a model of excellence in cancer care
within our community.
The focus of this year’s annual report is the care and treatment provided for patients with
prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men (after
skin cancer). The American Cancer Society estimates about 180,890 new cases of prostate
cancer and about 26,120 deaths from prostate cancer in 2016. About 1 in 7 men will be
diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate cancer develops mainly in
older men. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having
prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged
65 or older with the average age at the time of diagnosis being 66. Prostate cancer is the
second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1
in 39 men will die of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most
men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it; in fact, more than 2.9 million men
in the US who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive today.
On behalf of the DCH Cancer Committee, we encourage you to review our annual report
which displays our dedication to the patients and the community we serve as well as
provides meaningful and helpful information.
Thank you
The Douglas County Hospital Cancer Committee
Mission Statement
DCH Mission Statement:
Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we serve by providing
innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality care – and to be regionally recognized as
Central MN’s preeminent health system.
Cancer Center Mission:
The DCH Cancer Center strives to provide personal care and treatment that includes both
the physical and emotional needs of the patient and their family. A wide range of
patient-centered cancer care may include: medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation
oncology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, surgery, consultation, navigating the
cancer experience, survivorship care planning and supportive services.
Commission on Cancer (CoC):
The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival
and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research,
education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Established by the
American College of Surgeons in 1922, the multidisciplinary CoC establishes standards to
ensure quality, multidisciplinary and comprehensive cancer care delivery in health care
settings. DCH achieved its first accreditation with the CoC in 2011, receiving an
Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA). In July 2014 DCH underwent the
re-accreditation process and again achieved full CoC accreditation for three years.
Accreditation by the CoC demonstrates our cancer program’s commitment to providing
high-quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care.
Other Accreditation:
DCH is a community-based hospital located in West Central Minnesota, accredited by the
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP). HFAP was founded by the American
Osteopathic Association (AOA) and is nationally recognized by the federal government,
state governments, insurance carriers and managed care organizations.
Cancer Center Care Team
Meet Our Oncologists
Oncologist and Hematologist
Marion B. Raflores, M.D.
– Sanford Health Broadway Clinic
Marion B. Raflores, MD received her bachelor
and medical degree from the University of the
Philippines. She completed her Internal
Medicine and Hematology Oncology fellowship
at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital/Allegheny
General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. She is board
certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
and Hematology. She treats adults with cancer, bleeding, clotting disorders, and other
hematological problems. She is married with two children and enjoys traveling,
snorkeling, and swimming.
Internal Medicine
Wade Swenson, MD
Hematology and Medical Oncology
Originally from Moorhead, Dr. Swenson received
his BA in Chemistry at Minnesota State
University in Moorhead. He received his Doctor
of Medicine from the University of North Dakota
in Grand Forks. Dr. Swenson completed his
internship and residency in Internal Medicine at
the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He
completed his fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of
Iowa, where he also received a Master’s Degree in Public Health specializing in
Epidemiology. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Swenson is a
member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of
Hematology. Dr. Swenson and his wife, Lisa, have two children.
Cancer Center Care Team
Douglas County Hospital Cancer Committee
Douglas County Hospital provides the highest quality of cancer care as evidenced through
our ongoing accreditation of our cancer program by the American College of Surgeons
(ACoS) , Commission on Cancer (CoC). The goal of the Cancer Committee at DCH is to
continually strive for clinical excellence and to improve the care and services provided to
our cancer patients and families. Each year the Cancer Committee, in conjunction with a
sub-committee, reviews the quality and quantity of services provided. This review helps to
identify gaps, sets goals to fill these gaps, and oversees the conduct of care improvement
activities. These actions ensure we are always exceeding expectations and providing the
highest level of patient-centered care.
DCH 2016 Cancer Committee Coordinators
Marion Raflores, M.D. Medical Oncologist, Cancer Liaison Physician, Cancer Committee Chairperson
Jana Wegener, RN Cancer Program Administrator
Jacqueline Nicolay, CTR Cancer Conference Coordinator, Cancer Registrar
Mandy Larum, RHIT, CTR Cancer Registry Quality Coordinator
Bonnie Freudenberg, RN, CPHQ Quality Improvement Coordinator
Kelly Helmbrecht, LSW Psychosocial Services Coordinator
Brittany Meissner, RN Clinical Research Coordinator
Members
Jonathan deHart, M.D. Pathology
Mats Liden, M.D. Radiology
Gina Brown, M.D. General Surgery
Kathy Fredin, RN, OCN Oncology Clinical Nurse Manager
Jason Peterson, RTT Radiation Oncology Manager
David Gray, RPh Director of Pharmacy
Margaret Kalina, RN, PhD Chief Nursing Officer
Carl Vaagenes, CEO Douglas County Hospital Administrator
Roberta Strom, RD, LD Dietician
Sue Quist, RN Hospice and Palliative Care of Douglas County
Pamela Mason American Cancer Society Representative
Cancer Services
Medical Oncology
The medical oncology unit features:
+ Eleven semi-private, comfortable, individual treatment areas
+ Oncology-Certified Nursing Staff
+ Nutritional Counseling
+ Rehabilitation Services
+ Navigation and Survivorship Services
+ Individual patient and family education
+ Onsite Laboratory Services
+ Psychosocial Support and Services
+ Access to Research Programs
+ Referrals for Clinical Trials
+ Referrals for Other Services
Radiation Oncology
CentraCare Radiation Oncology at Douglas County Hospital is a collaborative relationship
between CentraCare Health System-Melrose and Douglas County Hospital. Our
professionals are committed to providing patients with personal care and treatment.
CentraCare Radiation Oncology uses leading edge cancer treatment
planning and technology:
+ Varian iX Linear Accelerator – Delivers dual energy photon and electron therapy.
The accelerator has the capability to preform 3-D conformal imaging, Intensity
Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
+ Philips Brilliance Computed Tomography (CT) Simulator – Delivers multi-slice
imaging that enables retrospective respiratory gating with added treatment
planning accuracy and capability.
+ Philips Pinnacle Treatment Planning System.
+ MIM Maestro Planning Software.
Cancer Services
CDI Imaging Services
A variety of diagnostic and interventional radiology studies are available at the Alexandria
Center for Diagnostic Imaging (ACDI) which is located at the Douglas County Hospital.
The following advanced imaging services are available:
+ High Field 1.5T MRI wide bore (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – ACR Accredited
Services include Neuro, Spine, Orthopedic, Body, Breast, and Prostate Scans
+ 64 slice CT (Computed Tomography) – ACR Accredited. Some CT services offered
include Neuro, Spine, Body, Cardiac, Orthopedic and Biopsy procedures
+ Nuclear Medicine – ACR Accredited. Including Cardiac, Bone, Lymphangiography
and Thyroid
+ PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) – ACR Accredited
PET/CT can be used to assist your physician with initial staging and restaging of
certain types of cancer
+ Ultrasound – ACR Accredited. Some ultrasound services include Body, Breast,
Vascular, Biopsy procedures, Paracentesis and Thoracentesis
+ Digital Mammography – ACR Accredited
+ Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
+ Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injections for pain
+ X-Ray.
Pathology
The pathologist assists the cancer team by diagnosing the presence of neoplasm and
classifying tumor type. Important characteristics such as tumor grade, relative quantity
as well as the location and degree of tumor extension are described. The adequacy of
the surgical resection from the relevant tissue margins is also assessed. Occasionally,
in follow-up specimens, the response to previous therapy is also assessed.
Quality/Outcomes
Hospice
Because each patient’s needs are unique, the hospice team works with patients and their
caregivers to develop a personalized plan for their care. To support patients and their
families, Hospice of Douglas County provides:
+ Compassionate care by hospice team members.
+ Registered Nurse on call twenty-four hours a day to answer questions and
provide support.
+ Coordination of care to maintain dignity and independence.
+ Medications and treatments to manage pain and other symptoms.
+ Necessary equipment, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, and supplies related
to the illness.
+ Teaching and expertise to enable families or other caregivers to provide the
needed care.
+ Grief support and bereavement services.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care, unlike hospice can be offered simultaneously with life prolonging curative
therapy for patients living with serious illness. Patients and families facing a serious
illness can get assistance to be able to carry on with everyday life by getting relief from
symptoms, and improve ability to tolerate medical treatments.
Consider palliative care if you or loved one:
+ Suffers from pain or other symptoms due to any serious illness.
+ Experiences physical or emotional pain that is NOT under control.
+ Needs help understanding your situation and coordinating your care.
Quality/Outcomes
Social Services
Recognizing that Cancer affects the whole person, supportive services for patients and
their families are provided on-site, or coordinated with local agencies.
Licensed Social Workers/Discharge Planners are part of the Multidisciplinary Cancer
Center Care Team. They assess the patient’s coping skills, support systems and family
dynamics. They assist & arrange for appropriate discharges, whether to home with
services, hospice, or to another facility along with educating patients and their families
on community resources available to them.
By connecting with Licensed Social Workers, patients can better understand their own
needs and the resources available to support quality of life. Community resources that
may be available include, but are not limited to:
+ Home Health Services
+ Financial Resources
+ Meals on Wheels
+ Durable Medical Equipment
+ Transportation Needs
+ Health Care Directives
+ Psychosocial Needs
+ Nursing Home Placement
+ Hospice and Palliative Care Services
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services (occupational, physical, and speech therapy) are available at
Douglas County Hospital, the Alexandria Clinic and the YMCA. Physical, occupational,
and speech therapists are adept at treating a variety of functional impairments related to
issues with cancer and the treatment of cancer. Therapists are trained to evaluate these
issues throughout the cancer experience and provide effective treatment strategies to
return a person to their optimal level of physical function. Services are tailored to each
individual’s needs, with the goal of maximizing function, reducing pain, and assisting the
individual in returning to activities they love.
Quality/Outcomes
Below are examples of physical impairments addressed by Rehabilitation Services:
Rehabilitation Services
+ Balance impairments
+ Movement impairments
+ Bowel/bladder dysfunction
+ Muscular pain/weakness
+ Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
+ Osteopenia/osteoporosis
+ Cognitive impairment
+ Pain (back, neck, joint, muscular)
+ Compression neuropathy
+ Radiculopathy
+ Dystonia
+ Range of motion limitations
+ Gait dysfunction
+ Scar adhesions
+ Headaches
+ Sensory deficits
+ Hemiplegia
+ Speech impairment
+ History of Falls
+ Swallowing impairment
+ Lymphedema
+ Visual &/or proprioception dysfunction
American Cancer Society Services
Hotel Partners Program
The Hotel Partners program is a cooperative effort with the American Cancer Society and
local hotels that provide free overnight accommodations to cancer patients who must
travel for outpatient treatment and need a place to stay. With at least 5 days advance
notice, patients may receive this service provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Lodging is also subject to availability and to restrictions imposed by the participating
hotels. This service is available as a referral.
Quality/Outcomes
Relay For Life
Relay For Life’s purpose is to celebrate survivors, remember those lost and continue to fight
back against cancer. In 2016, a total of 42 teams and more than 550 participants walked in
the Relay For Life of Douglas County and raised awareness of the event in the community.
Local businesses, corporations and individuals donated to raise more than $186,000. This
puts Douglas County in the top five Relays of the Midwest Division.
The Douglas County Hospital/Alexandria Clinic/Heartland Orthopedic Specialist Relay For
Life Team had 78 team members and raised $20,067.17. The team was blessed to welcome
and honor the Survivors as they arrived the evening of the Relay for Life Event. This was a
very emotional and rewarding experience for the team. Throughout the evening, the team
also shared stories of loved ones lost and the hope of those fighting.
The DCH Relay for Life Team enjoyed bonding together and becoming a Relay Family.
Some of the team members had fun selling our Cancer T-Shirts and Sweatshirts and giving
away Frisbees. The chair massages were also a huge hit!!! Thank you to everyone who
supported the team! The DCH Relay for Life Team is looking forward to another successful
year in 2017.
The donations will go to cancer research and local groups that offer support and day to day
help such as finding transportation, lodging, and helping answer financial and insurance
questions. These local groups include Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Good, the Hope
Lodge and 24/7 hotline.
If you are interested in joining the Douglas County Hospital Relay for Life Team, please
contact our Team Captain, Jennifer Wegner at [email protected] or 320-762-6019.
http://www.relayforlife.org
Quality/Outcomes
Cancer Registry
Established in 1998, the Cancer Registry at Douglas County Hospital is an essential
component of the Cancer Program. The Cancer Registry provides support for cancer
program development, works to ensure compliance with regulatory reporting
requirements/standards and serves as a resource for statistical cancer information. The
Registry also coordinates the Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation process and
ensures that Douglas County Hospital meets or exceeds all CoC Program Standards. In
addition to the primary functions of collecting relevant data on each cancer patient
Quality/Outcomes
and conducting lifetime follow up, the Cancer Registry is involved in managing and
analyzing cancer data. This clinical information is collected and analyzed for the purpose of
education, research, quality of care and outcomes measurement. Cancer data is submitted
to the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS) and the American College of
Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer’s (CoC) National Cancer Data Base so it can be
used as a clinical surveillance mechanism to review patterns of care, outcomes and survival,
with the ultimate goals of preventing and treating cancer effectively.
2015 Cancer Data Summary
During 2015, a total of 302 analytic cases were accessioned into the registry database.
Analytic cases are patients whose cancers have been diagnosed and/or received
first-course treatment at DCH.
2015 Summary of Cancer Cases by Primary Site
PRIMARY SITE
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
ORAL CAVITY
3
0
3
LIP
0
0
0
TONGUE
2
0
2
OROPHARYNX
0
0
0
HYPOPHARYNX
0
0
0
OTHER
1
0
1
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
3
0
3
ESOPHAGUS
1
0
1
STOMACH
5
1
6
COLON
13
8
21
RECTUM
10
5
15
ANUS/ANAL CANAL
0
0
1
LIVER
1
1
2
PANCREAS
1
1
2
OTHER
3
0
3
Quality/Outcomes
19
18
37
NASAL/SINUS
0
0
0
LARYNX
2
1
3
16
17
33
OTHER
1
0
1
BLOOD & BONE MARROW
1
0
1
LEUKEMIA
9
1
10
MULTIPLE MYELOMA
2
1
3
OTHER
1
1
2
BONE
0
0
0
CONNECT/SOFT TISSUE
0
0
0
SKIN
8
6
14
MELANOMA
8
5
13
PANCREAS
1
1
2
OTHER
3
0
3
BREAST
1
69
70
FEMALE GENITAL
0
22
22
CERVIX UTERI
0
1
1
CORPUS UTERI
0
13
13
OVARY
0
4
4
VULVA
0
2
2
OTHER
9
1
10
MALE GENITAL
45
0
45
PROSTATE
42
0
42
TESTIS
2
0
2
OTHER
1
0
1
14
9
23
BLADDER
8
3
11
KIDNEY/RENAL
5
5
10
OTHER
1
0
1
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
LUNG/BRONCHUS
URINARY SYSTEM
Quality/Outcomes
BRAIN (BENIGN)
1
0
1
0
2
0
BRAIN (MALIGNANT)
1
0
1
OTHER
0
0
0
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
HODGKIN'S DISEASE
9
1
6
0
15
1
NON-HODGKIN'S
8
6
14
UNKNOWN PRIMARY
0
1
1
OTHER/ILL-DEFINED
0
1
1
BRAIN & CNS
Top Cancer Sites in 2015
At Douglas County Hospital the top cancer sites in 2015 were: Breast, Prostate, Colorectal, Lung and Skin. Compared
with state and national data, our incidences of breast and colorectal cancers at DCH are much higher than state and
national averages. Lung, prostate and skin cancer incidence is comparable to state and national averages.
SITE
BREAST (FEMALE)
DCH
23%
Minnesota* Nationwide*
13%
14%
PROSTATE
14%
13%
13%
COLORECTAL
12%
7%
8%
LUNG
11%
11%
13%
SKIN
5%
4%
5%
* MN & National statistics from ACS Facts & Figures (estimated new cases for 2014)
Quality Improvement:
In the spring of 2016, Douglas County Hospital implemented a new prior authorization automated process for
IV medications given to medical oncology patients covered by variety of health insurances. This process will
ensure that prior authorizations are completed prior to starting or scheduling IV therapy. Due to the success of
this prior authorization process, Alex Clinic will begin to use the same automated process beginning
Fall/Winter 2016. The hospital and clinic will continue to monitor and improve this process to ensure quality
patient care and satisfaction.
Quality/Outcomes
Patient Navigation
Based on the 2015 Douglas County Hospital Cancer Center Community Needs Assessment, the Cancer
Committee implemented a Patient Navigation Program utilizing a dedicated Nurse Navigator focusing on
newly diagnosed Lung Cancer Patients. Patient Navigation is a collaboration between patients, providers,
nursing, social services, and the business office to provide a more patient centered approach to care.
The Oncology Nurse Navigator will continue to focus on newly diagnosed lung cancer patients as the
process is refined. Newly diagnosed Lung Cancer Patients will work with the Nurse Navigator as a common
entry point. By utilizing the Nurse Navigator, the goal is to enhance the patient’s experience, and promote
optimal outcomes for each patient. The goal is to ultimately reduce or eliminate disparities, and improve
patient outcomes. The program plans to expand this service to help additional patients in future years.
Some of the things the Navigator does are:
+ Providing evidence based patient specific education
+ Help connect to internal and community resources
+ Facilitate communication and works closely with your care team
+ Assist with appointment scheduling
+ Follow up – patient distress/barriers screening
+ Advanced care planning coordination – The Written Gift
Survivorship:
In 2016 the Cancer Committee implemented a process to provide Survivorship Care
Plans to all Stage I-III Breast, Colorectal, and Lung Cancer Patients upon completion
of active treatment. These Care Plans summarize the diagnosis, treatment, and
future follow-up each survivor can use to continue to guide them on their journey
of survivorship.
Focus on Prostate Cancer
Each year DCH makes an effort to raise awareness about one of the top
five sites of cancer seen in our Cancer Center. In 2016, based upon DCH
cancer registry data, DCH chose to highlight Prostate Cancer.
Prostate Cancer
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men make an informed decision
with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The
decision should be made after getting information about the potential risks and benefits
of prostate cancer screening. Discussions about screening should take place at:
+ Age
50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected
to live at least 10 more years.
+ Age
45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes
African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son)
diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
+ Age
40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree
relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
Professional Education/Community
Community Outreach
Community Outreach (education, prevention, and screening) is an essential component
in the commitment to provide ongoing quality cancer care to the patients we serve and
the surrounding area. The Cancer Committee continually assesses and organizes
educational events that address the community’s needs.
To promote prostate cancer awareness in the community and prevent late-stage
diagnosis, DCH Cancer Program representatives attended various area activities in and
around the community in 2016. The focus at these events included providing educational
materials, encouraging screenings and promotion of discussions with primary care
providers regarding the appropriateness of PSA testing.
DCH was present at the following community events promoting the
Cancer Center and Prostate Cancer Education:
+ KXRA Spring & Garden Show
+ Life’s Option Expo
+ Senior Expo
+ Relay For Life Event
+ Douglas County Fair
+ Alex High School Staff Wellness Expo
+ Women’s Show Case
+ Wellness Fair at Alexandria Technical & Community College
+ Great American Smokeout Event at DCH
Professional Education/Community
Prostate Cancer Screening
Screening refers to testing to find cancer in people before symptoms occur. For some
types of cancer, screening can help find cancers at an early stage when the cancer is likely
to be easier to treat. Prostate cancer can often be detected early by testing for
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood. Douglas County Hospital offered
the Prostate Cancer Screening Tool which was developed internally based on NCCN
guidelines prostate cancer screening. This screening tool was offered during the Douglas
County Relay for Life Event July 10, 2015 and again during the Douglas County Fair in
August. During these events, staff offered a screening tool to determine if patients were
candidates for direct access PSA testing for prostate cancer. The materials and screening
tool promoted a discussion within the community on the incidence of prostate cancer
and available screening options. The Cancer Committee views this education as
important in the community due to Prostate cancer being a top 5 site.
Lung Cancer Prevention
RADON:
Lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or smoking history. Lung
Cancer remains one of the top 5 cancer sites in the community served at the Douglas
County Hospital Cancer Center. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide,
with over 1.8 million new cases diagnosed each year. Radon is the second leading cause
of lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer from radon is even higher among smokers.
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms naturally in soil and
rocks. Since radon is produced from soil, it is present nearly everywhere. Soil is porous,
which allows radon gas to move up through the dirt and rocks and into the air that is
breathed. If it accumulates, the radon gas becomes a health concern. High radon levels
exist in every state in the US. In Minnesota, two in five homes have radon levels that pose
a significant health risk.
Professional Education/Community
Because there is no way to know for sure without testing whether radon is in a building, the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that people test their homes for radon
levels. If a high risk level is found, there are ways to lower it to make a home safer.
In 2016, Douglas County Hospital partnered with the MN department of health to offer free
Radon Test Kits to their employees. The Douglas County Hospital - Employee Health
Department handed out almost 300 kits to their employees. In 2016 because of the successful
response with the hospital staff, Douglas County Hospital Cancer Center wanted to offer the
screening to the community. Radon test kits, educational materials, and information on
prevention of lung cancer were offered during the Douglas County Fair. At the event 60 test
kits were distributed to the community.
In October 2016 a survey was sent out to employees who utilized the radon
test kit.
Of the 300 kits distributed:
35
30
Number of employees who
completed the survey
25
Number of employees who said they
had Radon have not uesed the kit
20
Number of employees who said they
will use the kit in the future
15
Number of employees who said they
had Radon levels that require mitigation
10
Number of employees who said they
had completed recommended mitigation
5
Number of DCH Radon Tests completed
that had Radon levels >4.0pCi/L
0
Est 280 Radon Test Kits
Distributed to Employees in 2016
Professional Education/Community
For information and resources on how to protect yourself from exposure to radon, visit the
radon section of the EPA's website or contact your local Department of Health.
Professional Education
Professional Training is an essential component in DCH’s commitment to providing ongoing
quality cancer care to individuals in the surrounding area reliant upon the Cancer Center for the
best care. The DCH Cancer Program organizes annual professional educational events, based
upon identified needs, targeting diagnoses, current treatment modalities and best practice
guidelines. The 2016 professional education event related to Prostate Cancer was held
November 8, 2016 at Douglas County Hospital. The event was titled: Prostate Cancer Education.
The event educated staff and providers on the causes, symptoms and contributing risk factors
of prostate cancer as well as the staging and prognosis of prostate cancer.