cancer care with a passion that never rests - mercyhealth · 2019-01-29 · three days of starting...

Cancer care with a passion that never rests

Cancer Program Annual Report and CalendarMercyhealth Cancer Center–Rockford

Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.org

Message from the Mercyhealth Cancer CommitteeWelcome to the 2019 Mercyhealth Cancer Center–Rockford calendar and report. Month by month, we share the many unique aspects of our program, including extraordinary patient testimonials:

• January: An update on our clinical trials • February: Ronald’s journey with blood cancer • March: Our efforts to eliminate colon cancer deaths • April: Maria’s journey with endometrial cancer • May: Rockford-area support groups and nurse navigators • June: Mercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford • July: Important cancer screening guidelines • August: Skin cancer signs and symptoms • September: Gynecologic oncology • October: Tracy’s journey with stage 1 breast cancer • November: Mercyhealth is a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center • December: Cancer community outreach • January 2020: Cancer community events

Treating a complex disease like cancer requires skilled, synchronized care from day one of diagnosis and treatment to support and survivorship. Our expert multi-specialty team of doctors, nurses, technicians, navigators, social workers and support staff is committed to offering top-quality, patient-centered care to all.

In 2018, we welcomed Carl Christie, DO, board certified gynecologic oncologist, to the physician staff of Mercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford. We also welcomed Gregory Richards, MD, board certified radiation oncologist, to the cancer care team at Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton. Along with their oncology colleagues, these skilled doctors provide highly specialized care for patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

The Mercyhealth Cancer Committee–Rockford meets regularly to oversee our cancer program, manage multidisciplinary cancer care conferences, and establish goals to improve patient care. In doing so, we strive to meet and exceed the standards set forth by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

From prevention, detection and education to a wide array of advanced treatment options, we do what it takes to help our patients live life to the fullest. Every day, we strive to give compassionate care to our patients and their loved ones, and in turn, we learn from each of them. Together we offer you our best efforts, close to home.

2018 Mercyhealth Cancer Committee members

Thomas McFarland, MD, Medical Oncology/Chairman Hosne Begum, MD, Medical Oncology Maryam Hamidi, MD, CLP/Radiation Oncology Arvind Mahatme, MD, Breast Surgery Eva Drinka, MD, Pathology Terry Grant, MD, Radiology Nancy Thompson, Directory, Oncology Services Sue Ripsch, Vice President Tricia Obrecht, CTR Cancer Registry Martha Roberts, Cancer Registrar Diane Gabbey, Cancer Registrar

Carrie Julson, RN, BSN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Lisa August, BSN, OCN, ONN-CG, Clinical Research/ Nurse Navigator Geoffrey Page, CPHQ, CPPS, Quality Coordinator Angela Mascharka, LCSW, Psychosocial Services Coordinator Isabel Schutt, RT (R) (T), CMD, Radiation Oncology Dosimetrist Dacia Hart, RN, BSN, Palliative Care Sarah Collier, ABGC, Genetics Counselor Christine Gillette, RD, LDN, Nutrition Services Ashley Lach, American Cancer Society Andrea Hicks, RN, Community Outreach Coordinator


January2019

January Wellness Observances

Cervical Health Awareness Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Blood Donor Month

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Mercyhealth Stays Committed to Clinical TrialsMercyhealth continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the use of clinical trials in cancer care. Our clinical trial program has continued to grow since its inception in 1997. We’ve had a variety of clinical trials available for the treatment of many different types of cancer.

Mercyhealth offers supportive care trials, symptom management trials and treatment trials. When patients with a newly diagnosed cancer are see in Mercyhealth’s medical oncology or radiation oncology clinic, they are evaluated for participation in clinical trials.

We provide the latest treatments in a coordinated care approach to ensure the best possible patient experience and to provide patients with access to advances in cancer care close to home.

At the Mercyhealth Cancer Centers, we offer Phase III trials in the most common cancer types: Lung, breast, colon and prostate. We also have several Phase II trials open at any one time. Our patients have participated in trials that led to the FDA approval of several new cancer treatments.

In September 2015, our program underwent a routine three-year audit through the ECOG-ACRIN Audit and Quality Assurance Committee and no deficiencies were identified.

Mercyhealth’s medical oncology physicians are members of the ECOG- ACRIN Cancer Research Group, the American College of Radiology Imaging Network, and the Wisconsin Oncology Network. In addition, our radiation oncologist is a member of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Through these organizations, and with the collaboration of the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network, the Clinical Trials Support Unit, and the independent Centralized Review Board, we have access to a large number of clinical trials, and are able to make them available more efficiently to better serve our patients.

Through our community-based program, our patients receive the newest treatments close to home, without having to travel to a larger city. We also help interested patients navigate their way to a referral center for trials that may not be available here.Clinical trials offer our patients an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of cancer treatment and benefit from advances in cancer care. One advantage is the extra attention patients receive before, during and after treatment on a clinical trial.

At the Mercyhealth Cancer Centers, a number of clinical trials are always in progress. If you’d like more information, talk to your doctor, or call (800) 928-1103.


“All my experiences with Mercyhealth have been outstanding. I haven’t found one employee that hasn’t been great!”Mercyhealth Cancer Center patient Ronald Colson

February2019

February Wellness Observances

American Heart Month

National Cancer Prevention Month

Thyroid Health Awareness Month

Wise Health Consumer Month

Ronald’s StoryIn 2016, Ronald was rejected as a blood donor. The blood center told him he should get his blood looked at, so he made an appointment with his primary care doctor at Mercyhealth Belvidere, James Phoenix, MD. Dr. Phoenix referred him to Hosne Begum, MD, medical oncologist at the Mercyhealth Cancer Center in Rockford.

Dr. Begum discovered that Ronald had primary myelofibrosis (MF), a chronic blood cancer that produces excessive scar tissue in bone marrow. The scar tissue makes it difficult for the marrow to produce normal blood cells. MF can lead to an enlarged spleen, anemia, fatigue, bone pain, fever, sleep difficulties, trouble concentrating, and weight loss.

Dr. Begum started Ronald on a traditional MF-fighting medication but wanted him to try a new drug that would better target his condition. Unfortunately, the new drug was quite expensive and not covered by his insurance, so Ronald worked with a Mercyhealth patient navigator to see if he could get a lower price. Their teamwork brought success. Ronald was able to get the drug at an affordable price, and within three days of starting it, he felt like his old self again. He gained back the 30 pounds he had lost, was sleeping better and had improved energy.

In 2017, Ronald needed hip replacement surgery with Marko Krpan, DO, orthopedic surgeon at the Mercyhealth Orthopedic Center of Excellence in Rockford. During blood tests taken to prepare for surgery, Ronald learned that his PSA levels had gone up. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood marker for prostate cancer. After nine weeks of radiation treatment at the Cancer Center, his PSA levels fell by half.

To this day, Ronald raves about his treatment at Mercyhealth. “All my experiences with Mercyhealth have been outstanding. I haven’t found one employee that hasn’t been great—I wonder if there is even one out there! The whole process at Mercyhealth has been wonderful. I could’ve died years ago, but am still plugging along and doing well at 78 years of age.”

Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.orgCancer.MercyHealthSystem.org

Mercyhealth pledges to help increase its colorectal cancer screening rate to 80%.

Syed Saeed P. Bokhari, MD FACG, AGAF, FASGE

Board Certified Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

Josephine Fanco APN, NP-C

Gastroenterology

C. Jonathan D. Foster, DO Gastroenterology,

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Nicole M. Gentile, MDBoard Certified

Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

Muhammed Sherid, MDBoard Certified

Gastroenterology,Internal Medicine

Chelsea Smith MSN, FNP-BC

Gastroenterology

March2019

March Wellness Observances

American Red Cross Month

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

National Kidney Month

National Nutrition Month

Mercyhealth Promotes Colorectal Cancer ScreeningsMercyhealth has pledged to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (an organization co-founded by ACS and CDC).

Mercyhealth is one of 200 organizations committed to eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. Together, we are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, however it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30% in the US over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older, it is still the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable.

For more information or to make a screening appointment, call (888) 39-MERCY.

Insurance coverage

Screening for colorectal cancer is covered under the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost. Ask your health insurance company about what your health plan covers.


“Everyone at Mercyhealth greets you, says hello and smiles. It makes you feel good.”Mercyhealth Cancer Center patient Maria Miranda

April2019

April Wellness Observances

Counseling Awareness Month

National Alcohol Awareness Month

National Cancer Control Month

National Donate Life Month

Stress Awareness Month

Maria’s StoryIn the fall of 2017, Maria had a worrisome burning in her stomach. Her primary care physician at Crusader Health Clinic referred Maria for an ultrasound and then to a gynecologist for a biopsy. After then being referred to Mercyhealth Women’s Center in Rockford, Maria was told she had endometrial cancer, a type of cancer found in the uterus. Her doctor prescribed surgery followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 28 radiation procedures at the Mercyhealth Cancer Center in Rockford.

Maria’s first treatment was on her birthday—a day she will never forget. Throughout her treatment journey, she tried to see herself as the same healthy Maria as she was before diagnosis, instead of thinking of herself as being a sick person. It wasn’t always possible, but she persevered. Even Maria’s doctors noticed how happy and smiling Maria was during her treatments.

After she completed all her treatments, Maria’s doctors told her she was officially cancer free. She still visits her Mercyhealth Cancer Center providers for follow-up care, and has even switched to Mercyhealth for her primary care services.

“I have referred friends and family members to Mercyhealth. I tell them not to leave town when Mercyhealth is right here!”“Everyone at Mercyhealth is so nice. They saved my life. I am so grateful and appreciate all they have done for me.”

.


Mercyhealth offers a variety of support groups for patients affected by cancer and their loved ones.

May2019

May Wellness Observances

National Arthritis Month

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

National Mental Health Month

National Osteoporosis Month

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Mercyhealth Support GroupsMercyhealth Cancer Support GroupIf you’re in treatment or have been treated for any type of cancer, we invite you to join us. Meet others on the same journey. Enjoy and share support and insight from others who know what you’re going through. For more information, call Angela Mascharka, LCSW, at (815) 971-2381.

Second Wednesday of each month, 3-4:30 pmMercyhealth Cancer CenterEducation/group room2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford

Mercyhealth Breast Cancer Support Group The group is open to any woman diagnosed with breast cancer, whether newly diagnosed or years into survivorship. You do not have to be a Mercyhealth patient. Please feel free to contact the nurses with any questions or to inquire about support group meetings.

Meets monthly, 4:30-6 pm Mercyhealth Women’s Center 7180 Spring Brook Rd., Rockford (unless notified of an alternate location) Call (815) 971-1110 for dates.

Mercyhealth Women’s Center Mammography Nurses’ Office (815) 971-1110 Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm

Mammography Nurse Navigators Direct Extensions Joan Colombi, RN (815) 971-2620

Dorian Deschepper, RN, BSN, CN-BN (815) 971-2992

Tracy Sabathne, RN, BSN, CN-BN (815) 971-2282

Donna Vuttera, RN, BSN (815) 971-2962


Mercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford offers comprehensive OB/GYN care, breast cancer care and women’s health services.

June2019

June Wellness Observances

Men’s Health Month

Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

National Great Outdoors Month

National Safety Month

Mercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford

At the Mercyhealth Women’s Center, passion drives everything we do to deliver medical excellence with a compassionate touch to everyone who walks through our doors. Passion inspires our doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff to do whatever it takes to make you feel better and keep you well. Nothing is ever too small or taken for granted. Everything matters. Every little thing.

We are intimately aware of what women want and need to help them through all life’s stages. Our fellowship trained, board certified doctors, nurse practitioners and expert support staff understand the challenges women face, the roles they juggle, and the care they require to support a healthy, balanced life.

The clinical breast program in Rockford has been granted a three-year, full accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), an elite branch of the American College of Surgeons. Now a designated breast center, Mercyhealth is one of 500 breast programs in the world, and the only one in Rockford, to receive this seal of approval.

This accreditation is our promise to all breast patients in our community that we have and will continuously strive to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to address all their breast health needs. Our breast care team includes dedicated fellowship trained physicians, as well as a team of nurse navigators, clinical psychologist, clinical dietitian, lymphedema therapist, genetic counselor and case manager, all of whom work together to provide our patients and their families with all facets of care.

With a team coordinating your care, we will walk with you every step in your journey.For established patients, we offer facials, back treatments, hand and foot rejuvenation, wax treatments and brow and lash tinting with an aestheti-cian. Massages are also available the day of your scheduled appointment. Please ask the Patient Service Representative for more information when scheduling your appointment or during the check-in/check-out process. The services are not available to patients currently receiving chemotherapy, pregnant patients, patients with an indwelling catheter and/or drains or patients on continuous oxygen. Call (815) 971-2299 for more information.

.


Preventive health screenings are important at every stage of life.

July2019

July Wellness Observances

Fireworks Safety Month

National Recreation and Park Month

UV Safety Month

Cancer Screening GuidelinesCancer screenings have two obvious benefits—preventing cancer and catching it early. As for risk,there is the potential for a false-positive test result suggesting there is cancer when really there is not, or a false-negative result suggesting there is no cancer when really there is. By working with your doctor and understanding the benefits and risks of screening, you can make an informed decision together.

Breast Women age 20+ Breast self-examination (BSE)

Women in their 20s and 30s Clinical breast examination (CBE) at least every three years

Women 40 and older Begin annual mammography Annual CBE should be performed prior to the mammogram

Cervix Women age 21-65 Pap test and HPV DNA test. Women who have had a hysterectomy should stop cervical cancer screening

Colon Men and women age 50+ Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) annually, or stool DNA test every three years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG), every five years, or double-contrast barium enema (DCBE), every five years, or colonoscopy every 10 years; CT colonography every five years

Lung Current or former smokers age 55-74 in good health with at least a 30 pack/year history Low-dose helical CT (LDCT)

Prostate Men age 50+ Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen test (PSA)

Cancer-related checkups Men and women age 20+ During periodic health exams, a cancer-related checkup includes thyroid, testicles, ovaries, lymph nodes, oral cavity and skin. Counseling about tobacco usage, sun exposure, diet and nutrition, risk factors, and environmental and occupational exposures should be included.


Putting on broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go outside can help prevent the sun’s harmful ultraviolet UV rays from damaging your skin.

August Wellness Observances

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Medic Alert Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month

August2019

Skin Cancer Signs and SymptomsSkin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. They make up more than 98% of all cases and rarely result in death.

Melanoma is much less common than other types of skin cancer, but is more likely to result in death. Like many cancers, the risk of melanoma increases with age.

Skin cancer of any type occurs more commonly in men than in women, and among individuals who:

• Have blonde or red hair, light eye color, and fair skin that freckles and sunburns easily

• Use indoor tanning beds

• Have a past history of sunburns or skin cancer

• Have a family history of melanoma

Two additional factors that increase a person’s risk for developing melanoma include having abnormal moles or having more than 100 moles.

When examining your skin, your health care provider follows the ABCDE rule to look for moles and other spots that are different from the rest of the skin:

A = Asymmetry (one half of the mole does not match the other half)

B = Border irregularity (edges of the mole are ragged, notched, or blurred)

C = Color (pigmentation of the mole is not uniform, with varying degrees of tan, brown or black)

D = Diameter of more than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

E = Evolving (the mole is changing over time)

If you have any spots that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor.


A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 78. Her lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is about 1 in 108.

September2019

September Wellness Observances

Blood Cancer Awarenss Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

National Yoga Month

Prostate Health Month

Mercyhealth Cancer Center: Gynecologic OncologyEvery year, about 83,000 American women are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer—any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. Gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman’s pelvis, which is the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones. There are five main types of gynecologic cancers:• Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow

end of the uterus, also called the womb.• Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are located on

each side of the uterus.• Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in

a woman’s pelvis where a baby grows when she is pregnant.• Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, which is the hollow,

tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body.

• Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs.

Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.

LISTEN to your body. LEARN to recognize warning signs. CALL your doctor—the sooner the better. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) link The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Ask your doctor about HPV vaccination.

Steps toward cancer prevention:• Have regular health check-ups• Know your family history• Get your Pap test as recommended• Don’t smoke• Eat healthy and exercise

Ask your doctor about types of contraception and hormone replacement therapy.

Carl L. Christie, DOBoard Certified Gynecologic OncologyMercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford7180 Spring Brook Rd., Rockford, IL(608) 756-6444

“I was just shocked—and pleased—that a program this prestigious is right here in Rockford.”Mercyhealth Women’s Center–Rockford patient Tracy Moyse Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.org

October2019

October Wellness Observances

Children’s Health Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Healthy Lung Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tracy’s StoryTracy Moyse’s cancer journey started in April 2018 when she went in for her annual mammogram. The results came back with what she feared could happen as a result of her family history with breast cancer. She had early Stage 1 breast cancer.

“I got the diagnosis and started considering what health care services I wanted,” said Moyse. “I had the option to go any-where I wanted. I met a nurse advocate at the Mercyhealth Women’s Center who told me a lot about Dr. Arvind Mahatme and the program he brought to Rockford, and it intrigued me.”

Tracy said Dr. Mahatme thoroughly explained things to her, even going so far as to draw pictures for her to understand his comprehensive treatment plan.

“I had a million questions and he explained everything,” said Tracy. “I left that meeting feeling very confidant. I still explored other options out there, but I kept coming back to Dr. Mahatme.”

Tracy eventually chose Dr. Mahatme and his team of caregivers at Mercyhealth to treat her cancer. She finished chemotherapy at the end of September. During that time, she’d made the decision to have a double mastectomy under the medical care of Dr. Frye.

“It’s a very personal decision,” said Tracy. “I’m working with customers on a daily basis, so aesthetically I wanted to have the look I’ve always had.”

Tracy said Dr. Mahatme’s program is exactly what she needed it to be: comprehensive. At the beginning of her diagnosis, she said she had appointments with a variety of people in his office. A nutritionist told her what foods/supplements would help her recover faster. A psychologist spent time with her. She met with a physical therapist to talk about exercises to get her range of motion back.

“Just in general, I learned how to take care of myself so I’d have the fastest possible recovery,” said Moyse. “The fact that you can see everyone at one time is great. It really is convenient to have everyone under one roof because you already have so many doctors at the beginning. I was just shocked—and pleased—that a program this prestigious is right here in Rockford.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute.


November2019

November Wellness Observances

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

National Family Caregivers Month

National Healthy Skin Month

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Mercyhealth Lung Center Uses Team ApproachA team of Mercyhealth physicians, nurses and therapists, backed by highly advanced, new technology and nationally recognized expertise, makes up the Mercyhealth Lung Centers. Our team approach, using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat lung cancer in the early stages, features:

• Low-dose CT scan screenings of the lungs, provided annually, for people who are at highest risk for developing lung cancer based on their age and smoking histories. The goal is to diagnose lung cancer when it is still in an early stage to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

• Navigational bronchoscopy is performed by Mercyhealth pulmonologists using highly advanced technology. Nicknamed a GPS system for the lungs, the electronic probe navigates the pathways of the lungs to locate and biopsy suspicious growths (nodules) even in the outermost branches of the lung. The system can then leave an electronic marker for a surgeon to reach and remove a tumor if necessary. The outpatient procedure is performed without the need for an incision.

• Robotic-assisted lung surgery, performed by a specially trained cardiothoracic surgeon using Mercyhealth’s da Vinci® robotic surgery system, has revolutionized lung cancer surgery. For the majority of patients, the surgeon can perform surgery without the need to make a large incision on the chest wall. He can remove cancerous tumors of the lung and properly stage them. Robotic lung surgery is accomplished with a small number of very small incisions, using surgeon-controlled robotic instruments. As a result, pain is greatly reduced and recovery time is markedly shorter.

• A lung program nurse navigator, who helps address the needs and questions of the patient and family members and coordinates the various steps of the screening and diagnosis program.

• Promotion of smoking cessation. The most successful way to reduce deaths from lung cancer is to help people stop smoking and therefore reduce their risks of developing lung cancer.

To learn more, talk to your primary care physician.

Mercyhealth has been designated a lung cancer screening center by the American College of Radiology, which recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest rate for lung cancer.


Cancer Community Outreach When determining the 2018 Prevention and Screening initiatives for Winnebago County, numerous sources were reviewed and considered, including Community Needs Assessment, Cancer Registry data and WCHQ Data, including information from the Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.

December2019

December Wellness Observances

International AIDS Awareness Month

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Community Outreach 2018Lung cancer education, awareness and detection were the core of the cancer committee’s community outreach efforts in 2018.

Screening Committee members developed a lung cancer screening assessment tool to identify high-risk patients with lung cancer at an earlier stage. The screening tool was used at a lung cancer educational event on November 19, 2018, and at a public open house celebration for the new Mercyhealth Riverside Campus on December 8, 2018. Between the two events, 12 community members were screened with the new tool. Two attendees at the November event completed the assessment tool and were evaluated by a health care professional—both were not deemed as appropriate candidates for low-dose lung cancer screening scans.

Prevention Mercyhealth Cancer Center–Rockford hosted an educational event on November 19, 2018, at the Mercyhealth Rockton Campus. Mercyhealth pulmonologist Dr. Bharati Roy presented information about lung cancer, risk factors, prevention and screening. The lung cancer screening assessment tool provided education and a way to assess attendees’ personal risks. Unfortunately, only three people attended the event.

Effectiveness Based on survey results, participants found the information useful and said they would attend future presentations. They also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be assessed for risk at the educational event. Marketing efforts in the community were felt to be adequate. However, attendance was much lower than anticipated. Potential barriers identified included the location, time of day, proximity to the holidays and lack of communication with answering service staff. It is felt that offering a dinner event associated with an RSVP could help increase attendance and effectiveness of a future event by creating participant accountability.

Screening and prevention efforts highlighted many opportunities for change and improvement. We recognize a shift is necessary to reach our target market. To reach this under-served population, we need to build collaborative efforts with local, community service organizations such as the Bridge Clinic and Crusader Community Health. We also need to implement multiple screening opportunities throughout the year in Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties and take screening events to areas where our target population is more prevalent, rather than solely at hospital locations.


Above and left: October 13, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

January2020

January Wellness Observances

Cervical Health Awareness Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Blood Donor Month

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

2018 Cancer Community Events

June 2 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Boone and Winnebago Counties

July 22 Kick-in for Cancer

August 23 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick-off Breakfast

August 24 Rockford City Market

October 4 Cancer Screening Event at Mercyhealth Rockton Campus

October 13 Nicholas Ritchel Memorial Walk

October 13 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Dollars rasied: $132,089

October 13 Nik’s Home Run

December 8 Public Open House Celebration at the Mercyhealth Riverside Campus

Fundraising • Mercyhealth We Fight Cancer Together: $903

• Dr. Mahatme’s Real Men Wear Pink Campaign: $2,591

• Real Men Wear Pink campaign: $26,417 Teams: 159 registered Participants: 988 registered

Mercyhealth Cancer Center2400 N. Rockton Ave.Rockford, IL 61103(815) 971-6188


cancer care with a passion that never rests - mercyhealth · 2019-01-29 · three days of starting...

Documents