A MESSAGE The Cancer Center at Augusta Health experienced some key changes this year, including a name change. Now known as the Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, the new name more appropriately reflects the broad scope of services the Center has provided the community for more than a quarter century. Of the new patients who register at the Center any given month, nearly half of them have been referred to the Center for suspected blood abnormalities ranging from anemia to leukemia. Ron Turnicky, DO Chairman, Cancer Committee Progress in the treatment of cancer can only occur where clinical research is important part of the delivery of care and the development of tomorrow’s cures. The Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, with its affiliation with Duke Health, is committed to excellence by participating in clinical trials that evaluate all aspects of care, including screening and prevention, new drugs, new treatment strategies, side-effect management and survivorship. 2 This month we completed a successful survey by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. The program anticipates receiving several commendations when we receive the final report early next year. A successful survey is a testimony to the sustained excellence in cancer care that we have delivered to the cancer patients of Augusta County over the past 10+ years. Our clinical research program is growing. Progress in the treatment of cancer can only occur where clinical research is an important part of the delivery of care and the development of tomorrow’s cures. The Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, with its affiliation with Duke Health, is committed to excellence by participating in clinical trials that evaluate all aspects of care, including screening and prevention, new drugs, new treatment strategies, side-effect management and survivorship. We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Duke to build a robust clinical trials program that meets our community’s needs and reflects the most common types of cancers treated in this area of Virginia. Our modern clinical trials program provides advanced and up-to-date clinical trials here in Augusta County in a safe and closely monitored environment. Our research staff coordinates regularly with the research support team at Duke as well as participates in national and regional conferences to stay knowledgeable. This year the clinical research team opened more than 10 new trials, doubling the number from prior years. Our low dose lung screening program is making a difference. Typically, 24 lung cancers are detected with every 1000 screening exams. Here at Augusta Health, 37.5 cancers have been diagnosed with every 1000 screen exams – that is 150% more than expected. Of the patients FROM LEADERSHIP diagnosed through our lung screening program, many are found with Stage 1 disease that may be cured with surgery alone. Our cancer screening and prevention efforts are expanding! Our understanding of how inherited genetic make-up predisposes people to certain cancers is expanding. This deepened understanding informs us on how to screen, advise and manage patients and families that may be at increased risk for cancer through the course of their lifetime. Cancer prevention starts with confirming that family members share a genetic mutation, followed by counseling patients and families about the need for continued screening, possible interventions and follow-up visits. The development of community-wide screening programs for at-risk individuals with a family history of cancer is underway at Augusta Health. You can look forward to these services in the community in 2019. Our community is making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. An important feature of our cancer program is the financial support available to our patients through a philanthropic fund known as the “Bridge Fund.” In total, generous individuals donated $52,000 in 2017 to Augusta Health cancer patients in need. Even more important is the difference these gifts were able to make in the lives of our patients including help with expensive medications, wigs, turbans and head wraps and new and enhanced services through the Bridge Fund. On behalf of our patients, we extend our thanks to those who made a donation, small or large, to the Bridge Fund. Finally, it has been my honor to serve as the Cancer Committee Chair for 2018. My predecessor, Dr. Robert Kyler, and I have agreed to serve in this capacity as Chair because we so firmly believe in the critical mission at Augusta Health to sustain and grow the Cancer Program. As of January 1, 2019, we confidently hand this role to the Cancer Program’s Medical Director, Dr. Kelvin Raybon, who agreed to lead the Cancer Program in the coming years, assuring us of his commitment to clinical research and to providing cutting-edge treatments here in the community. We all thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to be your caregivers at Augusta Health. AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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