Comprehensive Care

Cancer survival rates continue to improve

It's time for cancer to lose its reputation as a death sentence. Now more than ever, people are surviving, and thriving, after the disease. In fact, the number of cancer survivors increased by 20 percent in just six years, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute.

Improved treatment options and a focus on the individual, not just the disease, have played a large part in these encouraging statistics. At Chesapeake Regional's Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center, state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly-skilled professionals come together to provide comprehensive cancer care for all of its patients.

Better science - new technology

In the past year, the center has acquired two new linear accelerators, devices used to deliver radiation to cancerous tumors. This state-of-the-art equipment has many advanced features, including RapidArc, a new type of radiation therapy that improves treatment accuracy while significantly shortening treatment times. With RapidArc, the treatment machine rotates 360 degrees around the patient, enabling the radiation beams to precisely target the tumor from all angles and spare nearby healthy tissue. And while traditional radiation therapy lasts 15-30 minutes and requires patients to remain still the entire time, RapidArc treatments often last just ten minutes or less.

The new linear accelerators also feature respiratory gating, which allows for tracking of the tumor area during respirations. Prior to this advancement, physicians had to widen the treatment area to allow for movement of the tumor when the patient breathed in or out. With respiratory gating, however, the radiation beam only turns on when the tumor falls within the planned treatment area, allowing for a much smaller target area and less damage to surrounding tissue. "Everything we do is focused on zeroing in on a precise area so we can spare as much healthy tissue as possible," said Barbara Bellido, clinical manager for the Cancer Treatment Center.

Our people - our greatest asset

When it comes to cancer care, though, "it's not just about the cancer, it's about the person," said Bellido. While technologically advanced equipment and on-site board-certified physicians and oncology certified nurses help patients fight their cancer, a team of professionals help patients focus on the emotional, financial and physical toll cancer can take on an individual. The center's Patient Navigator, social worker and registered dietitian are available to every patient as often as they are needed. Such comprehensive care, offered free of charge to all Cancer Treatment Center patients, helps alleviate much of the stress and fear cancer can cause, enabling patients and their caregivers to focus on what matters: getting better.

Patient Navigator

Ellie Duarte, Virginia's first American Cancer Society Patient Navigator, works with Cancer Treatment Center patients to help them access information and resources and cope with their illness. "Cancer patients have worried enough about whether or not treatment will work; they don't need to be worrying about paying their rent or collecting disability," she said. "My job is to do all of that for them. I've gotten new tires, new windshield wipers and arranged rides - anything to help them get to their treatments and get better." Duarte also gives patients information on programs, services, support groups and clinical trials. A stage four colon cancer survivor, Duarte understands firsthand the emotional toll cancer can take on a person. "I am so passionate about what I do, because I want people to be aware of the resources available to them so they don't have to go through what I did," she said.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Allinda Parkman works closely with Duarte to help cancer patients sign up for disability and Medicaid and handle issues with their employers. She also provides counseling to patients and their family members. "The worst day I'm having doesn't compare to someone with cancer," she said. "I'm here to try to make their lives a little less difficult." She does so by helping them apply for benefits like food stamps, advocate for themselves when they want more information or second opinions, and foster open communication between patients and their families.

Registered Dietitian

While Duarte and Parkman help patients cope with the emotional and financial struggles that often come with cancer, Registered Dietitian Stefanie Greer helps them focus on their nutritional needs. Many cancer patients suffer weight loss and decreased appetite in addition to the nausea and vomiting that chemotherapy can often cause. "One in five cancer-related deaths is due to malnutrition or severe weight loss," said Greer, a specialist in oncology nutrition. Patients often don't notice their own weight loss, so Greer tries to offer tips to help them regain some weight and stay healthy. She also works with families and caregivers to stress the importance of good nutrition during treatment and offer tips on preparing healthful meals for patients.