The American Cancer
Society (ACS) estimates that in the US
men have slightly less than a 1 in 2
chance of contracting cancer during their
lifetime. For women, odds are slightly
more than 1 in 3.
•
Cancer can be caused
by lifestyle choices (sun exposure, smoking,
diet, activity, viruses)
•
The ACS estimates
half of all new cancer cases could have
been prevented or caught early by screening.
•
Only 5-10% of cancers
are hereditary.
Source: American
Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and
Figures 2005. Atlanta: ACS;
2005.
Thanks to new, improved
therapies, an increasing number of people are living
beyond cancer and enjoying a full life after treatment. Getting
the proper treatment early is key. Your first
step should be to find the right cancer specialist
and treatment facility.
Deaconess is committed to offering
up-to-date care to people with cancer, including diagnostic
testing, various types of treatment including some unique
to Deaconess in this region and outpatient services designed
for convenience of those needing chemotherapy
or blood.
Mammosite therapy is a new treatment
option for those with breast cancer. Recently performed in Spokane,
this procedure uses our high-dose-rate HDR equipment. After
surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, a balloon is placed
in the space where the tumor sat and is filled with saline
solution. A catheter (tube) is inserted into the
fluid and a radioactive seed is sent down the tube to
destroy any possible lingering cancer cells. After
a few minutes, the seed is removed. This process
is repeated twice a day for one week. Your oncologist
can tell you if this is a good option for you.
Brachytherapy (Radioactive seed
implantation)
Brachytherapy is the temporary or permanent
implantation of radioactive seeds. The radioactivity destroys
cancer cells. It is most often used in brain, prostate,
lung, breast, esophageal, rectum and GYN procedures.
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
Deaconess has the only HDR technology
in this area. It
uses radioactive pellets or seeds to apply radiation
to a very specific area. The HDR machine delivers a higher
dose rate of radiation than routine brachytherapy. A
catheter (tube) is placed in the cancerous area. A
seed is sent down the catheter, left in a few minutes
to achieve the radiation dose and then removed. The
catheter may be left in place for up to a few days if
more than one application is prescribed.
Gamma Knife
A Gamma knife for the treatment of
brain cancer and disorders is on site. For more
information see gkspokane.com.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive
treatment for prostate cancer. It freezes the prostate to kill the cancer
cells. Patients only need to stay in the hospital
for 24 hours, have less postoperative complications
and experience a much quicker recovery.
Screening
Free skin cancer screening and education
is offered through Community Health Education Resources
(CHER).
