Community Outreach

SOMC Cancer Services in partnership with several agencies provided a wealth of cancer education, prevention and support throughout 2008.

One area that we are especially proud of is our annual cancer screenings. The screenings are a collaborative effort of the hard work and dedication of Fight Cancer, Save Lives…Act Now Coalition, SOMC staff, volunteers and physicians.

Fight Cancer, Save Lives…Act Now Coalition is associated with the Appalachian Community Cancer Network (ACCN) which is a part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The coalition membership is comprised of representatives from multiple community institutions/agencies, SOMC employees, and volunteers.

The coalition’s mission is to help residents become more aware of when and where to seek early detection for cancer, how to proceed when cancer is diagnosed, how to navigate through a complex health system, and where to turn for community resources and support for survivors.

The success of this group and their partnership with SOMC in 2008 provided:

• 117 patients screened for skin cancer
• 150 men screened for prostate cancer
• 35 women screened for breast cancer

Breast Health Navigation

Our Breast Health Navigator Nurse, Kim Richendollar, RN, BSN, has been instrumental in educating and navigating the path for women in the detection-to-diagnosis phase of breast health. Speaking to early detection, screening guidelines, and treatment concerns, Kim is an advocate for the needs of the women in our community.

Susan B. Komen Grant Funded breast services: Grant Period April 2008 through March 2009

• 114 Mammograms
• 35 Ultrasounds
• 3 MRIs
• 6 Breast Biopsies
• 3 Genetic Tests for BRCA 1/ 2 mutations
• 13 Surgical Consults

National Cancer Survivors Day

 

Each year the SOMC Cancer Center welcomes current and former cancer patients and their loved ones for an afternoon of fun, refreshments and fellowship in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day.

The local event’s theme in 2009 was “A Seaside Celebration”. Local entertainment was provided by Life Ambulance, Jessica Scott, and Bobby Blanton. The event requires a lot of planning and coordination of staff to make for an extra special day of celebration for the patients and their families. This year we had over 400 present for the event! Congratulations, SOMC Cancer Center SURVIVORS!

Not only does the SOMC Cancer Center staff participate in several community events, our staff also volunteer their efforts at other cancer awareness activities such as the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure and Relay for Life. Thanks to these teams for representing SOMC and for making a difference in our community.

Download a printable version of the 2008 Annual Report