Cancer Program

Available for your review:
Cancer Program Annual Report 2005 A

Cancer Program Annual Report 2005 B

A Team of Experts
Westside's Cancer Program combines the experience of some of the finest cancer specialists in South Florida, working together to ensure the best outcome for each patient. This group effort includes participation at regularly scheduled tumor board meetings where physicians confer on possible courses of treatment. Specializing in breast, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, head and neck, neurological, neurosurgical, ophthalmic, orthopaedic, pulmonary, interventional radiology, urologic hematology/medical, radiation and surgical oncology, these physicians compose a comprehensive team. In addition, these specialists rely heavily on the assistance of radiologists, pathologists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation specialists and anesthesiologists to provide the finest cancer treatment. Should the need arise, the program is also backed by the expertise of over 750 other physicians on staff, representing a wide range of specialties.

Comprehensive Treatments
Each patient experiences cancer in his own unique way. As such, our team of professionals prescribes each patient a plan of treatment personalized to the type and stage of their cancer, as well as, the overall health and well being of the individual. Westside's team utilizes the latest treatments available to aggressively and safely treat cancer. Treatments include:

Diagnostic Imaging
Westside provides a variety of preventative diagnostic procedures including:

• Fluoroscopy
• Ultrasound
• Accredited Mammography Program
• Spiral CT Scanner
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET . CT) Scan
• Dual Head Nuclear Medicine Camera with Spect (single photon emission computer tomography) capabilities

• Chemotherapy
• Biologic Response Modifiers
• Specialized Protocols

• Brachytherapy
• Hyperthermia
• Thyroid Therapy

Surgical Oncology
Westside offers some of the most innovative surgical interventions available, including:

• Cryosurgery
• Regional Perfusion
• Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Therapy
• Lymph Node Biopsy
• Surgery for Tumors
• Limb-sparing Surgery
• On-site Biopsy with Ultrasound
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Compassionate Care
In addition to skilled medical staff and the latest technology, the support staff at Westside Regional Medical Center offers a warm and compassionate approach to caring for cancer patients. Our multidisciplinary team includes social workers, dietitians, laboratory personnel, pharmacists, oncology nurses, enterostomal therapists, certified triple-touch breast self-examination instructors, physical therapists and a lymphedema specialist who work hand in hand with physicians to bring patients the utmost in care.

Community Commitment
At Westside Regional Medical Center we are committed to building a healthier community. This is evidenced in a variety of community education programs including lectures on the detection, prevention and treatment of various types of cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and ostomy support groups, "Look Good Feell Better" program, relationships with various community agencies such as the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute and by participation in neighborhood and area fundraisers.

Oncology Data Center
In addition to a variety of community offerings, our program houses the Oncology Data Center, a computerized data system utilized to collect, manage and analyze data on patients with cancer diagnosed and/or treated at Westside Regional Medical Center. The Facts compiled in this data center are reported to the Florida Cancer data System and the National Cancer Database and then utilized to:

• Develop and offer educational programs for hospital personnel, patients and the public.
• Compare and improve results of cancer treatments.
• Provide data for national cancer databases which facilitate hospital, state and national assessment of patient care.
• Evaluate methods of diagnosis, treatment and recurrence of cancer.
• Further develop the Westside Regional Medical Center Cancer Program.

Additionally, the Oncology Data Center provides lifetime patient follow-up, enabling us to track patient progress and make dramatic impact on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.

Informational Guide to Breast Cancer
If you, a friend, or a family member has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, read through this Guide, which includes questions to ask your doctor, tips on informing your family and how to support your loved ones.

Cancer InDepth
Treatment information on 21 types of cancer; explaining side effects of cancer treatment, such as anemia, nausea, neutropenia along with tips for managing them. Read the inspiring stories written by cancer survivors.

A Patient's Guide to Chemotherapy explains the physical and emotional effects of chemotherapy. It's an excellent resource that can help cancer patients learn how to assist during recovery.

Radiation Therapy
Demonstrating IMRT, the newest radiation technology, you can see how radiation methods have improved! Watch as strategically placed beams are applied to cancerous tumors.

For more information about the Westside Regional Medical Center's Cancer Program, please call 1-866-4HCA-DOCS (442-2362)