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Family Affair2 0 0 8 A N N U A L C A N C E R R E P O R T

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

a Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Cancer Program Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Behind the Scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Cancer Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lisa's Stor y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0

Oncolog y Center Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

Oncolog y Social Worker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4

Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4

Community Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5

Digging Up Data/Tumor Registr y. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7

Research & Outcomes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9

A Registrar's Personal Stor y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

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the old television sitcom Family Affair? It was a situation comedy that explored the trials and

tribulations of a man who raised his brother’s children due

to circumstances beyond their control.

I like the premise of that show, family taking care of family.

No one asked for the circumstances that brought them

together, yet they were compelled to make the familial as-

sociation work. So what can an old sitcom reveal about good

cancer care? Mainly, there is something inherently right

about taking care of those close to us. Geography, not a

blood line, generally establishes the patient/caregiver ac-

quaintance in cancer care; the relationship, however, is developed when a patient gets to know and

trust those providing the necessary services.

As a community hospital cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons’ Commis-

sion on Cancer, the TRMC Oncology program adheres to standards that ensure that cancer services,

care, and patient outcomes are evaluated and improved. Daily interaction and more formalized

questionnaires provide invaluable feedback from our patients concerning their overall experience

with us. Only through effective communication with our patients can we exceed their expectations.

In a time when so many things seem cold and impersonal, cancer care should not be one of them.

Circumstances are often beyond the control of cancer patients. That person’s ability, however, to

choose where they go for care is a reality we take seriously. Our vision is to provide competent and

compassionate care in an environment that makes it unnecessary and undesirable for our patients

to go anywhere else. Just as an old sitcom can remind us of the importance of doing the right

thing, continued focus on our patients’ needs transforms cancer care into a family affair.

Do you remember ...

... there is something inherently right about taking care of those close to us

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CANCER COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Milner, M.D. Marilyn Richardson, CTR James MacDonald, M.D.Chairman, Cancer Committee Tumor Registrar Physician LiaisonMedical Oncology Pathology

Mindy McStott, R.N. Wesley Walker, M.D. Stephanie Ellis, R.PhQuality Management Radiation Oncology Pharmacy Randall Lanier, M.D. Christie Moore, R.N. Wayne Stewart, M.D. Internal Medicine/Pulmonology Hospice Director Radiology

Stacey Heard Joel Johnson, M.D. Kirsten Ponsell, MSWTransitions Coordinator Surgery Social Work Services

Ray Moreno, M.D. Nancy Carrier, R.N. Greg Anderson, M.D.Vice President/ Medical Affairs Continuing Medical Education Urology

Sandra Moretz, R.D. Diane Patrick, BSN Tressie Mathis, R.N. Clinical Dietitian Vice Pres., Patient Care Services Pain Management

Clarke Currie, MHA Nancy Hilton, R.N. Faye Cooper, R.N., OCN Director, Oncology Services Director Med/Surg Oncology Nurse Manager

Karen Kimsey Education Joy DavisOutreach and Development

Kathy Alberson, RHIAHIM Director

Laverne Cook, R.N.AVP

Cancer Program LeadershipLeadership is the key element in an effective cancer program. Our program’s success is contributed to an

effective cancer committee that is responsible for goal setting, planning, initiating, implementing, evaluating

and improving all cancer-related activities at Tift Regional.

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Behind the Scenes ...

James Milner, M.D., Medical Oncology, Cancer Committee Chairman Dr. Milner was born in Denver,

Colorado. He completed his educa-

tion at Medical College of Georgia.

He came to Tifton ten years ago.

Dr. Milner chose Oncology because

of a special relationship with

his grandfather (who had cancer).

He likes the science involved in

Oncology. He is passionate about

his family and music. He plays

several instruments including

the piano, guitar, violin,

mandolin and dulcimer. He is

married with six children.

robert anderson, M.D. UrologyDr. Anderson is from Tifton. He

received his education from University of

Georgia, Medical College of Georgia and

completed his General Surgery at the

University of Kentucky and Urology at

UAB. He chose surgery because of the

influences of his uncle, Dr. Mikell

Karston, also a Tifton Surgeon. He chose

Urology after his surgical rotation.

He returned to Tifton in 1989.

His interests include hunting, fishing

(especially deep-sea fishing). He

is a pilot and chairman of the Tifton/

Tift County Airport Authority. He is

married with three children.

Ray Moreno, M.D., Vice President/Medical Affairs Dr. Moreno is originally from

Immokalee, Florida. He completed

his education at Medical College of

Georgia. He came to Tifton in 1988.

He has always had a strong desire to

do primary care for adults. He has

resisted the challenge to special-

ize. His professional passion is

Public Health. His personal passion

is traveling and yard work. He has

collected rocks from his travels.

James MacDonald, M.D., Pathologist, Cancer Liaison Physician Dr. MacDonald received his undergraduate

degree from Virginia Tech. He completed

medical school at George Washington

University and his residency at Duke

University. He was born in Indonesia and

has lived in France and Brazil. He moved

to the United States in the eighth grade.

He chose pathology because of the constant,

scientific changes. He learned the diff-

iculties of trying to change patient

behavior with his experiences in direct

patient care in the Federal Prison

System. He is passionate about travel,

trivia and his dachshunds, Sam and Leo.

He and his wife, a native of rural Thai-

land, have been married for 24 years.

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Behind the Scenes ...

James Milner, M.D., Medical Oncology, Cancer Committee Chairman Dr. Milner was born in Denver,

Colorado. He completed his educa-

tion at Medical College of Georgia.

He came to Tifton ten years ago.

Dr. Milner chose Oncology because

of a special relationship with

his grandfather (who had cancer).

He likes the science involved in

Oncology. He is passionate about

his family and music. He plays

several instruments including

the piano, guitar, violin,

mandolin and dulcimer. He is

married with six children.

robert anderson, M.D. UrologyDr. Anderson is from Tifton. He

received his education from University of

Georgia, Medical College of Georgia and

completed his General Surgery at the

University of Kentucky and Urology at

UAB. He chose surgery because of the

influences of his uncle, Dr. Mikell

Karston, also a Tifton Surgeon. He chose

Urology after his surgical rotation.

He returned to Tifton in 1989.

His interests include hunting, fishing

(especially deep-sea fishing). He

is a pilot and chairman of the Tifton/

Tift County Airport Authority. He is

married with three children.

Ray Moreno, M.D., Vice President/Medical Affairs Dr. Moreno is originally from

Immokalee, Florida. He completed

his education at Medical College of

Georgia. He came to Tifton in 1988.

He has always had a strong desire to

do primary care for adults. He has

resisted the challenge to special-

ize. His professional passion is

Public Health. His personal passion

is traveling and yard work. He has

collected rocks from his travels.

James MacDonald, M.D., Pathologist, Cancer Liaison Physician Dr. MacDonald received his undergraduate

degree from Virginia Tech. He completed

medical school at George Washington

University and his residency at Duke

University. He was born in Indonesia and

has lived in France and Brazil. He moved

to the United States in the eighth grade.

He chose pathology because of the constant,

scientific changes. He learned the diff-

iculties of trying to change patient

behavior with his experiences in direct

patient care in the Federal Prison

System. He is passionate about travel,

trivia and his dachshunds, Sam and Leo.

He and his wife, a native of rural Thai-

land, have been married for 24 years.

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Wayne stewart, M.D., radiologyDr. Stewart is from Philadelphia/South Jer-

sey area. He moved to Tifton four years ago.

His education includes a bachelor’s degree

at La Salle University, master’s degree

from Temple University and medical degree

from UCE Dominican Republic. He completed a

fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University.

He chose radiology after his obser-

vations while working as an AC mechan-

ic’s helper in High School. He enjoys

the technology involved in Radiology.

His passions include his family and

traveling to other countries. He

also likes to ride his motorcycle.

Dr. JOEL Johnson, General surgeon Dr. Johnson is originally from

Tifton. He received his medical

degree at Emory University and

completed his residency in Spar-

tanburg, South Carolina. He chose

surgery as an opportunity to

fix things and use his hands. He

is passionate about his family.

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Wesley Walker, M.D., Radiation OncologistDr. Walker is originally from Tifton. He

attended Valdosta State University and re-

ceived his medical degree from the Medical

College of Georgia. He is an avid tennis

player.

Randall Lanier, M.D., Internal Medicine/PulmonologyDr. Lanier is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He

attended Armstrong State College. He received a

pharmacy degree prior to receiving his medical

degree at Medical College of Georgia. He com-

pleted his residency in Internal Medicine and

Fellowship in Critical Care and Pulmonology at

Richland Memorial Hospital (University of South

Carolina) in Columbia South Carolina. He moved

to Tifton in 1990. He enjoys riding his motor-

cycle. He is married with three children.

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Cancer ConferenceCancer Conference is made up of physicians—Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Surgeons, Patholo-gists, Radiologists, and other physicians, as well as other staff involved in the cancer care process. To-gether, they review different cancer diagnoses and determine the best treatment on a case-by-case basis. The Cancer Conference is CME approved. Cancer Conferences are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday with more than 10% of the caseload presented annually.

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when I received my diagnosis of Stage IV colorectal cancer on February 4, 2008. At that time I was in my final semester as a nursing student at ABAC, which involved taking care of patients for clinicals. When I received the news, my mind could not conceive the fact that I now would be the patient and not the caregiver. Since that time, I’ve had a lot of time to think about being a patient and about the role that doctors and nurses play in the treatment of this devastating disease.

Treating cancer is like a puzzle: the doctors and nurses can see the whole picture rather than just the pieces of the puzzle, whereas the patient usually can’t. I have had some great care from some wonderful medical person-nel since receiving my diagnosis. Whether it was on the radiation or chemotherapy side of TRMC’s Oncology Center – both have served me well and have helped to fit all the pieces together to complete this medical puzzle of mine. Fitting the pieces of this puzzle together meant treating not only my physical needs, but my emotion-al, mental and spiritual needs as well.

All have played an important part in making the pieces of this puzzle fit together for my good. However, there have been some that went the extra mile to not only make the pieces fit, but to enhance my quality of life, ensure my comfort and find solutions to minimize the complications and side effects of my treatment. Specifi-cally, I would like to remember Dale Broome, PA, Brenda Berry, RN, Deidra Slack, RN and Jennifer Lumsden, RN.

Finally, but foremost, I give praise to my God and Savior for His constant care and comfort and for helping these competent, attentive medical professionals to find the solutions to my puzzle. I especially thank Him for the compassionate, thoughtful care I have received from the staff at TRMC Oncology Center. Their friendly smiles, constant attention to my every need, and quiet reassurance and responses to my questions, all helped to ease my fears and keep me focused on getting well. They, with God’s guidance, have helped to make an unbearable situation somewhat bearable.

Submitted by Lisa M. AllisonColorectal Cancer Patient

My life was forever changed

“... Treating cancer is like a puzzle; the doctors and nurses can see the whole picture rather than the pieces of the puzzle, where the patient can’t.” - Lisa Allison, survivor

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Oncology Center Scenic GardenThe Patient Garden at the Oncology Center was provided by the Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation. This area provides a source of visual comfort and strength for patients and family members during the administration of chemotherapy.

“Volunteers have paid for and installed bird houses and feeders in the garden area which attract a variety of birds to include the elusive humming bird.

Seasonal decorations add to the area and are enjoyed by both the patients and staff.” -Clarke Currie, MHA Director, Oncology Services

Oncology Center Spotlight

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Inspiration WallThe Inspirational wall was created and is maintained by Beverly Mallory, RN, Tift Regional medical oncol-ogy nurse. This wall provides an ongoing source of en-couragement and inspiration for our oncology patients, family members and staff.

Beverly Mallory, RN, Tift Regional medical oncology nurse

“Because some of our patients spend a considerable amount of time with us, it is our desire to make them comfortable. Inspirational words, refreshments, warm blankets, individual televisions, and compassionate care help to create an environment that feels like home. ” -Clarke Currie, MHA Director, Oncology Services

The wall is intended to provide comforting words to nourish the soul ...

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Patient Resource Library

A cancer diagnosis comes with a great deal of unknowns. Patients and families can feel powerless when faced with so many unanswered questions. However, the saying is true, knowledge is power. The Oncology Center offers an up-to-date cancer resource library, which provides our patients and families with access to the internet, books, videos, pamphlets, and more to research oncology topics.

“A cancer diagnosis comes with a great deal of unknowns. ” - Kirsten Ponsell, MSW Social Work Services

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When the treatment goal changes from a cure to comfort, hospice care is appropriate. Hospice of Tift Area seeks to maintain and improve the quality of life and support the family, both during and after the illness.

The hospice team is composed of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, certified nursing assistants, bereavement counselors and volunteers who work together to address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs that arise as families care for their loved ones near the end of life.

In 2007, approximately 44.7 % of the patients cared for by the Hospice of Tift Area had a cancer diagnosis.

Hospice has served the community for over 20 years.

Hospice of Tift Area

The Oncology Social Worker provides services to patients, families, and significant others facing the impact of a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer. These services are available to patients and families throughout all phases of cancer.

Specific services offered at our cancer center include:• Patient/FamilyAssessment• CaseManagement/ProgramDevelopment/Multidisciplinaryteamcoordination• SupportiveCounseling(Individualandfamily;providedbylicensedprofessionals)• FinancialCounselingtoincludepharmacyassistance• Grief/BereavementCounseling• SelfImageSupplies• Educationallibraryforusebypatientsandfamily• LookGoodFeelBetter:(Bi-monthly)• ReferraltoReachtoRecoveryandRoadtoRecovery• MonthlyCancerSupportGroup(Opentothepublic)• TransportationProgram• SpiritualCounselingbyon-callclergy

Oncology Social Worker

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Tift Regional seeks to improve the health of our families, our neighbors, and our friends in all the communities we serve. Public awareness and early detection of cancer is our focus. We strive to educate our community through cancer screenings, education classes, community lectures, participation in community health fairs and health aware-ness events.

Relay For Life Tift Regional employees are passionate about participat-ing in the American Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay for Life. TRMC is very involved in the planning of this event and always provides a very enthusiastic team – most recently raising more than $80,000.

EducationFor patients living with cancer and their families, education is an important aspect of care. Tift Regional provides community education throughout the year to increase public awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyle as well as prevention and early detection of can-cer. This takes on many forms such as education classes and participation in community fairs and health aware-ness events. In 2008 Tift Regional was a co-sponsor of the Southwest Georgia Symposium, “Cancer- A Family Issue”.

Tree of LifeThe Tree of Life ceremony, commemorating its 23rd year of giving, was held at the hospital on December 11, 2008. The event is held annually and is open to the public. The ceremony is designed to remember those who have passed on and honor those who are fighting the battle with cancer. This fund-raiser helps provide for the special needs of patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the Oncology Center of Tift Regional Medical Center.

Community Outreach 2008

Relay for Life

Tree of Life

Nanci Bowen Charity Event Each spring Tift Regional organizes the Nanci Bowen Charity Event, benefiting patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the Oncology Center of Tift Regional Medical Center. This year the course was full for the 9th year. The tournament was a huge success and we are looking forward to the 10th anniversary in 2009.

Community Screening 2008In addition to the numerous community education and fundraising activities that Tift Regional is involved in, TRMC also provides a number of free screenings for various types of cancer. These screenings are held throughout the year and are held not only in Tift County but our surrounding counties through our HealthPlus clinics. In 2008, over 250 men were screened for prostate cancer, over 100 women for breast cancer, and over 130 people for skin cancer. In addi-tion, over 350 at-home colon cancer screen-ing kits were distributed.

Other community Programs ACS

Reach to Recovery•Look Good/Feel Better•

Oncology Program Cancer Support Group • Fresh Start smoking cessation classes •

Nanci Bowen Charity Event

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Tift Regional seeks to improve the health of our families, our neighbors, and our friends in all the communities we serve. Public awareness and early detection of cancer is our focus. We strive to educate our community through cancer screenings, education classes, community lectures, participation in community health fairs and health aware-ness events.

Relay For Life Tift Regional employees are passionate about participat-ing in the American Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay for Life. TRMC is very involved in the planning of this event and always provides a very enthusiastic team – most recently raising more than $80,000.

EducationFor patients living with cancer and their families, education is an important aspect of care. Tift Regional provides community education throughout the year to increase public awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyle as well as prevention and early detection of can-cer. This takes on many forms such as education classes and participation in community fairs and health aware-ness events. In 2008 Tift Regional was a co-sponsor of the Southwest Georgia Symposium, “Cancer- A Family Issue”.

Tree of LifeThe Tree of Life ceremony, commemorating its 23rd year of giving, was held at the hospital on December 11, 2008. The event is held annually and is open to the public. The ceremony is designed to remember those who have passed on and honor those who are fighting the battle with cancer. This fund-raiser helps provide for the special needs of patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the Oncology Center of Tift Regional Medical Center.

Community Outreach 2008

Relay for Life

Tree of Life

Nanci Bowen Charity Event Each spring Tift Regional organizes the Nanci Bowen Charity Event, benefiting patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the Oncology Center of Tift Regional Medical Center. This year the course was full for the 9th year. The tournament was a huge success and we are looking forward to the 10th anniversary in 2009.

Community Screening 2008In addition to the numerous community education and fundraising activities that Tift Regional is involved in, TRMC also provides a number of free screenings for various types of cancer. These screenings are held throughout the year and are held not only in Tift County but our surrounding counties through our HealthPlus clinics. In 2008, over 250 men were screened for prostate cancer, over 100 women for breast cancer, and over 130 people for skin cancer. In addi-tion, over 350 at-home colon cancer screen-ing kits were distributed.

Other community Programs ACS

Reach to Recovery•Look Good/Feel Better•

Oncology Program Cancer Support Group • Fresh Start smoking cessation classes •

Nanci Bowen Charity Event

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What is a Tumor Registrar?A person who identifies, registers and maintains records of all cancer

patients by utilizing the tumor registry data system. The Registry

provides a system to monitor all cancer patients diagnosed and

treated at Tift Regional. The Registrar is primarily responsible

for complete and accurate data collection, maintenance and

follow-up. An abstract is compiled on each cancer patient

based on a review of medical records. This

abstract includes patient demographics,

medical history, occupation, occupational

exposures, diagnostic findings, stage at

diagnosis, and cancer treatment.

We use this data to help identify the

cancers found in our area so we can

determine the best way to meet the needs of our com-

munity. At Tift Regional, the Registrar does all of the above as well as coordinates

Cancer Conferences and Cancer Committee.

The individual cancer patient is never identified outside the registry system, and only grouped data

is analyzed and published. Your medical history and follow-up information are kept in complete

confidence in accordance with Tift Regional policy, Georgia State Cancer Registry policy, Georgia

StateLawandthenationalHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityActof1996(HIPAA).

Who uses our information?Our information is submitted to the State via the Georgia Central Cancer Registry and the Georgia

CenterforCancerStatistics(GCCS/RollinsSchoolofPublicHealth@EmoryUniversity).Itissub-

mitted nationally to the Centers for Disease Control and American Cancer Society via the National

Cancer Data Base. Locally our information is used by physicians and other staff to review patient

care and the outcome of our patients.

Digging Up Data

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Who are we?The Registry is maintained by two full-time Certified Tumor Registrars, Marilyn Richardson and

Laurie Miller, who are under the management of Kathy Alberson, Director of Health Information

Management. Like others, we have experienced the destruction of cancer on a personal level as

we watch loved ones and friends loose their battle against cancer and others push through to be

“cancer-free”. It is important to us that data collected and submitted by Tift Regional be accurate

and timely because we know the data we collect and report can make a difference in patient out-

comes and future research. We keep abreast of new developments in the field of oncology through

continuing education in the form of conferences, seminars, cancer conferences, and involvement in

hospital and community cancer program activities. We are members of the National Cancer

RegistrarsAssociation(NCRA)andtheGeorgiaTumorRegistrarsAssociation.

"Like others, we have experienced the destruction of cancer on a personal level as we watch loved ones and friends lose their battle against cancer and others push through to be “cancer-free”. - Laurie Miller & Marilyn Richardson TRMC Certified Tumor Registrars

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The Tumor Registry provides statistics to physicians for individual studies, and coordinates patient out-

come studies to ensure our cancer services, care and patient outcomes are evaluated and improved so our

patients receive care that meets or exceeds patient expectations and standards distributed by local, state,

regional and national-standard setting organizations.

The Tumor Registry at Tift Regional maintains data on over 3,900 cases. Over 500 new cases were acces-

sionedintotheregistryin2007with462ofthesebeinganalyticalcases(casesdiagnosedand/orreceiving

partoftheirfirstcourseoftreatmentatourfacility).Wecontacteachcancerpatientevery12-15months

(througheitherthephysicianordirectlywiththepatient)todeterminewhatisoccurringmedicallywith

him or her.

Research & Outcomes

Table 1

Table 1 shows the incidence

of cancer in 2007 by primary

site. Of the total 462 cases in

2007,223cases (48%)were

male and 239 cases (52%)

were female.

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In 2008 we participated in the Patterns of Care study of breast and prostate cancers diagnosed in

2004. This data is being collected across seven states including Georgia and will be reported at pro-

fessional meetings and in peer-review journals. Tift Regional conducted an internal study using the

similar predetermined criteria of the 2004 breast and prostate cases diagnosed and treated at our

facility. Findings of this study will be presented at Cancer Conference and Cancer Committee.

As an approved Community Hospital Cancer Program through the American College of Surgeons

Commission on Cancer, Tift Regional participates in Web-based Cancer Program Profile Reports.

TRMC also conducts more current assessment of their data based on similar criteria. This informa-

tion is reported to the cancer committee on a quarterly basis.

Table 2

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A Registrar’s Personal Story

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Marilyn Richardson, Tumor Registrar & Family

Learn more at www.tiftregional.com1623 Madison Avenue, Tifton, Georgia 31794 •(229)386-1300• 800-648-1935