Nicholas S. Muff, MD, FACR, Chair North Puget Cancer Center United General Cancer Committee This has been a year of positive changes for North Puget Cancer Center. Dr. Mathey, a Board Certified Medical Oncologist, has established his practice here and has seen an increasing number of patients. We have been joined by Dawn Fucillo as Director of Oncology Services. Dawn comes to us from Samaritan Regional Cancer Center in Corvallis, Oregon, where she has extensive experience in building a cancer program which encompasses all of the patient's needs. She was instrumental there in establishing a Surviving to Thriving - Life After Cancer program, Patient Navigator Program, Arts Care and a palliative care program. A valuable addition to the Cancer Care Program is the installation of a digital mammography.
The Cancer Committee at United General Hospital is a standing committee of the United General Hospital Medical Staff and is committed to improving cancer care for patients in the communities that we serve. Elements of the program include quality surveillance, and coordination of supportive care services such as Social Services and Dietary which are but a few of the avenues we use to attain our goal of delivering the best possible comprehensive care for our patients as they each deal with their cancer through diagnosis and treatment.
The Cancer Committee is comprised of participants from multiple areas including Education, Support, Diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients at North Puget Cancer Center. Representatives on the committee include physicians from Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, Radiology, nurses, social services, pharmacy, quality resources, administration and the American Cancer Society.
Cancer Services of North Puget Cancer Center are reviewed by the Commission on Cancer, a multi-disciplinary program of the American College of Surgeons. Our program was recently surveyed by the commission on cancer and received a 3-year certification with six commendations as a community cancer program.
Tumor Registry The United General Hospital Tumor Registry track cases at United General Hospital and North Puget Cancer Center. The data compiled allow statistical analysis of cancer incidence and distribution throughout the service area. The Tumor Registries annual summary is included as a part of this report. Also, included is review of treatment for lung cancer.
Education Medical profession education programs are scheduled and supported by the Cancer Committee. The monthly Tumor Boards are also certified for CME credit.
Tumor Board A multi-disciplinary review of interesting or difficult cancer cases meets monthly. The Tumor Board attracts participates from medical staff and ancillary services to optimize care for our cancer patients. Both of these groups emphasize the value of creating a health care system which reaches across community and disciplinary boundaries to optimize care for our patients.
Community Outreach Skin cancer and prostate cancer screening programs are regularly scheduled by the Cancer Committee. There are a number of community-specific cancer support groups available through our facility.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate cancer care as a vital part of fulfilling our larger health care mission. I am encouraged by the positive changes which have taken place in the last year and look forward to continuing efforts to provide for our patients needs.
Nicholas S. Muff, MD, FACR, Chair
