Home News Network July 2009 Message From Dave Bernd, CEO

Message From Dave Bernd, CEO

Sentara Cancer Network: Focusing on Survival
Network: July 2009

At Sentara, the talented, experienced and compassionate team of professionals who make up our Sentara Cancer Network strive hard every day to help cancer patients have the best outcomes possible and the most positive quality of life as well. We are making great strides in technology, patient-centered care and, most important, survival, which we are celebrating in this issue of Network Online. As cancer becomes more and more of a chronic disease – with success now termed “progression-free survival" ― we need to grow and adapt to the changing needs of our patients who are living with cancer.

The Sentara Cancer Network spans multiple state-of-the-art outpatient treatment centers and a broad range of services throughout Hampton Roads all staffed by highly-skilled professionals. The Sentara Cancer Network is also on a path toward network accreditation by the American College of Surgeons, which will recognize our diligent efforts to improve cancer care and assure our patients of the highest quality patient-centered care delivered through an integrated network.

Our partnerships with Virginia Oncology Associates, Eastern Virginia Medical School and many other physicians have brought together a team of immensely talented specialists focused on one goal, helping cancer patients survive longer with a higher quality of life than ever before. At our multidisciplinary cancer conferences (formerly referred to as tumor boards), physicians, nurses and cancer clinicians contribute their specialized expertise and collaborate on individualized care plans to give each patient the best advantage. In 2008, our Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference case presentations increased by 64 percent from 1,099 cases in 2007 to 1,801 cases in 2008. (Read the 2008 Cancer Network Annual Outcomes Report.)

CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System

Advanced technology makes a difference, and our CyberKnife® robotic radiosurgery system, which is now available at the Sentara Advanced Radiosurgery Center, is the most advanced system of its kind in Hampton Roads. The system, which is completely non-invasive, delivers radiation to tumors in the brain, spine and anywhere in the body with precise accuracy, while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In this issue of Network Online, you will read about Lawrence Bates of Portsmouth, Va., a patient who was treated with CyberKnife®. Bates has a terrific, upbeat attitude, driven by his faith, about his 12-year battle with colon cancer, and we wish him all the best. Read his story or watch the most recent webcast on CyberKnife®.

Maintaining cancer data is a critical component of the Sentara Cancer Network. Our Cancer Registry monitors trends in incidence and mortality rate, as well as evaluates prevention and control measures. The Cancer Registry provides local data to many state and national agencies, such as the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, to help generate national cancer statistics. And, they provide educational and data resources for physicians and institutions, helping stimulate research and clinical quality improvement into all aspects of cancer treated at Sentara.

The coordination of care is demonstrated through our comprehensive breast center model. Sentara has established Comprehensive Breast Centers at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Sentara Port Warwick and Sentara Leigh Hospital ― and more are on the way. The Peninsula centers both recently achieved recognition by the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) which further establishes them as destinations for breast health. Read the release.

While providing innovative treatment and cutting edge research are among our top priorities, an equally important goal is to provide each cancer patient with compassion and hope along the way. Compassion during diagnosis, encouragement during treatment and hope during recovery is a key component of the Sentara Cancer Network. Cancer support groups abound throughout Sentara. They bring personal approaches to helping cancer patients cope, survive and thrive throughout their treatment regimens and well after.

I am extremely proud of and continually inspired by the dedication of every Member of the Team who is part of the Sentara Cancer Network - physicians, employees and volunteers ― not only for your talents and expertise ― but also for the kindness and generosity of spirit with which you care for our patients.

― Dave Bernd

Message From Dave Bernd, CEO

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