Research: New Treatment Options

Clinical trials not only provide treatment options which might otherwise be unavailable to cancer patients but also guide researchers in evaluating promising new therapies. Through West Tennessee Cancer Center's research participation, eligible patients can benefit from cutting edge treatment "without leaving home." 

Tumor Registry: A Physician Resource

The Tumor Registry is an important part of the West Tennessee Cancer Center at General Hospital. It is staffed by two full-time certified tumor registrars who are trained in current cancer care methods, information collection, and statistical evaluation. The registrars are also members of the Tumor Registrars Association. The registry is a collection of data of patients diagnosed and/or treated with cancer. The data includes patient demographics, extent of disease, treatment, and lifetime follow-up. This information is used by the medical staff, administration, and other related parties.

Since 1990, the Registry has accessioned over 20,000  cases with 1,356 new cases diagnosed in 2006.  We currently follow thousands of patients with letters to the physician or patient or with a telephone call to the patient. The registry has maintained a 94 percent follow-up rate which exceeds the American College of Surgeons standards. This is accomplished with the cooperation and support of the medical staff.

Quality assurance is performed by a physician audit on at least 10 percent of our analytic cases. This assures accuracy in staging in adition to establishing a link between the medical staff and the Tumor Registry.

Cancer conferences are held weekly with multi-disciplinary staff in attendance. An average of three cases are presented each week with discussion concerning diagnosis and treatment.

The registry staff also helps with cancer screenings, health fairs, Relay for Life, and other West Tennessee Cancer Center events.

Community Education Programs

Community education on prevention and early detection of cancer remains a year-round priority of the West Tennessee Cancer Center. Approximately 2,000 people participate in the breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin screenings yearly with follow-up provided for those having "abnormal" findings. An active speaker's bureau is available to schools, churches, civic, and community groups with topics ranging from the "preventative" role of sunscreen to new advances in cancer treatment. The Cancer Center also participates in area-wide health fairs.

For Cancer Survivors, A Long List of Parties . . .

We proudly honor the cancer survivors of the West Tennessee Community with our Celebration of Survivors.  Held in June, which is National Cancer Survivor's Month, we welcome any person who has heard the words "you have cancer."  We believe that you are a cancer survivor from the moment of diagnosis, and welcome all those who have been diagnosed to join us for an evening of entertainment and laughter to celebrate survival! For more information or to register for the Celebration of Survivors, call 541-6388.

Survivors are also "guests of honor" at the Annual Jackson Relay for Life, of which the West Tennessee Cancer Center is title sponsor. This 24-hour activity-filled community party is both a celebration of life and opportunity to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Camp Bluebird, a 3-day camp for adult cancer survivors at beautiful Lakeshore Campground, sponsored by the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and BellSouth Telephone Pioneers, provides a weekend getaway for cancer survivors twice a year.  This camp is open to all cancer survivors.

The American Cancer Society's Annual Golf Classic and Fashion Show are also programs supported by the Cancer Center.  We are constantly finding new and wonderful ways to celebrate cancer survivors, so be sure to check the website for updated events!

Local Support Groups
Cancer Support Group 731-541-5087

Passages Grief Support Group 731-664-4220

National Cancer Resources
American Cancer Soc. 1-800-227-2345 http://www.cancer.org/
Ntl. Cancer Institute 1-800/422-6237 http://www.nci.nih.gov/

West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation
Call 731-984-2140 for information on:
West Tennessee Cancer Center Foundation Fund
Hospice of West Tennessee Foundation Fund