TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Today is World Cancer Day, which acknowledges the increasing impact cancer has on people everywhere and efforts to improve cancer prevention, treatment and care.
Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, according to the World Health Organization, which estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.
Evidence shows that being overweight, having a poor diet, drinking alcohol and doing little or no exercise increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
At least one in three cancer cases are preventable and the number of cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer-smart lifestyle, which includes not smoking, limiting sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate exercise or being overweight.
"Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through healthy diets, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight," stated Susan Higginbotham, PhD, director of research for the American Institute for Cancer Research. "It seems that we're always reading about new studies where certain food or food substance either reduces or increases our cancer risk."
"That's why AICR conducted the biggest-ever review of the scientific evidence, and then distilled thousands of studies worth of research on the subject of diet, weight, physical activity and cancer into 10 recommendations that people can incorporate into their daily lives," said Dr. Higginbotham.
Locally, a series of recent upgrades and modernization efforts featuring the latest in cutting-edge medical technology have allowed David Grant USAF Medical Center to offer a trifecta of services in the ongoing war against cancer.
The goal of DGMC's joint Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Radiation Oncology Center is to deliver the most effective and compassionate cancer care using state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques and equipment.
"As a result of our recently completed multi-million dollar renovation, our department now has two state-of-the-art radiation therapy machines capable of delivering radiation with pinpoint accuracy," said Maj. (Dr.) Borislav Hristov, 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron staff radiation oncologist and DGMC cancer committee chairman. "We offer intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and rapid arc therapy, which deliver high doses of radiation to tumors without harming surrounding tissues."
Dr. Hristov pointed out that DGMC recently treated its first patient with stereotactic body radiation for early-stage lung cancer. "This unique irradiation method allows us to deliver a few high doses of radiation with extreme precision, significantly decreasing the overall length of treatment for our patients," he said.
"Additionally, we have opened two nationwide clinical trials over the last year, which ensures continued patient access to the latest and most innovative treatment strategies available. Currently, we treat between 30 to 45 patients daily in our department and are excited to continue building on our recent success through an uncompromising focus on safety, innovation and effectiveness."
Across the hallway from the Joint Radiation Oncology Center is a newly remodeled and expanded Hematology Oncology infusion center.
"In October 2010, we opened our state-of-the-art infusion center and increased our patient infusion capacity from seven to 14 chairs," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jonathon Lopez, Chief of Hematology Oncology and 60th Medical Operations Squadron deputy flight commander of the Medical Services Flight. "Our original infusion center was 450 square feet; we have now expanded to more than 1,500 square feet."
According to Dr. Lopez, the new center provides patients with individual televisions, rooms for family members and access to blankets and snacks during cancer treatment. The renovations also includes an adjoining chemotherapy pharmacy that will provide timely infusion services.
"DGMC's Hematology and Oncology infusion center provides cutting-edge treatments not only to cancer patientss but we support infusion of the latest biologic therapies needed in Rheumatology, Dermatology and Neurology," Dr. Lopez explained. "We also offer non-chemotherapy treatments for osteoporosis. Even now our center is expanding as we're in the process of formalizing a joint DoD/VA venture that will expand our quality care to VA patients."
Cancer prevention and treatment at DGMC also includes early screening and checkups, for women. The women's imaging center and the new Inpatient Pharmacy and Customer Service Centers scheduled to open next month, have unveiled their latest equipment that makes cancer screening in women easier.
"With the acquisition of two new hologic selenia digital mammography units, we're thrilled to offer state-of-the-art digital mammography with computed aided detection for patients," stated Dr. Diane Lovell, 60th MDOS chief of breast imaging. "Digital mammography allows for faster screening mammography appointment times and has shown to be significantly better than film mammography in screening women under age 50 and women of any age who have very dense breasts."
According to Dr. Lovell, breast MRIs are now available at DGMC for high-risk patients. "Despite the recent controversial screening recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, we continue to recommend annual mammography screenings starting at age 40," said Dr. Lovell.
A fully accredited facility by the American College of Radiology, the Women's Imaging Center coordinates and participates in a weekly multidisciplinary breast conference and works closely with patients and physicians involved in the breast care pathway.
"By harnessing the energy of cancer-related organizations across the globe, World Cancer Day can play an important role in the effort against the disease," stated Kelly Browning, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Institute for Cancer Research. "Research we have done has shown that not enough people are aware that what they eat and how active they are affect their cancer risk. We hope that World Cancer Day plays an important part in addressing this."
For more information, visit http://www.worldcancerday.org/ or contact the Joint Radiation Oncology Center at DGMC at 423-7691, Hematology and Oncology infusion center at 423-5129 or the Women's Imaging Center at 423-7275.