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Battle Creek

BRONSON BATTLE CREEKCANCER CARE CENTER

2019ANNUAL REPORT

with a special focus onCANCERS OF THEHEAD AND NECK

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

BRONSON BATTLE CREEKCANCER CARE CENTER

SPECIAL FOCUS ONCANCERS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

A Word from the COO

2

Head and Neck Cancer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Symptoms and Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Treating Head and Neck Cancerswith Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Advancing Radiotherapy Technology . . . . . . . . . 5 Nationally Recognized Care Close to Home . . . . 5

Treating Head and Neck Cancerswith Chemotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 HPV & Head and Neck Cancer Trends . . . . . . . . . 6 The HPV Vaccine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Medical Management ofHead and Neck Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Immunotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Targeted Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Precision Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Clinical Trials and Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Access to National Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Supportive Care and Survivorship . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Quality Rapid Reporting System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Cancer Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Monitoring Compliance and Continuous Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Measuring and Improving Quality . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Screening and Prevention Programs . . . . . . . . . 12 Accreditations and Endorsements . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Comparison of Head and NeckCancer Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

About the Cancer Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Dear Friends,

I am proud to introduce Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care

Center’s Annual Cancer Report for 2019 . With a special

focus on head and neck cancers, this report highlights our

comprehensive approach to head and neck health, as well as

our patients and the Battle Creek community . From testing

and diagnostics, to treatment and survivorship planning,

our team works together to provide exceptional healthcare

experiences for every person, every time .

In this report, you’ll also find local and national cancer data so

you can see how well our performance compares to others .

Since 1995, the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center

has been recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the

American College of Surgeons . With an exemplary staff,

leading technology and robust research, we have the highest

level of confidence in the programs and clinical outcomes we

deliver . Additionally, Bronson Battle Creek is recognized on a

national level for patient safety, earning an ‘A’ Hospital Safety

Grade from the Leapfrog Group in Fall 2019 .

I hope you find our 2019 annual report informative . If

you have any questions about the Bronson Battle Creek

Cancer Care Center and our capabilities, please contact us

at (269) 245-8056 (radiation oncology) or (269) 245-8660

(medical oncology) .

Sincerely,

Jim McKernan

Chief Operating Officer

Bronson Battle Creek

Head and neck cancers occur in the mouth, lips, salivary glands, throat, voice box (larynx), nasal cavity and sinuses . As a group, head and neck cancers are the sixth leading type of cancer worldwide . Nearly two-thirds of head and neck cancer cases occur in developed nations like the United States, where they account for about four percent of all cancers . Men are twice as likely to develop head and neck cancer compared to women .

By far, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of head and neck tumor, accounting for more than 90 percent of cases . Squamous cells make up the surface of the skin as well as mucous membranes, which are the moist tissues that protect body cavities such as the nasal passages, middle ear and intestines . As with all cancers, early diagnosis and treatment improve survival and cure rates .

Symptoms and Diagnosis

To the patient, head and neck tumors may appear to be dental problems, canker sores or another seemingly familiar face, throat or neck condition . Individuals often find cure for these common symptoms quickly and easily with over the counter medications or a visit to their dentist or primary care physician . However, sometimes the symptoms can point to cancer . This is why if they persist, further examination is crucial . Some common symptoms that can indicate head and neck cancer include:

• Lumps on the neck, which may or may not be painful

• Sore or raspy voice, with no other signs of flu or cold

• Painful swallowing

• Growth at the back of the throat that may bleed

• Mass in the mouth that appears to be an abscessed tooth

• Blocked nasal passages

• Frequent nosebleeds

A biopsy can most often diagnose head and neck cancer . Depending on where the tumor is located, this may mean extracting a cell or tissue sample . A pathologist will then examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present and, if so, how advanced .

Causes

Overall, the most common cause for head and neck cancers is smoking, with 85 percent of cases linked to tobacco use, including chewing tobacco . Tobacco is chiefly responsible for tumors of the oral cavity . By itself, alcohol is not a risk factor, but it magnifies the potential of cancer for someone who uses tobacco products .

The second most common cause of head and neck cancer is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) . This common sexually transmitted virus accounts for an estimated 70 percent of cancers in the tonsils, soft palate and base of the tongue .

Because HPV-associated cancers are on the rise, we now test for the presence of HPV when conducting a biopsy, looking in particular for a strain known as HPV-P-16 . HPV research is in its infancy, and much more study will be required until we fully understand its role in cancer and how best to treat it . We have seen that patients with HPV-P-16, however, have a significantly improved prognosis and response to treatment than patients with tobacco-caused cancers .

Head and Neck Cancer OverviewBy Randy Mudge, MD, Physician in Chief of Oncology,Bronson Oncology & Hematology Specialists

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BRONSON BATTLE CREEK CANCER CARE CENTER 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Squamous cell

carcinoma is the most

common type of

head and neck tumor,

accounting for more

than 90 percent

of cases.

Oral cavity

Nasal cavity

Tongue

Salivary glands

Nasopharynx

Oropharynx

Hypopharynx

Paranasal sinuses

Larnyx

4


Cancers of the head and neck require closely coordinated, multidisciplinary care and a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient . Although the vast majority are squamous cell cancers, they vary significantly by the location, stage of cancer at diagnosis, and the patient’s other health factors .

A typical first-line of treatment for early-stage head and neck cancer is often surgery, radiation or a combination of the two . The best course

of treatment depends on the location of the tumor . For example, oral cancers of the tongue are typically treated surgically, which produces better outcomes, as they are less responsive to treatment with radiation . Alternatively, tumors of the larynx or voice box are often treated with radiation, as they respond well, and because with radiation we can preserve the organ . Though the cure rate for cancer of the larynx with radiotherapy versus surgery is the same, a surgical approach requires removing the voice box and performing a tracheostomy . A tracheostomy moves the windpipe to a hole in the neck for breathing, and normal speech is no longer possible .

Radiation may also be recommended as a follow-up to surgery when it is not possible to remove all the cancer, and for patients with additional risk factors . The reverse may also be true . Some patients treated with radiation show only a partial response . If residual disease remains, surgery may be recommended following radiation therapy .

More advanced cases may require chemotherapy in addition to radiation, surgery or both . For example, this may be necessary for cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body .

Because head and neck cancers are so complex, the Bronson Battle Creek (BBC) Cancer Care Center uses a multidisciplinary approach . We bring together many experts from across the Bronson system to develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient . Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and other specialists work together and all weigh in on the best approach to care .

Treating Head and Neck Cancerswith RadiationBy Randy Mudge, MD, Physician in Chief of Oncology,Bronson Oncology & Hematology Specialists

A typical first-line of

treatment for early-stage

head and neck cancer is

often surgery, radiation,

or a combination

of the two.

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As an example, due to the side effects of treatment and the cancer’s impact on the body, a patient may have problems swallowing, particularly with food or liquid intake . Our team may include an occupational therapist or a nutritionist in the treatment planning . Primary care physicians are also essential to the patient’s care team . Problems with eating and drinking can lead to significant weight loss, for example . For patients on medications for other health conditions, those dosages may need to be adjusted throughout treatment . Primary care doctors also play a lead role in helping patients with health management as a cancer survivor, after the active treatment period ends .

Advanced Radiotherapy Technology

For all types of cancer, a primary goal of radiation treatment is to eliminate the tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue . This is an especially complex process for cancers of the head and neck . At the BBC Cancer Care Center, we offer the latest in state-of-the-art imaging to assist in radiation delivery . This includes the purchase of a new, advanced linear accelerator in 2019 . Historically, radiation delivery was limited to straight lines and right angles . But, the latest versions enable curved delivery, which is especially beneficial when treating many parts of the body . When indicated, it also allows for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) . This allows for very focused radiation while maximally sparing healthy tissue .

At the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center, we have state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced treatment options to help our patients get back to living the life they love . We are accredited by several national oncology organizations . The American Society for Radiation Oncology has recognized us under their Accreditation for Excellence program . We’ve also received the highest commendation achievable from the Commission on Cancer . Our peers in the field of oncology monitor these accreditations and ensure we meet the highest standard of care . Often this level of excellence is found only in large university settings . We are proud to be able to offer a higher level of cancer care to our patients right here in southwest Michigan .

Nationally Recognized Care Close to Home

Chemotherapy works by attacking the rapidly dividing, mutated cells that form tumors . It is typically used as a second-line treatment for early-stage — and some locally advanced — squamous cell head and neck cancers . As a first-line treatment, it may also improve outcomes when combined with highly targeted radiation .

The best treatment recommendations, however, depend upon many factors, including tumor origin, stage of development, whether the

cancer has spread, and other health factors of the individual patient . In many cases, chemotherapy may be recommended as an additional line of treatment . It may be given with or after surgery or radiation to improve cure rates and functional outcomes . In very advanced cases, when the intent is palliative rather than curative, chemotherapy may be given to reduce pain, discomfort or other cancer symptoms .

For more than five decades, the drug Cisplatin has been the standard of care in chemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancers . Cisplatin is well-tolerated when combined with radiation . Research continues to explore nuanced differences in the amount of Cisplatin given and in the frequency of dosing to determine the optimal ratio for both fighting the disease and minimizing side effects . For cancers that are positive for a strain of human papillomavirus, known as HPV-P-16, outcomes have been so positive that researchers are exploring the possibility of reducing treatment .

HPV & Head and Neck Cancer Trends

As we’ve learned, most squamous cell cancers of the head and neck occur as a result of smoking or from the presence of HPV . Tobacco-related cancers most often develop at the base of the throat in the pharynx, or the front in the larynx or voice box . The incidence of tobacco-related head and neck cancers are on the decline . Most HPV-related head and neck squamous cell cancers develop in the oropharynx — the top of the back of the throat . These types of cancers are rising at an alarming rate . The reasoning for the rise of HPV-related tumors is debated among the scientific community . It is likely due to greater exposure to the HPV virus, which is extremely common . One school of thought suggests that changing sexual practices is driving this change . The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that all sexually active men and women contract the virus at some point in their lives . The virus itself, however, shows no symptoms and in most cases will not lead to cancer . An HPV vaccine offers real hope that HPV-related tumors can be eliminated over time .

The HPV Vaccine

First approved by the FDA in 2011, the CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for boys and girls between the ages of 11 or 12, as well as men and women through age 26 . The vaccine provides safe, effective and long-lasting protection against HPV-related cancers . The CDC estimates that nearly 14 million Americans, including teens, are infected with HPV each year, and that nearly every sexually active person will get HPV in their lifetime unless vaccinated against it .

Treating Head and Neck Cancerswith ChemotherapyBy Timothy Cox, MD, Medical Oncologist, Bronson Oncology & Hematology Specialists


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In many cases,

chemotherapy may

be recommended as

an additional line

of treatment.

Over the years, researchers have learned a lot about the genetics behind how diseases start and how they behave . Exciting new research in the cancer field is around precision

medicine . Unlike traditional chemotherapy, precision medicine is targeted and allows for more individualized treatment . Research in this area is not new, but recent findings and ongoing research could potentially change the role drugs play in cancer treatment . In particular, we’ve seen promising results for the treatment of head and neck cancers .

Immunotherapy

A healthy body should naturally fight infection and disease . When it doesn’t effectively keep cancer at bay, immunotherapy drugs empower the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the disease . They boost the body’s natural defenses .

Here is how it works: The body fights disease by producing T-cells to attack and kill infected or cancerous cells . For some patients, however, the presence of a protein known as PD-1 or PD-L1 acts as a brake on the immune system and keeps it from activating T-cells . Drugs that block these proteins are called checkpoint inhibitors . These drugs release the brake, which boosts the body’s natural defenses . The use of PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have shown objective responses in around 15-20 percent of patients with head and neck cancer, and may continue to be long lasting .

Medical Management ofHead and Neck CancersBy Niyati Bhagwati, MD, Medical Oncologist, Bronson Oncology & Hematology Specialists

7


Using the genetic

changes in a patient’s

tumor to determine the

best treatment is known

as precision medicine.

In 2016, the FDA approved two checkpoint inhibitors, Nivolumab (trade name Opdivo®) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), for squamous cell head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard chemotherapy . In 2019, the FDA approved immunotherapy either in combination with chemotherapy or as a single agent, first line of treatment for advanced head and neck cancers .

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies allow doctors to tailor treatments to the specific genetic differences found in an individual tumor . For some locally or regionally advanced head and neck cancers, for example, medications can adhere or bind to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) . These receptors are found on the surface of cells and signal the body to grow and reproduce . When cancerous cells are present, they are also signaled to reproduce .

Signal transduction inhibitor drugs, like the brand Erbitux®, target the EGFR and keep cancerous cells from multiplying . Erbitux® is typically used in combination with chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancers .

Precision Medicine

Using the genetic changes in a patient’s tumor to determine the best treatment is known as precision medicine (also known as personalized medicine) . Based on each individual patient’s unique genetic makeup, precision medicine allows oncologists to select treatments that are most likely to help that patient . At the same time, they can rule out drug therapies that may not work . In some cases, these patients may be able to join a cutting-edge clinical trial of targeted therapies . Precision medicine is not new, but recent advances in science and technology have helped speed the pace of this area of research .

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Many patients say they find

participating in clinical trials

empowering because it

gives them the opportunity

to play an active role in

their healthcare.

The Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center is part of the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan (CRCWM) . This group of healthcare organizations provides patients with access to more than 100 of the latest national trials right here in Battle Creek . Funded by the National Cancer Institute, this research explores a variety of cancers, as well as patient support, prevention medications and best practices . In addition to participation in national research, local trials are also available through our association with the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M .D . School of Medicine . And, we are active with the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC) . This group includes more than 40 oncology practices throughout the state that collect and share data to drive quality and improve patient outcomes .

Access to National Studies

Through clinical trials, we strive to develop better ways to detect, treat and eventually prevent cancer .

When a patient receives a diagnosis, my job is to explore available studies that may be appropriate, and to share that information with the patient’s oncologist . The oncologist will consider many factors before recommending a trial . Factors can include the individual patient, the diagnosis and other health conditions .

When most people think of clinical trials, they often think of drug-based trials . Clinical trials also help us advance cancer care in many other ways . Through research, for example, we know that a stressed patient will not heal as well or as quickly as someone free from worry . Building on this, we continue to refine how medical and non-medical patient care can help enhance the healing process .

Many clinical trials offered at the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center are part of large research projects . Other smaller studies advance best practices within the cancer care center as we continuously seek ways to deliver the right care at the right time . Our support services include social work, nutrition assistance, financial navigation and spiritual guidance, among others . Our trials might test whether we offer those services to patients sooner in their visits, rather than later, as one example .

Clinical trials have many benefits to science and to the individual . For science, they almost always advance the body of knowledge researchers acquire from many studies over time . For the participating patient, they receive access to promising new treatments that may not otherwise be available .

Many patients say they find participating in clinical trials empowering because it gives them the opportunity to play an active role in their healthcare . Although this may require additional visits and tests, patients also receive attention from a research team comprised of doctors, nurses and other care providers, in addition to their oncology team .

Clinical Trials and ResearchBy Megan Reilly, MSN, RN, OCN, Oncology Research Coordinator, Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center

From the day cancer is diagnosed, a patient’s life changes . This is the day their fight begins, and when they are first considered a survivor . This is also the day that the Bronson Battle Creek (BBC) Cancer Care Center starts to assemble a team of professionals who will support the patient through treatment and beyond .

In addition to medical experts tasked with helping heal the body, patients are supported by our comprehensive care team, comprised

of support staff who understand the emotional, financial and spiritual toll cancer takes on a person . Our vision is to provide exceptional care to every person, every time . For this reason, we see patients with 29 different cancer diagnoses . This is far beyond what many hospitals — even many larger centers — offer .

As the survivorship coordinator at the BBC Cancer Care Center, part of my role is to walk beside patients on their cancer journey and help them plan for life after treatment . I coordinate a safety net of medical and other caregivers . Nearly every one of our patients with a curative treatment plan can participate in our survivorship program — and 99 percent of them do . This far exceeds the 50 percent required for accreditation by the Commission on Cancer . Patients with advanced-stage cancers whose treatment is not curative can receive palliative support .

I meet with patients at least three times during and after their treatment . A part of my role is to repeat, explain or clarify information and to get answers to their questions . Prior to meeting with them, patients have already spoken with their medical team, which may include surgeons, medical and/or radiation oncologists, as well as other direct care providers . Sometimes, they are considering the option to participate in clinical trials or receive holistic services such as acupuncture and dietary support .

Another part of my role is to make sure each patient receives the additional services needed to ensure the best possible outcomes . This can include transportation to and from appointments, speaking with a chaplain or receiving other spiritual guidance, and more . However, my role goes beyond coordinating care during their treatment . A significant part of my job is to help patients transition from the services at the cancer care center back to their primary care physician, and to prepare them for life as a cancer survivor .

The time between the end of treatment and follow-up is stressful for most patients . After a period of go, go, go, they are faced with a period of inactivity, which may leave them feeling alone . One of the tools we use in our survivor support process is a Survivorship Care Plan . This comprehensive report summarizes the treatment they’ve received and outlines an after-treatment plan . It also provides essential information for their primary care provider .

Our team remains available to each survivor whenever they have questions . Someone is always here to help .

Monthly Survivors’ Support Group

Wherever cancer survivors are on their survivorship journey — whether in active treatment or many years past — the BBC Cancer Care Center Cancer is here to support them . Each month, we host a survivors’ support group meeting that is free and open to patients with all types of cancer, along well as their supportive loved ones .

9


Patients are supported

by our comprehensive

care team, comprised

of support staff

who understand the

emotional, financial and

spiritual toll cancer takes

on a person.

Supportive Care and SurvivorshipBy Leisa Butts, RN, Suvivorship Coordinator, Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center


10

Rapid reporting means we

receive alerts in real clinical

time when a treatment

for a given patient doesn’t

match the established

national guideline.

Among the many resources we use to promote excellence within the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center is the Rapid Quality Reporting System (RQRS), a quality

tool from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) . This database helps Commission on Cancer-accredited cancer programs like the BBC Cancer Care Center establish and maintain evidence-based care at the local level . It helps assess a facility’s compliance with certain nationally established quality measures for breast and colorectal cancer . It also helps ensure that patients get the right care at the right time .

As a participating center, we input data into the system along with other cancer centers from around the country . The database monitors six quality performance measures established by the Commission on Cancer . Five of these are endorsed by the National Quality Forum, which is a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the value, safety and outcomes of healthcare . Four of the six are considered the standard of care based on clinical trials, which means they are evidenced-based . Two are indicators of good clinical care .

Rapid reporting means we receive alerts in real clinical time when a treatment for a given patient doesn’t match the established national guideline . These alerts provide a warning system that helps improve the time between diagnosis and initial treatment, and ultimately a patient’s overall care . Over time, RQRS will enable cancer centers like ours to evaluate and improve the care we provide in a systematic and evidence-based way .

The Cancer Registry

The BBC Cancer Care Center maintains a registry of more than 22,000 patients who we have diagnosed with cancer . The cancer registry contains a profile of each diagnosis for tracking, evaluation and comparison .

Without divulging individual patient identities, the registry documents:

• Patient demographics

• Social and family history

• Tobacco usage

• Primary cancer site

• Histologic tumor type and grade

• Cancer stage at diagnosis

• Cancer site-specific prognostic indicators

• First course of treatment information

• Subsequent treatment for recurrent disease/progression

• Clinical trials participation

• Multidisciplinary treatment planning conference information

• Annual follow-up information including vital status and disease status

This registry serves as a valuable tool for the continuous improvement of patient care . With this information, we can evaluate the effectiveness of treatments by assessing outcomes and ensuring our compliance with both evidence-based treatment guidelines and national quality of care standards . We also use this data to measure cancer prevalence and trends within our community . In this way, we can provide cancer education, prevention and early screening activities here in Battle Creek .

This data also helps to inform hospital administrators as they plan and customize clinical and support services . Additionally, we submit our cancer registry data to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a collaboration of the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), the CoC’s

Quality Rapid Reporting SystemBy Heather West, MSN, RN, Oncology Patient Safety and Quality Coordinator,Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center

11


Each year, we conduct

studies to determine if

we are evaluating and

treating our patients

according to evidence-

based national treatment

guidelines, and to

measure the quality of

care provided to current

patients.

Rapid Quality Reporting System (RQRS) and the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program (MCSP) . The MCSP contributes aggregated state cancer data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also uses the information to advance cancer treatment and prevention .

Monitoring Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Each year, we conduct studies to determine if we are evaluating and treating our patients according to evidence-based national treatment guidelines . The BBC Cancer Care Center uses the standards established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) . Our research is evidence-based and follows strict scientific protocols . Below are two examples of our findings .

Study 1

Led by Zeeshan Tariq, MD, we reviewed the records of all stage III colon cancer patients who received treatment at the BBC Cancer Care Center in 2018 . The goal was to determine if their treatment met the nationally recognized guidelines . The results of this study showed that all patients received the appropriate treatment for their stage III colon cancer .

Study 2

We reviewed the records of patients diagnosed with stage III and IV head and neck cancer who received treatment at the BBC Cancer Care Center in 2018 . The goal was to determine if their care met national guidelines . Led by Dr . Randy Mudge, our findings showed that each patient received the appropriate treatment .

Measuring and Improving Quality

Each year, the BBC Cancer Center is required to conduct studies of quality . These studies measure the quality of care provided to current patients and identifies opportunities for improvement . Below are two examples .

Study 1

We evaluated our compliance in documenting the performance status of stage IV patients prior to palliative chemotherapy . We learned that we had room to improve our process . Based on findings, we made changes to ensure information is electronically logged and available to the physician through electronic medical records .

Study 2

We assessed the number of BBC Cancer Care Center patients who were visiting the emergency department (ED) during hours when the cancer care center was open . Results showed that numbers were higher than anticipated . Our team developed a process improvement plan to reduce these visits . We reviewed patient records from the six months prior to our study and found that a chart review did not tell the entire story . Our next step was to develop a process to call patients on the first business day after their appointment and learn from those conversations . Changes were made that resulted in a decrease of preventable visits to the ED .

In addition to informational sessions, the BBC Cancer Care Center hosted its 11th Annual Spring Fling in 2019 . Partners like the Calhoun County Cancer Control Coalition and American Cancer Society helped make the event a success . Each year, this event raises awareness and funding to support the cancer care center’s shared efforts in the fight against cancer .

Spring Fling


12

We regularly provide

evidenced-based

prevention and screening

programs to the public.

Screening and Prevention Programs

The Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center regularly provides evidenced-based prevention and screening programs to the public . Among the events held during 2019 were:

• A Bronson registered dietitian presented “Is There Really a Diet for Cancer Prevention?” According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, evidence shows carrying too much body fat increases the risk for 12 different cancers .

On March 26, 78 participants joined Carol Selden, RD, for a free presentation on eating healthy for cancer prevention . Selden reviewed current nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for reducing cancer risk . She also discussed common misconceptions about food and information on what is known to promote cancer . Selden also gave an overview of the Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet as two examples of health-promoting eating styles .

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits, which screen for colon cancer, were distributed at the Calhoun County Fair and the local Get Your Colon Rollin’ race . 55 percent of distributed kits were returned . 18 percent were positive for occult blood and sent on for further workup .

• In September 2019, the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center, along with Bronson Urology Specialists, provided free prostate cancer screenings to 25 community members . Follow up on all abnormal exams occurred .

• Dr . Niyati Bhagwati hosted a breast cancer presentation . She discussed treatment advances and the importance of self-exams .

• Tanya VanderBor hosted an event about preventing and treating lymph edema .

• Dr . Zeeshan Tariq hosted a presentation on hormone blockers .

• Dr . Timothy Cox hosted a presentation on the use of supplements during cancer treatment .

Pictured left to right: Dr. Randy Mudge, Bronson Physician in Chief of Oncology; Susan ;Frank Sardone, Bronson Healthcare President and CEO; Kim Stewart; Dr. Daniel Stewart, Bronson Battle Creek Vice President of Medical Affairs; and Jim McKernan, Bronson Battle Creek Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

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Accreditations and Endorsements

Accreditation ensures hospitals are meeting the highest quality, safety and care standards . It encourages continuous improvement across a wide range of areas, including:

• Patient care

• Research and technology advances

• Building and facility design

• Communications with patients and teammates

In short, the standards these institutions set help our team at the BBC Cancer Care Center provide cutting-edge care at every level .

The ASTRO APEx

At the BBC Cancer Care Center, our radiation oncology services are nationally recognized . We hold a four-year APEx accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology . This is the largest radiation oncology society in the world . APEx endorsement focuses on five pillars of patient care, including:

• Process of care

• Radiation oncology team

• Safety

• Quality management

• Patient-centered care

At the time of accreditation, Bronson Battle Creek was one of only 24 such centers in the nation, including M .D . Anderson and Johns Hopkins, to be accredited . We remain one of just three APEx-accredited cancer centers in the state of Michigan .

CoC Accreditation

The BBC Cancer Care Center was granted a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Cancer . We received six out of six commendations, as well . This is the highest commendation achievable . The hospital has been accredited by the CoC since 1995 and has since received several outstanding achievement awards .

NAPBC Accreditation

For the second term in a row, our cancer care team was recognized for the high level of care provided to breast cancer patients . The American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) approved a three-year accreditation citing the use of the latest technology and scientific evidence in treating patients . The College of Surgeons also recognized the BBC Creek Cancer Care Center for quality and patient outcomes .

Age of Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosed2012–2016

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+


14

The following graphs compare data from the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Center with data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) . Given our sample size, our statics compare favorably with what other cancer centers are reporting .

Comparison of Head and Neck Cancer Statistics

Ethnicity of Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosed2012–2016

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 White Black Hispanic Asian Other

Perc

ent

of C

ases

Perc

ent

of C

ases

Bronson Battle Creek

National Average

15


Distance Traveled2011–2016

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 <5 Miles 5-9 Miles 10-24 Miles 25-49 Miles 50-99 Miles >100 Miles Unknown

Perc

ent

of C

ases

Stage of Head & Neck Cancer at Diagnosis2012–2016

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 0 I II III IV Unknown

Perc

ent

of C

ases

Gender of Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosed2012–2016

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 Male Female

Perc

ent

of C

ases

Battle Creekbronsonhealth.com/cancer

Conveniently located within Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, the Bronson Battle Creek (BBC) Cancer Care Center specializes in a broad range of cancer services, including diagnostics, genetics assessment, hematology, medical oncology and chemotherapy, pathology, radiation oncology and technology, and surgical oncology .

Our team of oncologists works closely with a comprehensive team of specialists, primary care providers, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare experts to create a customized care plan for each patient . We hold accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and are one of only 25 hospitals in the country to be awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award three times in a row . The Joint Commission also recognizes us with the Gold Seal of Approval, meaning we meet national standards for quality of care . Additionally, the BBC Cancer Care Center is a member of the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan . This group of healthcare organizations gives patients access to national clinical studies while remaining in their communities .

About the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center

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