2014 Annual Report

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Putting Patients First

July 25, 2014, the dream of Yuma Regional Cancer Center became a reality. On this day, not only did we open the doors to a state-of-the-art Cancer Center Facility, but we marked

the beginning of comprehensive cancer care for our community members, the kind of cancer care our patients deserve.

Yuma Regional Cancer Center believes in care beyond medicine. When it comes to cancer treatment, we all want and deserve the very best “medicine,” but how is that defined? Medical care extends beyond cutting-edge cancer treatments and technology. It includes a nurse navigator to help coordinate care, access to the latest clinical trials and a compassionate staff to help you and your family through

every step of the way. This is coupled with the best medical and radiation oncologists, a complete infusion center and a collaborative partnership with the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

The new Yuma Regional Cancer Center belongs to you, our community. It was built on your vision and it is a place where Yuma residents can receive quality cancer care close to home. The journey began with a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2013, where we welcomed 80 local cancer survivors to march together in celebration of their journey. While our building is complete, the journey does not end; rather it continues as we fight cancer together every step of the way.

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The road to the best treatment truly was at home for long time Yuma resident and business woman Elizabeth Carpenter. In August 2012, Elizabeth felt a lump in her breast during her monthly self-checks. Thankfully as an advocate of prevention, Elizabeth already had her annual executive health screening booked and knew it was something she needed to point out during her exam. Due to her being proactive and her primary care physician’s attentiveness she was able to speed up the diagnoses process and her breast cancer was confirmed within 48 hours.

Having had her prior care at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Elizabeth knew it would be too much to have to travel constantly or stay in Phoenix for chemotherapy treatments. She called Jill Labossiere, a nurse navigator at Yuma Regional Cancer Center, and asked if there was any way to do the chemotherapy treatment locally.

Because Yuma Regional Medical Center is part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, patients like Elizabeth, are able to receive the care they need without having to travel.

Elizabeth followed up that conversation with her medical oncologist at Mayo Clinic to coordinate her care in Yuma.

Elizabeth had chemotherapy treatments for four months at Yuma Regional Cancer Center and is now in remission. “The entire staff – from the physicians to the nurses to the front desk people – was wonderful,” Elizabeth stated. “The second chemotherapy treatment

was my most difficult one. When I had issues I would call and they would respond right away. One Saturday afternoon I even called Jill because I couldn’t keep anything down. I know her personally, but also know that is the way they treat everyone at the Cancer Center.”

Officially in remission since April 2013, Elizabeth continues her follow up at Yuma Regional Cancer Center every six months.

“For a town this size to be able to participate in (clinical) trials is amazing. Yuma being on the cutting-edge of treatments without having to go out of town is wonderful. It is great to see how they can also help coordinate treatment for winter visitors to happen here and at home. It is a prime example of physicians working together for the welfare of patients.”

Elizabeth Carpenter

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

-Leo Buscaglia

A Patient’s Story

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Clinical Trials/Research The Yuma Regional Medical Center Clinical Research program was established in 2013 to offering Yuma-area patients advanced cancer treatment options through clinical trials. Clinical trials are medical research studies where patients test new treatment options that find better ways to diagnose, prevent and treat a variety of medical conditions. Molecular sequencing and genomic therapy are now part of the landscape for cancer research and treatment.

Expanded Physician Team Yuma Regional Cancer Center patients are cared for by a highly-skilled, compassionate team of cancer experts. Experienced in the most up-to-date procedures and technologies, the physicians work closely with one another to develop comprehensive treatment strategies. They are devoted to all phases of the process, including diagnosis, therapy, recovery and long-term wellness.

Medical Oncology A medical oncologist is typically among the first physicians a patient will see after they have been diagnosed with cancer. They determine the plan of care, including prescribing chemotherapy.

Radiation Oncology A radiation oncologist collaborates with the medical oncologist. They use radiation to target and pinpoint a specific point on the tumor, targeting the cancer cells. Yuma Regional Cancer Center houses a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for radiation treatments.

YOUR DREAM | YOUR CANCER CENTER

The journey to provide comprehensive cancer care began with a vision and

belief that local cancer patients deserve to receive compassionate care close

to home. This is backed by state-of-the-art technology, support and clinical

research. While treatment options were available and visionary oncologists

called Yuma home, cancer care was fragmented and patients were leaving the

community.

Through the vision of Dr. Peter Sullivan and Dr. Gregory Yang, the new cancer

program began to take shape. The “Dream Big” initiative launched in 2012,

asking the Yuma community to submit their ideas and dreams for local cancer

care. This guided the vision along with the newly-installed Community Cancer

Board – comprised of local physicians and community members – each whose

life has been touched by cancer.

The new Yuma Regional Cancer Center facility ushers in a new era of cancer

care in Yuma. For the first time, many comprehensive cancer services will be

concentrated in one location, creating a more convenient and less stressful

environment for patients and families.

Comprehensive Cancer Care

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“Believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Believe you might be the light for someone else.”– Kobi Yamada

Open, Semi-Private and Private Infusion Rooms The new Cancer Center facility has semi-private and private infusion rooms as well as an open infusion room where patients and families can sit in a peaceful environment with scenes overlooking Yuma and Yuma Regional Medical Center, offering them serenity in their difficult time.

Oncology PharmacyYuma Regional Cancer Center features a pharmacy with the ability to compound chemotherapy, fluids and support drugs for patients in the adjacent infusion center. The pharmacy is operated by licensed pharmacists and pharmacy techs who work directly with the physicians and nurses at the Cancer Center.

LaboratoryThe Center provides laboratory services on-site, adjacent to the infusion center with blood drawing stations on level one and level two. Blood counts and basic tests are performed on-site and a pneumatic tube system sends more complex testing to the YRMC, main campus laboratory in a matter of minutes. 

Massage TherapyA separate room is designated for patients to receive massage therapy. Massage therapists are trained by Arizona Western College and have experience with cancer patients. There are benefits before and after treatment for the appropriate individualized massage.

American Cancer Society Resource Center The American Cancer Society Resource Center is staffed by volunteers who can provide information on various cancers and treatments. They are also available to assist patients with transportation to medical appointments, lodging when treatment is scheduled away from home, hats, wigs, prostheses, liquid nutrition and other needs.

Nurse Navigators Yuma Regional Cancer Center currently has three nurse navigators to assist patients and their families with questions. The nurse navigator support and guides a patient through their cancer journey and survivorship. Yuma Regional Cancer Center’s nurse navigators can provide family education and advocacy, referrals to other community resources, assistance with insurance questions and a partnership with oncologists to help patients better understand their care, treatments and choices.

Palliative CareYuma Regional Cancer Center has a palliative care specialist on staff to ensure the comfort of our patients through pain management prior to seeing an oncologist and throughout their continuum of care.

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With the expansion of the Cancer Center program, high- risk genetic assessment was introduced–a way to determine the probability that an individual possesses the BRCA gene, also known as the cancer gene. Dr. Brenda Carroll, medical oncologist, had been researching the certification process for years and completed a course on high-risk genetic assessment through the City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer. Now, Yuma Regional Cancer Center offers genetic assessment for breast, ovarian and colon screenings with the hope to add additional screenings in the future.

“Having a clinic in Yuma makes the decision to

be tested so much easier. This brings so much

knowledge and power to the people of Yuma who

may have a breast or ovarian cancer risk.”

Farrah Gebhart, Yuma Resident

“It is my hope that in the future we can encompass additional types of testing and that high risk genetic testing is fully-integrated into the Cancer Center program. Usually, this type of testing is only offered in larger cities and I wanted to bring this type of care to Yuma. I think everyone should have access to this testing if they desire it.” Says Brenda Carroll, M.D., Medical Oncologist at Yuma Regional Cancer Center.

High-Risk Genetic Assessment

Yuma resident Farrah Gebhart (right) pictured with mother Lora Dana and daughter Campbell. Farrah underwent high risk genetic testing in Tucson in January 2011 after her mother completed treatment for stage four ovarian cancer.

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The Mayo Clinic Care Network’s collaboration with Yuma Regional Cancer Center extends Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise to physicians and providers interested in collaborating in the best interest of their patients. Yuma Regional Cancer Center physicians are now able to connect with Mayo Clinic specialists on questions of patient care using an electronic consulting technique called eConsults. YRMC physicians also have access to Mayo-vetted medical information through the AskMayoExpert database. These tools and healthcare consulting help Yuma Regional Medical Center provide the best care for its patients as well as improve its systems and the health of our community.

Yuma Regional Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Care Network members share a common philosophy, commitment and mission to improve the delivery of healthcare. The network recognizes that people prefer to receive their care close to home. The main goal of the network is to help people gain the benefits of Mayo Clinic expertise without having to travel to a Mayo Clinic facility. The Mayo Clinic Care Network represents non-ownership relationships. Members are like-minded organizations that share a goal of improving the delivery of healthcare in their communities through high-quality, collaborative medical care.

Southwest PET/CTIn July 2014, Yuma Regional Cancer Center

announced the purchase of Southwest PET/

CT, a longtime Yuma establishment owned

by David Cohen. A PET/CT machine is an

important part of cancer care as it not only

detects cancerous cells, but monitors them

to ensure cancerous cells are being targeted

and diminished. PET is considered particularly

effective in identifying whether cancer is

present or not, if it has spread, if it is responding

to treatment and if a person is cancer free after

treatment. The PET/CT machine is housed

in the newly-renovated Yuma Regional

Outpatient Center, adjacent to the Cancer

Center. The purchase of Southwest PET/CT

adds an important service to the Cancer Center

program and enhances its ability to provide

coordinated cancer care.

Mayo Clinic Connection

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Commission on Cancer Certification

Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification

In 2014, Yuma Regional Cancer Center achieved national accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Yuma Regional Cancer Center is one of only eight hospitals in Arizona to receive this honor and is the only hospital outside of Phoenix to achieve CoC accreditation.

“Only 30 percent of cancer centers in the United States are CoC accredited, and these

centers see 70 percent of all cancer patients in the country. Accreditation indicates that

our cancer program meets the same high standards and guidelines met by the largest

and most reputable cancer centers around the country.”

-Dean Putt, Administrator, Yuma Regional Cancer Center

In October 2014, Yuma Regional Cancer Center announced it was recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical

Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI® certification program recognizes hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care. Only 200 programs are recognized nationally.

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Cancer Screening & Preventable Measures

Health screenings and preventative care can save lives. YRMC sponsors and promotes complimentary health events, educational seminars and screenings.

Emphasizing the importance of regular screenings as an essential tool for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, YRMC was proud to host “Mammos and ManiCURES” on February 20, 2014. With more than 175 women in attendance, “Mammos and ManiCURES” offered a fun evening of manicures, massages, a cooking demonstration, health and wellness education, along with the opportunity to receive skin cancer screenings and a mammogram. That evening 19 mammograms were performed with an additional 11 scheduled for a later date. The event was co-sponsored by Bridget’s Gift, a special fund honoring Yuma native Bridget Martinez, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her wish was to give the gift of breast cancer education and resource awareness to her community.

On May 10, 2014, Yuma Regional Cancer Center participated in the 2014 Women’s Expo. The free event provided nearly 2,000 attendees with sun damage and skin protection awareness information. Yuma Regional Cancer Center distributed 800 UV indicator cards to expo participants.

This year’s event presented the 200 mile challenge where individuals pledged to walk alongside a cancer patient, supporting him or her in what can feel like the loneliest of times.

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Cancer Registry

Yuma Regional Cancer Center maintains a detailed cancer registry to document important information about cancer patients in the community, including the types of cancer they have, the treatments they receive, the age at which they developed cancer and other critical factors. This data is then used to study cancer trends and to identify potential opportunities for early detection and/or treatment. The cancer registry also coordinates the activities of the tumor board, groups of physicians who meet to review patient cases to determine the best course of treatment based on their medical expertise.

2013 Cancer Site Cases

120

140

100

80

60

40

20

0

128132

54 47 45

28 28 28

BRONCHUS & LUNG

UNK PRIMARY

KIDNEY

SKIN

RECTUM

STOMACH

ESOPHAGUS

OVARY

CORPUS UTERI

THYROID G

LANDBRAIN

BREAST

BLOOD & BONE M

ARROW

COLON

PROSTATE GLAND

LYMPH N

ODES

URINARY BLADDER

PANCREAS

27 25 18 18 15 12 12 12 11 10

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*Per 100,000, age adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

Rates are based on incidence data for 2006-2009. Source: NAACCR, 2013. Data is collected by cancer registries participating in the National Cancer Institute’s SEER program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries.

Number of Cases Percent

YUMA 620 83.78%

OUT OF STATE 73 9.86%

UNKNOWN

COUNTY/COUNTRY40 5.41%

MARICOPA 3 0.41%

PIMA 3 0.41%

LA PAZ 1 0.14%

Total 740 100.00%

Arizona U.S. Arizona U.S.

All Sites 441.4 542.3 371.2 418.8

Breast N/A N/A 110.2 122.2

Colon & Rectum 41.4 51.7 32 39.1

Lung & Bronchus 61.8 80 47.9 55.1

Non-Hodgkin’sLymphoma 18 23.3 13.4 16.3

Prostate 112.7 146.6 N/A N/A

Urinary Bladder 32.2 36.9 8.4 9.1

Incidence Rates* for Selected Cancers by StateUS, 2006-2010

1000

500

0

620

73 40 3 3 1

YUMA

OUT OF STATE

MARICOPAPIM

A

LA PAZ

UNKNOWN

COUNTY/COUNTRY

2013 County Cancer Cases

This graph shows the number of patients by county who received treatment at Yuma Regional Cancer Center. The highest number of cases were diagnosed in Yuma County, highlighting the need for cancer care close to home.

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Leaving a Legacy

McDaniel Endowment FundThe McDaniel Endowment Fund was established by Richard Michael McDaniel in memory of his parents, Ted and Stella McDaniel. Through his estate, Mr. McDaniel left a generous legacy to the Foundation of YRMC to be used to further cancer treatment and research here in his community of Yuma. Mr. McDaniel was treated at Yuma Regional Medical Center while he battled cancer for more than 20 years. Dr. Brenda Ernst’s Fellowship is supported by the McDaniel Endowment Fund. She is currently completing her oncology Fellowship with the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and is slated to join Yuma Regional Cancer Center in 2016.

YOUR COMMUNITYYOUR CAREYOUR FUTURE

In 2015, Yuma Regional Cancer Center will continue to expand its facility, program and physician roster, to offer cancer patients comprehensive cancer care in Yuma County. Next year, Yuma Regional Cancer Center will open the Foundation of YRMC’s Serenity Garden and the Art Heals exhibit. We also look forward to welcoming new oncologists to our staff, made possible by the generosity of Richard Michael McDaniel and Dr. Peter Sullivan. We also continue the dream of Dr. Sullivan as we host our second annual oncology symposium in April of 2015. While our facility and program continues to evolve and grow, our mission stays the same. Each decision we make focuses on our patients, their needs, the needs of their families and our community.

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The Serenity Garden at Yuma Regional Cancer Center will provide a place of respite, comfort and rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul. Its purpose is to provide patients, families, visitors and staff a place of restoration and recovery – a setting for self-reflection.  It was designed keeping in mind each individual person who walks through or sits quietly in this atmosphere – to calm, provide hope and surround them with beauty.

Access to nature is an essential component of the healing environment. Stress adversely affects the healing process, yet an atmosphere comprised of trees, flowers and water can serve as a catalyst to reduced anxiety as well as spiritual and physical restoration. Mind, body and spirit cannot be separated in caring for one’s health.

Adjacent to public and private seating areas are walkways boasting multiple colors of concrete. Two water features are situated at opposite ends of the garden – one relocated from the old Cancer Center. The garden connects the old and new buildings with shaded canopies. Raised planters at the perimeter promote a sense of sanctuary – a buffer to the world around.

Like the pathways that comprise this garden, we are all walking a certain path in life. Sometimes this journey is difficult, yet we hope the Serenity Garden’s setting provides patients, their families, caregivers and our community with the strength and reflection needed during a particular moment in time.

YRMC Cancer Center Serenity Garden

Foundation of YRMC Serenity Garden Completion Date – January 2015

All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies

that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.”

-Jim Rohn

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Art Heals Exhibit Completion Date – March 2015“The Art Heals exhibit, in partnership with the Yuma Fine Arts Association, is a rotating art display featuring local artists and their works throughout the public areas of Yuma Regional Cancer Center. Art Heals includes works from cancer survivors, including Lora Dana, a third generation Yuman, diagnosed in 2010 with stage four ovarian cancer. While in remission, she returned to painting on canvas as a way to relax and refocus. She learned to savor each moment in life. Lora’s artwork reflects her outlook on life, and is both colorful and whimsical. Yuma resident Wayne Benesch and his family have also donated the paintings of his father Louis Benesch. While attending the groundbreaking ceremony of Yuma Regional Cancer Center and watching 80 local cancer survivors march against cancer, he listened to the words of Wayne Steffey, Executive Director of the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center. Steffey said, “As we get older we really do think about legacies. We think about what our legacies are going to be. What will our mark be on life? What are we going to leave behind for the next generation?”

Reflecting on these words, Benesch thought of his father and the numerous oil and watercolor paintings he carefully crafted while he was living. He thought of his father’s passion for painting and his love of Southwestern Arizona, its landscapes and its culture. He knew this was something to share, not only continuing his father’s legacy, but giving his family the chance to share something beautiful and serene with cancer patients during a difficult time in their lives.

“For me and my family, we view my father’s artwork as priceless in that it gives us a sense of serenity and peace, and a window into the world my father admired, and then captured in his paintings,” said Wayne Benesch. “By contributing his work to Yuma Regional Cancer Center, I hope patients and families not only find an appreciation in his paintings, but hope that they find healing and tranquility in viewing them.”

Far right: Self portrait of Louis Benesch

Leftt: One of the many paintings donated by Wayne Benesch and his family

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Second Annual Oncology Symposium April 2015For the late Dr. Peter Sullivan, medical oncologist, the idea of legacy extended beyond the comprehensive cancer care program he dreamed of years ago. It encompasses the educational component he envisioned for the community. Through “Caring for our Community: Cancer Education Symposium,” Yuma Regional Cancer Center partnered with leading oncology experts to provide inspiration, advanced education and the opportunity to explore new technology in the fields of cancer and genetics. The first annual conference featured 45 medical professionals, 53 community members, 10 Cancer Center staff members, 16 speakers and 14 exhibitors. The second annual conference will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015.

Reinforcing his advocacy for education, Dr. Sullivan established the Dr. Peter Sullivan Fellowship award. Yuma native, Dr. Augustine Lau, was a recipient of the fellowship award and is now practicing medical oncology at Yuma Regional Cancer Center. In 2014, Dr. Lau completed his medical Fellowship at the University of Arizona and has committed to Yuma Regional Cancer Center for at least three years.

Dr. Peter Sullivan passed away in October 2014. He was more than just a great physician with many accomplishments; he was a passionate and caring man. We are grateful for Dr. Sullivan and the dedication, care and compassion he offered to us as individuals and to the community. He will truly be missed but his legacy will live on.

Dr. Peter Sullivan