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The mission of the Central
Kentucky Cancer Program is to coordinate
and provide access to quality care and services
relating to the prevention and diagnosis
and treatment of cancer for patients, their
families and communities we serve.
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Make a Difference in the
Life of a Cancer Patient.
According
to the American Cancer Society, only two states
have a higher cancer mortality rate than Kentucky.
The Central Kentucky Cancer Program (CKCP) was
created to address this disturbing statistic.
The CKCP was established in 1996 as a collaborative
effort between the Ephraim McDowell Health Care
Foundation, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical
Center, local physicians, cancer survivors and
concerned citizens. By focusing on cancer prevention,
advocacy, education and resources, the CKCP is
committed to enhancing cancer care for area residents.
 When
it comes to delivering services to individual
patients and their families, community-based
programs
such as the CKCP offer the best hope. Because
it is important not to duplicate services that
are already in place, one of the CKCP's most
important
roles is to serve as a central source of information.
By making a single contact, individuals are
put
in touch with organizations and resources that
can meet their particular needs.
By
offering community education and free screenings
(for colon cancer, skin cancer and prostate
cancer),
the CKCP heightens the public's awareness about
the risks of cancer, ways to lower risk factors
and the importance of early detection. On average,
over 800 people participate in the free screenings
annually. Of those screened, approximately
one
in three is referred for more extensive testing
and screening. Education programs targeting
different
age groups are also offered in the community
starting at the elementary school level and
going throughout
the age spectrum.
The
CKCP is supported by contributions from people
throughout this  service
area. These contributions fund screenings,
support groups, smoking cessation and other
initiatives
like Road to Recovery, a program that helps
patients get to their treatment sessions. Additionally,
dietary supplements for those who may not be
able
to afford them are available through an endowment
started by a CKCP donor.
In
the last few years, a great deal has been accomplished.
Cancer services at Ephraim McDowell Regional
Medical
Center have been enhanced to include an Oncology
Committee (a multi-disciplinary team of doctors,
nurses, a dietitian, a counselor, a chaplain
and
a rehabilitation specialist) that meets regularly
to coordinate the best patient care possible.
Education classes with the nursing staff are
held
regularly, which keeps them apprised of the
latest care trends for cancer patients.
On
average, there are nearly 15 cancer patients
at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
on a daily basis. They are well-served by the Cancer Care Center, a partnership with the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, that opened in September 2004. The 12-bed unit focuses on enhancing
the comfort of cancer patients
and their families and includes a Family Resource
Center. As cancer care and services
are enhanced, they are not meant in any way
to compete with larger cancer centers in Lexington
or Louisville, but rather to create a strong,
quality presence in central Kentucky. While
these
facilities specialize in many areas of cancer
care, (research, phase I drug trials, bone
marrow transplants, etc.), the scope of the
CKCP is
to
fine-tune and enhance local cancer services.
We will continue to pursue innovative improvements
in current standards of cancer care for our patients.
With your support, we can make a difference!
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