Compass Oncology
Return to Archive
Browse By Month

Like This?
Subscribe by email:

Northwest Cancer Specialists e-News August 2009 Sent Friday, August 14, 2009

Contact Us | Services | Programs

NCS and Team Positive Margin Join Forces to Race for the Cure!

Dr. Devon Webster, a medical oncologist at Northwest Cancer Specialists, has established herself as a statewide leader in advocacy on behalf of breast cancer survivors.  As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Webster has a unique connection with her patients.  Specializing in breast cancer treatment and research, her approach with patients is both collaborative and empathetic.

Team Positive Margin, led by Webster, was the number-one fundraising team for Portland's Komen Race for the Cure® in 2007 and 2008, contributing over $70,000 toward breast cancer research, screening, and survivor support services.  Last year, individuals from Positive Margin were involved in legislation to require insurance companies to support clinical trial research. 
The legislation was successfully passed as Oregon Senate Bill 316 and will be enacted in January 2010. 
Watch video of Dr. Devon Webster to learn more about Team Positive Margin.
 
Why Positive Margin?
In breast cancer, having a "positive margin" carries a negative meaning; it means the tumor is at the edge, pushing forward.  This team is a group of men, women and children of all colors, classes, ages and religions pushing forward with positive energy at the edge to make relevant breast cancer research happen.
 
In conjunction with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Positive Margin will:
  • Promote collaborative breast cancer research in the Pacific Northwest
  • Explore why we have the highest rates of breast cancer
  • Develop a Pacific Northwest community breast cancer tumor bank
  • Innovate ways to push research progress right here at home

Join NCS in supporting the fundraising efforts of Team Positive Margin for Portland's Komen Race for the Cure®.  Register here to walk in the race or "sleep-in for the cure", or help by making a contribution.  Registration deadline is August 30th!

  
 

Breast Cancer Consultation Service (BCCS)

Guide.  Educate.  Collaborate.  Treat. 
 
The Breast Cancer Consultation Service (BCCS) is a special program offered by Northwest Cancer Specialists (NCS) to provide rapid evaluation in the management of newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients.
 
The Program Manager, Melissa Hopkins, RN is the first contact a patient will have and acts as a one-on-one guide from diagnosis through treatment.  During the initial consultation, Hopkins explains what to expect and how patients can prepare for their first appointment.
 
The first appointment is typically scheduled within 48 hours after being diagnosed.  A team of specialists perform an in-depth case review that will help in developing an individualized treatment plan that best fits their needs.  From this appointment, Hopkins prepares a binder of pertinent information specific to each patient's case. 
 
The BCCS program's unique approach to patient and family-oriented support has been highly successful.  The core of this success is the emphasis on collaborative care and ensuring that patients are getting the most up-to-date, in-depth and compassionate care possible.
 
More information about the Breast Cancer Consultation Service at NCS is available online at http://www.nwcancer.com/Breast_Cancer.php
 

NCS EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

 
Eat Right Challenge Month
Benefits of Fiber, Follow your Gut
August 19th
Three Prongs of Survivorship
August 21st
Learn about the benefits of exercise and nutrition to decrease the risk of cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. 
For more information, click here.
 
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma & Myleodysplastic Syndrome
Clinical Trials Update and
Support Options
A presentation by Dr. Kate Kolibaba, NCS, and Sue Sumpter, RN and Patient Services Manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
For more information, click here.  
 
 
 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

PurlpleStride Portland 2009
Supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 
September 13, West Linn, OR
Register online

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

 

Flourish Magazine

Flourish magazine was created to provide helpful information to our patients and their families.  In each issue you will find inspirational stories about people right here in your community and learn about the latest advances in research, treatment and technology. 
 
Flourish is now available at each of our seven office locations and can also be accessed on our website at http://www.nwcancer.com/flourish.
 
Visit NCS at the Komen Health Expo
Booth #400 & 402
September 18th, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
September 19th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location:  Oregon Convention Center,
777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd, Portland
 
Visit with Northwest Cancer Specialists expert oncologists and staff from the Breast Cancer Consultation Service who will be there to talk with you one-on-one and answer questions.  Registered nurses will also teach how to effectively do self breast exams and provide resources and information about local support groups.

Breast Cancer Facts 

 
Statistics show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. 
 
Did you know that Washington and Oregon have the highest rates of breast cancer in the US? 
 
Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at age 40.

~Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
The 5-year relative survival for female breast cancer patients has improved from 63% in the early 1960s to 89% today. 
 
When breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98%.

~American Cancer Society
 
 

Powered by AWeber Email Marketing