Cancer Prevention

2019 Cancer Screening Program Report

Each calendar year, the Doctors Medical Center Cancer Committee organizes and offers at least one cancer screening program designed to:

• Decrease the number of patients with late-stage disease
• Meet the screening needs of the community
• Be consistent with evidence based national guidelines for cancer prevention

1. The cancer committee is focused on decreasing the number of patients with late stage disease:

The most current data available from the 2019 National Cancer Data Base (NCBD) shows 43% of colon cancer patients diagnosed at Doctors Medical Center are diagnosed at a late stage of III or IV.

2. The cancer committee identifies the cancer screening needs of the community:

Colorectal cancer awareness and available screenings continues to be a need in our community. The Doctors Medical Center Cancer Committee has recognized this need and by providing colorectal cancer prevention programs and screenings to community members. As a result, the number of patients early diagnosed will prospectively increase compared to late stage.

According to the American Cancer Society 2018 guideline update for colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed among adults and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Early detection of cancers is associated with significantly higher survival rates.

The Doctors Medical Center Cancer Committee’s primary focus is on early detection in an effort to boost survivorship. Efforts of the Cancer Committee include preventive screening measures, enhanced connections between Doctors Medical Center and Primary Care Providers (PCPs), and effective links to maintain the continuum of care.

3. The cancer committee provides at least one cancer screening program:

During the month of March, colorectal cancer awareness month, Doctors Medical Center and the Stanislaus County Community Services Agency partnered together to bring colorectal cancer awareness, prevention, and free colorectal cancer screenings to the community. During the screening program participants were evaluated for eligibility. 100% of the participants met the age criteria for colon screening. 35% of participants disclosed not having any prior colon cancer screening test preformed and 20% were unsure if they have had any prior testing. However, 33% did have a colonoscopy in the past 10 years and 12% had a FOBT performed within the past year. Of the screening participants, 18% had a family history of colon cancer or polyps and 8% stated they have had a personal history of colon cancer or polyps. Based on these eligibility results 49 FOBT kits were distributed with a return rate of 51%.

The returned colorectal screening kits had a outcome of 4% positive test results and 96% negative test results. Positive results will be monitored to ensure further guidelines are followed.

4. The cancer screening program is consistent with evidence-based national guidelines and evidence-based interventions.

The colon cancer screening program was consistent with evidence-based national guidelines and evidence-based interventions put forth by the American Cancer Society.