The Marshfield Clinic/Marshfield Medical Center cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).
The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.
As an accredited program the quality of our patient care is compared to other cancer programs across the country.
Reporting tools to aid in benchmarking and improving patient outcomes
These charts show some of the quality outcomes measured. The average performance rates for Marshfield Medical Center/Marshfield Clinic are all above 96%, showing that our patients are routinely treated according to evidence-based national guidelines.
Skin Cancer Screening Results (2014)
Skin Cancer Screening was held during Farm Technology Days, August 12-14, 2014. 615 people of various age groups were screened. 904 skin problems were identified. 196 people were referred for follow up of skin lesions.
Marshfield Clinic Oncologists including William Hocking M.D. were authors of the National Lung Screening Trail research trail results that were published in October, 2010.
Results of the study confirmed that screening for individuals determined to be at risk can save lives. Marshfield Clinic has developed a screening program based on best practice guidelines and began tracking patients in April, 2004.
To date 150 patients have been screening with no confirmed cancers.
Cancers that are known as Head and Neck cancer, usually occur inside the mouth, the nose and the throat. Cancers of the head and neck are further categorized by the area in which they begin, such as the oral cavity (lips, tongue, gums and inside lining of the mouth), pharynx (throat), larynx (voicebox), paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity (hollow space surrounding the nose and the hollow space inside the nose) and the salivary glands (floor of the mouth and near the jawbone).
Risk Factors
- Alcohol
- Tobacco – includes smokeless tobacco or sometimes called chewing tobacco.
- Preserved or salted foods – Consumption of certain preserved or salted foods during childhood is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer.
- Oral health – Poor oral hygiene and missing teeth may be weak risk factors for cancers of the oral cavity.
- Occupational/Industrial exposure – Occupational or industrial exposure to wood dust, asbestos, synthetic fibers, nickel dust or formaldehyde may have an increased risk of head and neck cancers.
- Radiation Exposure – Radiation to the head and neck for noncancerous conditions or other cancers is a risk factor for cancer of the head and neck.
- Epstein - Barr virus Infection – Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer and cancer of the salivary glands.
- Ancestry – Asian ancestry, particularly Chinese ancestry, is a risk factor for head and neck cancers.
Symptoms
- Lump or sore that does not heal.
- A white or red patch on the gums, the tongue, or the lining of the mouth.
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
- Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.
- Pain when swallowing or ear pain.
- Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics
- Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone, numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face.
Treatment
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Combination of treatments
Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery, also known as CLIMB®, is a six-week program that teaches children about cancer, the treatment process and how to deal with the stress and emotions associated with the disease. The program was recently featured on local television.
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate gland is found only in males. At Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, 119 cases of prostate cancer were reviewed. The median age range for patients treated for prostate cancer is 67, and 61% of these patients presented with an elevated PSA. Of the 119 patients reviewed, 75 patients underwent surgical management and six patients underwent radiation treatment (please see below charts). When determining the treatment plans, assessing the projected longevity is important in order to make treatment recommendations. Using validated nomograms helps to target imaging, bone and CT scans to those most likely to benefit. PSA screening should be offered only to asymptomatic men with at least 10 years projected longevity. 1.3 per 1000 men screened by PSA testing will be spared prostate cancer death. A Prostate Support Group meeting is held bio-monthly at Marshfield Medical Center for patients and family members that are affected by prostate cancer.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age
- African ancestry
- Family history of the disease and certain inherited genetic conditions
Signs and Symptoms:
- Most prostate cancers are found early and usually have no symptoms.
- More advanced prostate cancers can cause symptoms, such as:
- Problems with urination, including slow or weak urinary stream, or frequent urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Unable to obtain an erection
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs) or other areas from cancer that has spread to the bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord
Treatment:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Combination therapies
