Central Care Cancer Center https://cccancer.com Central Care Cancer Center provides expert cancer care in locations across the states of Kansas and Missouri. Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:25:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Medical Oncologist Mark Fesen Featured in ASCO Article on Stage IV Breast Cancer https://cccancer.com/news/fesen-asco-article/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:16:40 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=12932 Continue Reading]]>

Medical Oncologist Mark Fesen Featured in ASCO Article on Stage IV Breast Cancer

We are thrilled to highlight the incredible work of Dr. Mark Fesen, Medical Oncologist, whose expertise and dedication have led to significant advancements in the field of metastatic breast cancer. His recent involvement in a clinical trial published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has shed new light on the management and treatment of this challenging disease.

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a complex and aggressive form of cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It poses immense challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike.

In the ASCO article, titled “Randomized trial of fixed dose capecitabine compared to standard dose capecitabine in metastatic breast cancer: The X-7/7 trial,” Dr. Fesen collaborated with a team of esteemed researchers at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, KS.

We express our utmost pride in Dr. Mark Fesen and his significant contributions to this article. The findings of this study are poised to have global and impactful effect on patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

 

Find the ASCO article here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.1007

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Heartland Cancer Center Welcomes PET/CT Manager Amber Lindars https://cccancer.com/news/heartland-cancer-center-welcomes-pet-ct-manager/ Thu, 18 May 2023 15:55:15 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=12888 Continue Reading]]>

Heartland Cancer Center Welcomes PET/CT Manager Amber Lindars

(Garden City, KS) – Heartland Cancer Center is thrilled to announce the addition of Amber Lindars, BS, CNMT, NMTCB(RS), CPhT, to our team as the new PET/CT Manager. With 13 years of experience in the field, Amber brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to further enhance our oncology services.

Amber’s arrival coincides with an exciting development at Heartland Cancer Center: the availability of full-time, in-house PET/CT services. Equipped with a state-of-the-art 64 slice PET/CT machine, we are able to offer the most advanced imaging technology for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

We are excited to welcome Amber to the Heartland Cancer Center family and are confident that her expertise will greatly contribute to our mission of providing comprehensive oncology services to Western Kansas. Together, with the cutting-edge technology at our disposal, we are steadfast in our commitment to fighting cancer and improving the lives of our patients.

All of our facility’s services are available Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment at Heartland Cancer Center, please call 620-272-2579.

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Heartland Cancer Center Welcomes Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ko https://cccancer.com/news/welcome-dr-ko/ Mon, 27 Jun 2022 18:54:47 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=12341

Heartland Cancer Center Welcomes Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ko

(Garden City, KS) – Heartland Cancer Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Song-Chu “Arthur” Ko, Radiation Oncologist, to the Garden City team. Dr. Ko joins Radiation Oncologists Dr. Perez-Tamayo and Dr. Hegarty in continuing to bring world-class cancer services and technology to Southwestern Kansas.

Dr. Ko completed his radiation oncology fellowship and residency training at Columbia University in New York City, NY. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Dr. Ko is board certified by the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology and a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

“When I first spoke with the management team at Heartland Cancer Center, I could immediately tell that they were heavily committed in bringing the highest quality oncology care to their patients,” Dr. Ko says, “It is an awesome feeling to use the TrueBeam machine, one of the most powerful tools known in radiation treatment technology. Working along with experienced and caring providers and staff, I believe we can bring to Garden City what can be offered at university hospitals and larger cities, without the need to travel.”

“We’re very excited to have Dr. Ko join Heartland Cancer Center,” says Dr. Perez-Tamayo, President of Central Care, “He trained at renowned institutions with sophisticated techniques. His expertise in stereotactic treatments make it possible for patients who qualify for shortened treatment periods to have access to curative radiation for as little as one treatment. In Western Kansas, this is a significant benefit, especially for people who live a distance from the center. In cancer care, the best results are obtained when there is synergism between the advanced technology and the expertise of the physician. We recruited Dr. Ko specifically so there would be no need to travel to large cities, since the highest technology and access to clinical trials is available right here, at home, under one roof.”

Dr. Ko’s office is located at Heartland Cancer Center. To make an appointment, please call (620) 272-2579.

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Dr. Claudia Perez-Tamayo Discusses Cervical Cancer on Smoky Hills PBS TV Program, “Doctors on Call” https://cccancer.com/news/doctors-on-call/ Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:00:44 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=12228

Dr. Claudia Perez-Tamayo Discusses Cervical Cancer on Smoky Hills PBS TV Program, "Doctors on Call"

Join Central Care President & Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo, on the Smoky Hills PBS TV program, Doctors on Call! Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses and answers call-in questions on the topic of cervical cancer, with host Jenna Miller. 

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https://cccancer.com/news/antibodytreatment/ Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:42:10 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=12170 Continue Reading]]>

(Salina, KS) – Central Care Cancer Center is offering monoclonal antibody treatment for individuals who have moderate to severely compromised immune systems diagnosed by a physician, or have a history of severe adverse reactions to vaccines. Although vaccines are the best defense against COVID-19, this is an alternative option for those who cannot receive them. This option is offered as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as it is for individuals who are not currently COVID-19 positive and have not had a recent exposure to a COVID positive individual.

The monoclonal antibody therapy, called Evusheld, is administered with one injection of tixagevimab, immediately followed by one injection of cilgavimab. Together, the monoclonal antibodies mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful viruses such as COVID-19. The expected duration of Evusheld is six months, but if potential exposure to COVID remains a risk, the dose can be repeated every six months per physician recommendation.

The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization to make Evusheld available during the pandemic, but it is not FDA-approved.  Evusheld is investigational because it is still being studied.

Patients who meet the eligibility requirements should discuss this option with their primary care physician in order to be referred to Central Care for a consultation.  There is a cost associated in getting established at Central Care, that is typically covered by the patient’s insurance.  There is no charge for the monoclonal antibody treatment.

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Lung Cancer Awareness https://cccancer.com/news/lungcancerawareness/ https://cccancer.com/news/lungcancerawareness/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=11842 Continue Reading]]>

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The list of cancers that we can prevent, screen for, and treat effectively is not long, and lung cancer has certainly not been on that list for long. It is amazing to me to be able to witness and live through various advancement in screening and treatment of lung cancer, and all that we do have today, much of my excitement is about what is on the horizon, with a lot of promising potentially curative therapies being looked at in the early stages of the disease.

I strongly believe in prevention to be at the forefront of success against cancer. While smoking continues to be the most common risk factor for lung cancer, current smoking has declined from 20.9% in 2005 to 14.0% in 2019 in the US, and the proportion of ever smokers who have quit has increased, according to the CDC. More work needs to be done of course as lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death in the US, but this trend is definitely promising.

Many years of unsuccessful screening trials preceded the publication of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) and, later, the European NELSON trial. Both trials showed that compared to CXR screening or no screening, low dose CT screening resulted in significant mortality reduction from lung cancer in the screened population of heavy smokers. Currently, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. I have seen many patients who came to see me with stage 1 or 2 lung cancer ONLY because they had a screening CT scan. Despite its efficacy, the national uptake on lung cancer screening has been far from optimal. Having guidelines is one thing, and practicing the guidelines is another. It does take a lot of effort to implement a successful screening program. Commitment of policy makers, hospital leadership, and primary care and other healthcare providers, and development and implementation of strategies tailored to local communities are keys to success.

Circling back to prevention, I believe that a successful lung cancer screening program is strongly tied to robust smoking cessation efforts. At the end of the day, it is great that we can detect lung cancer earlier and have a better shot at curing it, but wouldn’t it be even better if we can have people live their lives without having to go through a cancer journey with all the physical, emotional and financial burden it brings?

Anis Toumeh, M.D.

Medical Oncologist, Central Care Cancer Center

Medical Director of Oncology, St. Joseph Medical Center

1004 Carondelet Drive. Suite 410, Kansas City, MO 64114

P: 816-381-8051 | F: 833-734-1556

 

 

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Early Detection Saves Lives – The Importance of Mammograms https://cccancer.com/news/early-detection-saves-lives-the-importance-of-mammograms/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:06:20 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=11820 Continue Reading]]>

Early Detection Saves Lives - The Importance of Mammograms

If you ask many of us what our favorite months of the year are, there is a good chance October is making the list. We enjoy the change of colors, fall fests, Halloween, and it is my wife’s birthday month! It is also the time of the year that we raise awareness for breast cancer, which continues to be the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Across the nation, many activities and fundraisers are held throughout the month with hope that one big message gets delivered: breast cancer is common, but we can screen for it, cure it in early stages, and even prevent it! Unfortunately, throughout my career, I have seen cases that could have been diagnosed earlier, but they were not, and the cancer was just too advanced with no curative treatment available. Those cases always remind me that yes, it is in part on us to educate our community about ways to prevent breast cancer and screen for it.

Mammogram continues to be the most common modality used for screening, and a very effective one! Decades long studies confirmed that it decreases mortality from breast cancer. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that average risk women between the age of 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year, women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year while women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. We have to keep in mind that these recommendations do not apply to women at higher risk for breast cancer, such in those with strong family history or carriers of genetic mutations that increase their risk.

The field of cancer genetics has evolved tremendously in the last 10 years. We now have much more knowledge about many genes that may increase breast cancer risk. Those can be screened for in eligible patients. Treatments for different stages of breast cancer have also come a long way, with many advances in surgical approaches, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted treatments. If I may ask you to do one thing today, it is to please make sure that the next eligible patient you see in your clinic is up to date on her mammogram.

Anis Toumeh, M.D.

Medical Oncologist, Central Care Cancer Center.

Medical Director of Oncology, St. Joseph Medical Center.

1004 Carondelet Drive. Suite 410, Kansas City, MO 64114

P: 816-381-8051 | F: 833-734-1556

 

Watch the video below for more information from Dr. Toumeh. 

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Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center Welcomes Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Edwin Watts https://cccancer.com/news/welcome_dr-watts/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:50:03 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=11704 Continue Reading]]>

Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center Welcomes Radiation Oncologist

(Bolivar, MO) – Central Care Cancer Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Edwin Watts, Radiation Oncologist, to the Bolivar team.  Dr. Leo Shunyakov, Medical Oncologist, at the Carrie J Babb Cancer Center, is excited to join forces with Dr. Watts in continuing to bring world-class cancer services and technology to Southwestern Missouri.

Dr. Watts received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He completed a radiation oncology residency at the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Institute. Dr. Watts is board certified by the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology and a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

“When I first spoke with the management team at Central Care, I could immediately tell that they were heavily committed in bringing the highest quality oncology care to their patients.   It’s an honor to use the most powerful tools in radiation technology.  Working along with experienced providers and staff, well versed in specialized treatments/techniques, brings to this region of Bolivar what can be offered at universities and larger cities without the need to travel.  Central Care is committed in bringing innovative cancer treatments to their cancer centers,” said Dr. Watts.

Dr. Perez-Tamayo, President of Central Care said, “We’re very fortunate to have Dr. Watts join our team. He was trained in a renowned cancer institute with special and novel techniques that are perfectly matched with our state-of-the-art linear accelerator, Varian TrueBeam.  When you have such powerful and advanced technology, there has to be a perfect marriage between the expertise of the physician and the sophistication of the cutting edge technology. The best results are obtained by this synergism of all components. ”

 

Dr. Watt’s office is located at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center.  To make an appointment, please call (417) 326-7200.

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Dr. Elamin Honored by Wichita Business Journal https://cccancer.com/news/dr-elamin-honored-by-wichita-business-journal/ https://cccancer.com/news/dr-elamin-honored-by-wichita-business-journal/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2021 22:13:30 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=11566 Continue Reading]]> (Wichita, KS) – Congratulations to Central Care Cancer Center Medical Oncologist, Dr. Elshami Elamin, who was recently honored by the Wichita Business Journal’s 2021 Excellence in Health Care – Cancer Care edition. Dr. Elamin was recognized for his treatment and care of new and existing patients at Central Care’s Emporia and Newton clinics.

The following questions were answered by Dr. Elamin for the publication’s special section:

How did you choose a career in cancer care? During my oncology rotation as a medical resident, I saw the resilience of cancer patients fighting for their lives. I knew from that point on that I wanted to be with those fighting against cancer.

What is your greatest professional achievement?  I recently wrote a 150-page book in Arabic (my native tongue) for cancer patients and their caregivers.  It is a non-academic book that helps break down the disease and care.  The book is awaiting publication!  I hope to distribute it in Sudan, my home country.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? The most challenging, agonizing part of the job is breaking bad news to my patients and their families.

What is the best advice you would give to someone considering a career in cancer care? My advice to folks hoping to go into the field is to always be honest with yourself and others. Empathy is key. Be a good listener. Always give patients and their families ample time to ask questions, and answer only based on their concerns.

Are you involved in the community? If so, how? Throughout the years, I would participate in local community activities, such as community cancer screenings, talking to support groups like River Valley support group, and taking my family to volunteer and walk, at Relay for Life.  I’m also involved in my Muslim community as a part of the Islamic Society of Wichita (ISW).  I was a member of the Refugee Committee on the Board of Education for the Islamic school.

What do you like to do in your spare time? In my free time, I love painting, gardening and road tripping with my family.  I also enjoy working with non-profit organizations like the Sudanese American Medical Association and sharing resources and advice with cancer patients in Sudan.

How has the pandemic affected your job? The pandemic has completely disrupted patient care.  I find myself having to modify cancer regimen to fit into the changes we’re facing, i.e. isolation, limited office visits, etc.  This has resulted in delaying and postponing treatment.  At a personal level, it has put health care workers at risk for either catching the disease or brining the virus back home to our families.

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Central Care Partners with McPherson College and Riverfront Stadium on Sunscreen Dispensers https://cccancer.com/news/central-care-partners-with-mcpherson-college-and-riverfront-stadium-on-sunscreen-dispensers/ Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:35:05 +0000 https://cccancer.com/?p=11562 Continue Reading]]> (Wichita, KS) – Central Care Cancer Center is proud to partner with McPherson College’s Health Science program and The Wichita Wind Surge in supplying sunscreen dispensers at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita, Kansas.

The temperature is rising and baseball season is underway for the Wind Surge!  Those attending games, especially day games, now have easy access to SPF 30 sunscreen at dispensers located around Riverfront Stadium.

Cancers of the skin are by far the most common of all types of cancer.  Any spots on your skin that are new, or changing in size, shape or color should be checked by your primary care physician.

Central Care’s oncologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and to reapply sunscreen while out in the sun for long periods of time. The dispensers allow patrons access to sunscreen for every ballpark event, including all home games, concerts, events and more.

“We are always looking for opportunities to give back to our communities. We are thrilled to join with McPherson College in providing a service to the public that brings convenience to a necessity and allows everyone to enjoy the new beautiful Riverfront Stadium in comfort,” said Logan Schrag, Chief Strategic Officer for Central Care.

Six sunscreen dispensers can be found at the entry gates of Riverfront Stadium.

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