Toms River, N.J. – The New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR) has recognized Community Medical Center with an award for Excellence in Timely and Complete Cancer Case Reporting.
Fern Papalia, RN, MA, cancer program administrator at Community Medical Center, said, Community received the award for its strict adherence to the state’s rules regarding cancer data reporting. “According to state law, we must submit all cancer case admissions to NJSCR within six months of a patient’s diagnosis or three months after discharge so that the state can track the occurrence or incidence of cancers and learn more about their prevention and treatment.”
According to NJSCR, there are approximately 40,000 new cases of cancer in New Jersey each year and approximately 18,000 deaths.
The NJSCR works with hospitals, physicians, universities and research scientists to collect and analyze data on all cancers occurring in New Jersey. Epidemiologists at the NJSCR monitor and study trends in incidence, survival, and treatment on various types of cancers. Facts and figures are compiled and shared with county, state and federal agencies interested in cancer.
Community Medical Center’s Oncology Data Center, also known as the Tumor Registry, is responsible for collecting and maintaining this cancer information. The Data Center provides essential research and information utilized by not only the state, but by physicians as well. The data is used to analyze the success of various treatment programs. All information obtained by the hospital and reported to the state is completely confidential.
Nancy L. Wollen, executive director of Community Medical Center, said, “Tracking, maintaining and reporting this vital cancer data is important not only for our patients and the residents of our community, but for the entire state of New Jersey. I am proud the NJSCR has recognized our efforts to adhere to the strict regulations of this vital program.”
Papalia said a multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care at Community Medical Center ensures that the physical and psychosocial needs of patients and their families are addressed. “The hospital’s team includes board-certified physicians, oncology certified nurses, licensed clinical social workers, case managers, dieticians, and home care professionals working together to provide high quality care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings,” she added.
For more information, contact Community Medical Center’s Regional Cancer Center at (732) 557-8294.
Community Medical Center (CMC) is an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, the largest integrated health care delivery system in New Jersey, with nine acute care hospitals, nine nursing homes, five ambulatory care facilities, three geriatric centers, three assisted living residencies, a freestanding 100-bed inpatient psychiatric facility and a statewide behavioral health network. Located in Toms River, Community is a fully accredited, acute-care 596-bed facility offering the most advanced, ultra-modern diagnostic and treatment services, including emergency and urgent care, laser and arthroscopic surgery, maternity and a Level II special care nursery and pediatrics unit. CMC offers the Community Regional Cancer Center, affiliated with the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia; state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology; a Renal Dialysis Center; a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, as well as general medical and health care services to the residents of Ocean County; and the Center for Kids and Family with sites located in Toms River and Lacey, and the Lighthouse, a Center for Senior Health with locations in Toms River, Whiting and Lacey. Community Medical Center has been awarded the esteemed Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence from the American Nurses Association's Credentialing Center (ANCC).
SIDEBAR INFORMATION
Community Medical Center offers the following information on cancer prevention and early detection:
• Avoid tobacco products and excessive use of alcohol.
• Avoid too much sunlight - use sunblock or wear protective clothing.
• Eat a varied, low fat diet. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals, breads and pasta.
• Practice Basic Breast Self-Exams (BSE) monthly if you are a woman 18 or older and have a mammogram every 1-2 years if you are a woman over 40.
• Have a pap test and pelvic exam every year if you are a woman 18 or older.
• Get annual prostate checkups if you are a man 40 or older.
• Have annual rectal exams each year if you are 40 or older.
• Notify a doctor if you have a change in a mole or a sore that does not heal.
• Visit your doctor annually as health related checkups may identify early signs and symptoms of cancer.
Date: January 6, 2005
