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The California Cancer and Research Institute is looking for volunteers to help staff our new Information Desk. Minimum age 15. 2 hour shifts availabe from 8am – 4pm. If you are interested call Sam at 925-395-7630.
Breast Cancer Breakthroughs – A review of the latest therapies and treatments for breast cancer. This free and informative lecture will include a question and answer session. John Muir Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor – Conference Room
Speaker: Matthew Sirott, M.D., May 7, 2010 at 11am.
No charge, RSVP required call 925-939-1220
Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute is pleased to announce that they recently received state approval to be the only facility in Northern California to offer a new breakthrough radiation therapy for cancer patients. Advances in the world of radiation therapy have led to the development of a new procedure for the treatment of early stage breast cancer, non-melanoma skin cancers, and some gynecologic cancers.
Diablo Valley Oncology’s new advanced Electronic Brachytherapy system is very different from conventional brachytherapy because instead of a radioactive source, the eBx system uses a miniaturized X-ray tube that is inserted directly into the tumor site. “This means that the source is not continually radioactive; it can be turned on and off as appropriate to deliver precisely localized, targeted radiation treatments which protect healthy tissues,” says Sachin Kamath, MD, Director of Radiation Oncology at the cancer center. “The fact it can be used to deliver radiation in minimally shielded therapeutic settings gives us a different way to administer therapy. Treatment can be performed without the need for a shielded room, allowing the radiation oncologist and other medical personnel to be present during treatment delivery and minimizing patient anxiety.”
“Electronic Brachytherapy allows us to focus the radiation ‘more tightly’ around the tumor target, compared to external beam radiotherapy or radioactive isotope-based brachytherapy systems,” says Dr. Kamath. Xoft eliminates the use of radioactive isotopes, resulting in less exposure to radiation, fewer side effects, and excellent outcomes for patients.
Shorter treatment, less radiation, which is one of the biggest benefits to Electronic Brachytherapy is that it requires fewer sessions than traditional radiation:
- Most women with early stage breast cancer who need radiation treatment undergo whole breast irradiation, which usually requires 6 to 7 weeks (30 to 35 treatment sessions). Some of these women are candidates for partial breast irradiation with Electronic Brachytherapy, which can be completed in 5 days.
- Non-melanoma skin cancers are often treated with 6 to 7 weeks of conventional external beam radiotherapy. With Electronic Brachytherapy, skin cancers can be treated in as little as 5 sessions.
- Some women with gynecologic cancers require radiation treatment after surgery. The treatment may involve a combination of external beam radiotherapy and/or brachytherapy. With Electronic Brachytherapy the treatment can generally be completed in less than 5 sessions.
Diablo Valley Oncology encourages newly diagnosed patients with early stage breast cancer, skin cancers, and some gynecologic cancers to call to learn if this newer and safer form of radiation treatment is right for them.
Doctors Improving Healthcare in partnership with NBC Bay Area has selected Dr. Mathew Sirott as a “Top Doctor in the Bay Area” in Oncology. The distinction is based on his professional qualifications and reputation (education, residency, hospital appointment, and disciplinary record, for example) and for his skills in dealing with patients (listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy, instilling trust and confidence) as well. Congratulations to Dr. Sirott!
The Pap smear screening test has shown to decrease cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Consensus guidelines advise screening starting three years after starting sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first. It is recommended every one to two years for women less than 30 years old, and every two to three years for women above 30. Women with increased risk should be tested more frequently.
We pause this month to commemorate women suffering from cervical cancer and to recognize that it is a treatable disease if detected early.
When was your last Pap smear test?
Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group’s breast cancer specialist, Tiffany Svahn, M.D. has been given the honor of accepting from the City of Orinda a Proclamation which official declares October Breast Cancer Month. Dr. Svahn has received this recognition because of her dedication and perseverance in the fight against breast cancer.Seeing approximately 800 breast cancer patients a year, Dr. Svahn’s approach involves treating the whole person, not just their disease. “I find it important to address not only my patient’s medical needs, but their emotional and psychological ones as well. In addition to focusing on treatment of the disease, I think it is equally crucial to urge my patients to lead a healthy life, and I help them learn about the different aspects of wellness,” says Dr. Svahn.
Diablo Valley Oncology sponsored the Concord Relay for Life which was on 7/11-12/2009. We had 31 employees & 2 patients participating as a team to walk and fund-raise for this amazing event. We surpassed our team goal of $5000. Thank you to everyone who donated to this event. A huge thank you to Safeway, Costco, Chevys, Jamba Juice, and Premier Designs for their generous donations.