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What Is the Importance of Having an Institute for Cancer?
What is an institute for cancer — and why does it matter that we have one right here in Reno? Here, a radiation oncologist answers those questions and more. Sadly, our community health needs assessment shows cancer is the second leading cause of death in Washoe County. But many residents may not know there is an institute for cancer right here in Reno that can care for you or your loved one after diagnosis. Dr. Michael Hardacre, a radiation oncologist with Renown Institute for Cancer is here with more. What is an institute for cancer? The way I like to think of it: An Institute has healthcare providers highly trained in patient-centered care. For example, when you have cancer, many times you’ll see a lot of doctors. A program brings those doctors together — so you really have one team working together. An Institute takes that one step further. Say there are other needs beyond the doctor’s office such as nurse navigators, dietitians, physical therapists to help you get on track, etc. An Institute really proactively thinks of the need of the cancer patient. It then makes sure all those things are available to them throughout their treatment. The term “institute for cancer” identifies a cancer program that is comprehensive and multidisciplinary in nature. For Renown, that means that we have the specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology working together with other specialists to assure that a patient has coordinated care throughout the entire treatment course of cancer care. Together with cancer prevention and diagnostics, genetic assessment, supportive care, clinical trials, and cancer survivorship, the institute for cancer provides care for the community, families and patients along the entire spectrum of cancer care. What types of cancer do you treat? We’re fortunate to be able to provide cancer treatments for all types of cancers, and we’re one of the major referral centers for northern Nevada. Most commonly, just like much of the country, lung cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer are the most frequent we see. Our care spans brain, to neck cancer and everything in between. As an accredited comprehensive community cancer program, Renown Health provides services for all cancer types. The highest volume cancers treated at Renown are breast, colorectal, lung, genitourinary, blood and gynecologic cancers. Most treatments can be done right here in Reno, but when there are specialty needs such as stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, we partner with quaternary centers, like Stanford, to assure a smooth transition of care both to and from the quaternary center. What kinds of care and treatments are offered? We offer a wide range of comprehensive care. We treat the cancer itself — surgical, radiation oncology, medical oncology in the form of chemotherapy or pills. Also addressed: dietary needs, physical therapy and navigation through this whole process. People may be surprised by the scope and scale of the Renown Institute for Cancer. For instance, our Radiation Center has the latest technologies to treat cancers. This includes the Linear Accelerators, which are machines with treatment planning software tools. In addition to the traditional external radiation treatments provided in most centers, Renown performs specialty treatments using High-Dose Brachytherapy, a treatment with an active radiation “source” and in Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery, assuring that patients can stay right here in northern Nevada — close to home. What does that mean for the quality of care? I think it’s always great in any environment to have external people come into your program and not only share what’s happening nationally and what we could do better, but also to validate “are you doing things at the highest level you can?” That accreditation process is just one way to give us that seal of approval. We’re lucky enough this year to get the gold award by the American College of Surgeons — its highest honor. We were honored to receive it. Why is important that you’re an accredited institute? Accreditation assures our community that quality is a top priority for us. Each of the accrediting bodies has a set of standards that identify service and quality standards. Renown Institute for Cancer has the following accreditations: American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer: Full Cancer Program accreditation, standards address issues from cancer prevention/diagnosis to treatment to survivorship and/or end-of-life. Renown received the Gold Level Accreditation in 2018, the highest level of accreditation possible; American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers: Full Breast Center/Program accreditation, standards address issues from breast cancer prevention/diagnosis to treatment to survivorship and/or end-of-life; American College of Radiology – Radiation Therapy: Full Radiation Oncology accreditation for radiation equipment, treatment planning, treatment and treatment follow-up; and American College of Radiology – Mammography Services.
Read More About What Is the Importance of Having an Institute for Cancer?
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28May
Renown Institute for Cancer is teaming up with Cancer Treatment Expert Renie Anderson, who is trained and certified at managing cancer treatment side effects. You can attend this workshop in person at Renown Regional or virtually via Zoom. This workshop teaches mind-body techniques to help reduce anxiety, feel calmer, visualize your treatment in a healing way and enhance healing through activities that will bring you relief. This workshop includes: Helping patients feel more connected, reducing fight/flight response and assisting patients to feel more at ease. Learning how stress impacts our bodies and our role in taking responsibility as a partner in recovery. A mindfulness relaxation session. Allowing patients to express concerns over their side effects and re-framing for a more positive experience. Open time for questions and answers. There is no charge to attend this class. Video-enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device. To receive the Zoom link to connect to this workshop, please email Renie Anderson @ renieanderson@att.net
Read More About Journey Through Your Cancer: Techniques to Lessen the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
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3Dec
Renown Institute for Cancer is teaming up with Renie Anderson, a trained and certified expert in cancer treatment side effect management. Attend this workshop in person at Renown Regional or virtually via Zoom to learn mind-body techniques to help you feel more connected and joyful in life as you move beyond cancer. This workshop includes: Emphasizing the importance of identifying resistance. Moving through resistance by understanding the concepts of acceptance and surrender. Identifying goals and visions. Creating action steps to help break patterns, to help you stay in a healthier mindset and feel more calm. There is no charge to attend this class. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device. To receive the Zoom link to connect to this workshop, please email Renie Anderson @ renieanderson@att.net
Read More About Journey Beyond Your Cancer: Thrivorship Workshop
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4Dec
This support group provides support, education, networking, and resource materials to caregivers coping with a loved one diagnosed with cancer. In effort to provide the most supportive atmosphere for those caring for loved one dealing with cancer, this group is for current cancer caregivers only. If you have lost a loved one to cancer, there are these groups available for support: Grief Support Groups in Reno If you have cancer, Renown offers the following support groups: Cancer Support Group Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Orientation Class Lymphedema Education & Risk Reduction Class * Virtual attendance is available. Link will be sent one day before meeting to email provided on registration.
Read More About Cancer Caregiver Support Group
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5Dec
This group is for all patients facing cancer. The meeting enables participants to share experiences and express feelings and concerns. All cancer patients, family members, survivors, and caregivers are welcome to attend. Meets weekly on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in person and virtually. For directions to Sierra Cafe 104, please use the following link: Campus and Parking Maps | Renown Health Click on the “Renown Regional Medical Center Visitor Guide” to download the PDF map. Sierra Cafe 104 is located on the 1st Floor of the Sierra Tower past the gift shop on the right as you enter the Sierra Cafe. Video enabled attendance available. You can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). A virtual invitation with instructions on how to connect will be sent via email the Wednesday before the meeting.
Read More About Cancer Support Group
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31Oct
This group is for all patients facing cancer. The meeting enables participants to share experiences and express feelings and concerns. All cancer patients, family members, survivors, and caregivers are welcome to attend. Meets weekly on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in person and virtually. For directions to Sierra Cafe 104, please use the following link: Campus and Parking Maps | Renown Health Click on the “Renown Regional Medical Center Visitor Guide” to download the PDF map. Sierra Cafe 104 is located on the 1st Floor of the Sierra Tower past the gift shop on the right as you enter the Sierra Cafe. Video enabled attendance available. You can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). A virtual invitation with instructions on how to connect will be sent via email the Wednesday before the meeting.
Read More About Cancer Support Group
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11Nov
Renown Institute for Cancer is teaming up with Renie Anderson, a trained and certified expert in cancer treatment side effect management. Attend this workshop in person at Renown Regional or virtually via Zoom to learn mind-body techniques to help reduce stress and fears while caring for your loved one going through treatment. There is relief in knowing you are not alone. This workshop includes: Identifying and talking about fears, resistance and frustrations. Creating end results to help them re-frame the discussion. Learning tools to help identify needs and wants; being able to ask for them so you can refuel and become more available to yourself and your loved ones for the long haul. Learning about the available options. There is no charge to attend this class. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device. To receive the Zoom link to connect to this workshop, please email Renie Anderson @ renieanderson@att.net
Read More About Journey Through Your Cancer and Beyond: Caregiver Workshop
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29May
This support group provides support, education, networking, and resource materials to caregivers coping with a loved one diagnosed with cancer. In effort to provide the most supportive atmosphere for those caring for loved one dealing with cancer, this group is for current cancer caregivers only. If you have lost a loved one to cancer, there are these groups available for support: Grief Support Groups in Reno If you have cancer, Renown offers the following support groups: Cancer Support Group Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Orientation Class Lymphedema Education & Risk Reduction Class *Virtual attendance is available. Link is sent one day before the meeting to email provided on registration.
Read More About Cancer Caregiver Support Group
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1Oct
Renown Institute for Cancer is teaming up with Renie Anderson, a trained and certified expert in cancer treatment side effect management. Attend this workshop in person at Renown Regional or virtually via Zoom to learn mind-body techniques to help you feel more connected and joyful in life as you move beyond cancer. This workshop includes: Emphasizing the importance of identifying resistance. Moving through resistance by understanding the concepts of acceptance and surrender. Identifying goals and visions. Creating action steps to help break patterns, to help you stay in a healthier mindset and feel more calm. There is no charge to attend this class. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device. To receive the Zoom link to connect to this workshop, please email Renie Anderson @ renieanderson@att.net
Read More About Cancer Support Virtual Workshop 3: Thrivorship – After Cancer Care
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1Oct
Renown Institute for Cancer is teaming up with Renie Anderson, a trained and certified expert in cancer treatment side effect management. Attend this workshop in person at Renown Regional or virtually via Zoom to learn mind-body techniques to help you feel more connected and joyful in life as you move beyond cancer. This workshop includes: Emphasizing the importance of identifying resistance. Moving through resistance by understanding the concepts of acceptance and surrender. Identifying goals and visions. Creating action steps to help break patterns, to help you stay in a healthier mindset and feel more calm. There is no charge to attend this class. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device. To receive the Zoom link to connect to this workshop, please email Renie Anderson @ renieanderson@att.net
Read More About Journey Beyond Your Cancer: Thrivorship Workshop
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10Oct
This group is for all patients facing cancer. The meeting enables participants to share experiences and express feelings and concerns. All cancer patients, family members, survivors, and caregivers are welcome to attend. Meets weekly on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in person and virtually. For directions to Sierra Cafe 104, please use the following link: Campus and Parking Maps | Renown Health Click on the “Renown Regional Medical Center Visitor Guide” to download the PDF map. Sierra Cafe 104 is located on the 1st Floor of the Sierra Tower past the gift shop on the right as you enter the Sierra Cafe. Video enabled attendance available. You can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). A virtual invitation with instructions on how to connect will be sent via email the Wednesday before the meeting.
Read More About Cancer Support Group
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19Dec
This group is for all patients facing cancer. The meeting enables participants to share experiences and express feelings and concerns. All cancer patients, family members, survivors, and caregivers are welcome to attend. Meets weekly on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in person and virtually. For directions to Sierra Cafe 104, please use the following link: Campus and Parking Maps | Renown Health Click on the “Renown Regional Medical Center Visitor Guide” to download the PDF map. Sierra Cafe 104 is located on the 1st Floor of the Sierra Tower past the gift shop on the right as you enter the Sierra Cafe. Video enabled attendance available. You can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). A virtual invitation with instructions on how to connect will be sent via email the Wednesday before the meeting.
Read More About Cancer Support Group
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