Audrain Medical Center’s Cancer Screening Program recognized at 49th Annual American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting

Audrain Medical Center, a Member of SSM Health Care, is pleased to announce that an abstract submitted to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) by Tonya Linthacum APRN, BC, FNP, Director of Health and Wellness Services at the J.B and Greeta B. Arthur Cancer Center and Shahid Waheed M.D., Oncologist/Hematologist and Medical Director of the Cancer Center has been selected for print publication at the ASCO annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois in June.

The abstract is titled “Twenty-five year anniversary of a successful rural community hospital, comprehensive cancer screening program”. It details the unique, hour long, comprehensive head-to-toe physical exams, and education of current cancer screening guidelines provided to men and women at AMC’s Cancer Screening Program.  

The abstract was one of over 4,400 received for review by the ASCO Scientific Committee.  Over 25,000 oncologists and oncology health care practitioners from around the world attend the four day conference. The abstract showcases the outstanding work done at AMC in the Cancer Screening Program. The program’s 25 year participation by patients includes 51,233 visits with a yearly return rate of 94% indicating high patient satisfaction and the thoroughness of the patient exams provided by the specially trained registered nurses. Since the inception of the program, 626 cancers have been detected with 1 breast cancer for every 41 women who participate in the program, most identified at early stages.

“AMC is very lucky to be a pioneer and recognized leader in the field of cancer prevention. It is an honor to have our abstract accepted at this premier oncology meeting and also to be able to highlight our Cancer Screening Services and the expertise and knowledge of the skilled professionals working in our cancer prevention program,” stated Dr. Waheed.

As a leading cancer organization, ASCO is dedicated to improving cancer care and prevention and ensuring that all patients with cancer receive the highest care. More than 23,000 oncology health care practitioners belong to ASCO. AMC’s cancer screening program, in line with ASCO’s mission, takes a comprehensive approach to helping patients prevent cancer and detect it at the very early stages by utilizing a strong foundation in education and health promotion.  The conclusion of the abstract indicated that “comprehensive screening programs are effective at decreasing cancer mortality and morbidity through education, prevention, and early detection.”

For more information about AMC’s Health and Wellness Services or Cancer Screening Services, call 573-582-8800 or visit the web site www.AudrainMedicalCenter.com.