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That is the first thing the folks over at Providence Hospital will tell you about our state's number one killer. This Sunday, the hospital will officially, publicly display their new fight against cancer. The new cancer center aims to lower death statistics and provide more treatment options. It's a way Alaskans won't have to leave home as often for treatment.
CBS 11 News brings you these cancer stories on the 11th of every month. It's part of our station commitment to do our part to win the cancer battle.
Well ironically, today is my birthday. After cancer, birthdays take on a completely different meaning. After you're part of the club, you're thankful for the doctors and thankful for resources they have to treat you that keep you celebrating those birthdays year after year.
While there are many resources available, for Alaskans, getting access to many treatments meant leaving the state. So now, Providence officials are opening their new cancer center. It's designed with the idea of keeping many more of us here to celebrate birthdays.
"We had tremendous community support very quickly. And that's very, very important, that community support," said cancer survivor, Linda Webber.
That community support is part of what three-time Anchorage breast and ovarian cancer survivor Webber, and her husband Leon say, along with treatment, helped her survive.
"A feeling of healing," said Linda Webber.
It is
"We were one of several hundred they talked to. And they implemented those suggestions, so I think the key is this is patient-directed. Which we really interesting to see that work in such an incredible undertaking here," said Linda's husband, Leon Webber.
There are more than 250 patients and families to be exact. These are Alaskans who were touched by cancer sometime in the past ten years.
"So it was important to hear what was missing. What worked for them when they were diagnosed. What was good. What was positive. What was difficult. And then shape those programs. And we kept checking back with a number of patients and families in that process to say, 'Do we have this down? Is this what we heard you saying?' So much so, to the point where we had them picking out colors for the building," said Providence Cancer Program Director Judy Dirkheising.
Think of it as one-stop shopping.
No longer do cancer patients have
"There will always be some need to leave Alaska for something. But the vast majority of everything should be able to be treated here," said Dirkheising.
"The fear and anxiety and the energy it takes to go from one place to another. The fears about money, when you're diagnosed, your insurance is going to cover. If you're going to be debilitated long term. If you're not going to be able to work," said Linda Webber.
- The center features more specialized cancer physicians and other cancer professionals.
- - The latest radiation technology.
- - A comprehensive infusion center where staff are trained in a variety of chemotherapy, biotherapy and blood products.
- - Navigators for one-on-one-guidance.
- - Genetic counseling.
- - A resource center for community education.
- - And then the Susan Butcher Family Center, providing children and teens support, whose loved ones have cancer.
"I feel like it adds a sense of excitement and liveliness and openness and comfort," said Linda Webber.
If you want a look for yourself at the Providence Cancer Center, they're having an open house this Sunday (1/13/08) from one to four.
To contact Matthew, call 907-273-3186.
