Twenty-five year anniversary of a successful rural, community hospital, comprehensive cancer screening program.

Abstract

e12569 Background: A 25 year successful comprehensive cancer screening program at a rural community hospital in Mexico, MO, USA, provides a multi-organ cancer detection clinic for asymptomatic women over age of 35. Methods: The Screening Program consists of a Medical Director, day to day oversight by a Family Nurse Practitioner, with nurse practitioner and specialty trained registered nurse examiners. This multi-organ screening program focuses on breast, colon, skin, cervical and prostate cancer early detection. One-hour screening exams for women include detailed cancer risk assessment, prevention education, head-to-toe physical exams including an examination of the skin, clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic and Pap test. Additionally, site-specific exams of the abdomen, thyroid, peripheral lymph nodes and rectum are conducted. Male exams include a physical examination of the skin, abdomen, peripheral lymph nodes, thyroid, external genital, digital rectal exam of the prostate and PSA blood education. For all tobacco users, the screening includes an oral examination. Extensive education is provided to participants on prevention modalities, current screening guidelines, and new research findings. Detected abnormalities are referred to the patient’s primary care physician for follow up. A phone call to the patient and the primary care provider four to six weeks after the initial exam obtains the results of the referral visit. Results: 25-year participation rates total 51,223 visits with a ratio of 1 male to 19 females. Return rates over the past year were 94%. 626 cancers have been detected since the inception of the program with 1 breast cancer for every 41 women participating, most identified at early stages. Over 2,500 participants, with a 95% satisfaction rating, from 48 Missouri counties, as well as 21 states of the nation are seen annually for cancer screening. Conclusions: Comprehensive screening programs are effective at decreasing cancer mortality and morbidity through education, prevention, and early detection. Nurse run clinics offer a satisfying, cost effective alternate approach, while continuing to provide competent expertise in the specialized field of cancer prevention.