Multi-facet approach to cancer care

By Dr. Martin Wiesenfeld

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Finding the right and best possible health care is the first priority for anyone diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, that prognosis all too often sends many Iowans out of the community, seeking state-of-the-art cancer care at facilities such as the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

That exodus increases insurers' costs, thus raising insurance rates. It is also takes patients away from important support systems of family and friends that help sustain them as they undergo treatment, as well as the comfort and convenience of their home community. It also ignores the excellent medical care available in Cedar Rapids.

At Mercy Medical Center and Oncology Associates, we work as a health care team to ensure that the cancer treatment we provide is first-rate and patient-focused. We do not hesitate to consult outside cancer specialists in cases that require treatment techniques beyond the resources of our community.

Mercy Medical Center, Oncology Associates and St. Luke's Hospital through the Cedar Rapids Oncology Project have partnered with the Mayo Clinic-based North Central Cancer Treatment Group for 25 years in clinical research studies funded by the National Cancer Institute. Mercy also has long-standing working relationships with cancer specialists at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Mayo Clinic.

We carefully evaluate each patient to determine the appropriate care, collaborating with other facilities as needed. In bone marrow transplants, for example, we provide the detailed pre- and post-transplant care, partnering with Mayo or the University of Iowa for the actual transplant.

Our goals are to provide the best care possible, keep intact the patient's support base of family and be cost-effective, without compromise in the quality of treatment.

We celebrated the groundbreaking of Mercy's new Hall-Perrine Cancer Center this week. When it opens next year, we'll be better able to coordinate cancer treatment for most cancers, provide more support for our patients and families, and minimize travel time and cost.

By creating this one-stop facility, cancer care will be more efficient and patient-friendly. Patients can meet with their care team, all in one place, in one visit, shortening the time between diagnosis and treatment.

The name of the new Hall-Perrine Cancer Center recognizes more than 50 years of generosity and support for advanced cancer care in this community. We will respect and maintain that legacy.

Dr. Martin Wiesenfeld is Medical Director of Mercy's new Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and lead physician at Oncology Associates in Cedar Rapids. Comments: mwiesenfeld@mercycare.org