Cancer is most successfully treated when it is detected in its earliest possible stages, as evidenced by our five-year survival data illustrated below. The Prevention and Wellness Program at St. Clair regularly offers screenings, seminars and classes for members of the community who are interested in reducing their risk of cancer by living a healthy lifestyle.
Survival Rates: St. Clair Hospital's five-year survival data for 1999-2003:
| Breast | 78.1% | 79.9% | 78.1% |
| Prostate | 80.4% | 80.9% | 77.9% |
| Lung | 19.2% | 11.4% | 10.5% |
| Colon | 49.8% | 46.1% | 43.5% |
| Rectum | 53.7% | 49.5% | 48.2% |
| Bladder | 49.1% | 53.1% | 50.6% |
The Cancer Center at St. Clair offers a number of outpatient diagnostic, treatment and support services needed by cancer patients. An increasing amount of cancer care is provided on an outpatient basis in our Infusion Center. This department is composed of all Registered Nurses (RN), several of whom are oncology certified (OCN) as well as certified intravenous therapy nurses (CRNI). Chemotherapy is only one of the many treatments these IV Specialists are able to provide. They treat patients having all diagnoses. Some of the treatments they provide are blood transfusions, antibiotic therapy, injections, PICC line insertions, phlebotomies, accessing and care of implantable ports, and they also provide support for intravenous therapy throughout the hospital.
Our Breast Care Program is now available to both inpatients and outpatients. It provides the resources needed to help "navigate the system." Services under this program include:
- Prevention/early detection resources
- State-of-the art diagnostic procedures
- Treatment options
- Available counseling
- Lymphedema therapy
- IMAGE EXCHANGE support services
The Cancer Center at St. Clair Hospital has a 26-bed dedicated oncology unit staffed with professionals who are specially-trained in cancer care. Caring for families is a key part of the mission of the Cancer Center, and our oncology unit is equipped with a family kitchen and a lounge. Visiting hours are 24-hours a day.
The Oncology Resource Center and Family Room also is located within the unit. This library is equipped with up-to-date materials, including books, pamphlets, relaxation tapes, videos and a variety of other information for patients and their families.
The Palliative Care Service is a Hospital-wide service sponsored by the Cancer Center. Palliative Care Service is a unique program which strives to maximize quality of life for patients with chronic and/or advanced diseases, regardless of life expectancy. Our program uses the multidisciplinary resources of the physician, nurse, social worker, pharmacist, spiritual counselor, and other appropriate disciplines to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for those in which a cure is no longer possible.
Our commitment is to emphasize compassion and state-of-the-art medical care for patients with incurable and often life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care complements many aspects of disease-directed care, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer as well as symptoms or problems associated with advanced liver, heart, kidney, rheumatologic, vascular or neurological diseases. We will work closely with the physician to coordinate and complement medical care.
- Maintaining comfort
- Maximizing quality of life
- Ensuring dignity, respect, autonomy
- Providing support and education for patients, families and other caregivers
This service is available at no cost to the patient. Upon discharge, care is coordinated to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home. Call 412-942-5082 for additional information.
The Cancer Rehabilitation Program at St. Clair Hospital offers patients a customized plan of care that addresses their specific health concerns, such as issues related to functional decline, nausea, pain and endurance.
The program offers three levels of care: intensive inpatient rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation.
Program components include:
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Nutritional and medication counseling
- Exercise programs and massage therapy
- Pastoral care and outpatient support/group therapy
