FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAR. 20, 2009

CANCER RESOURCE CENTER SERVICES LEAD TO EARLIER CANCER DETECTION

A new program at St. John’s C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center is allowing clinicians to catch cancers earlier, which doctors hope will lead to increased survival chances for local cancer patients.  Beyond simply surviving, however, patients are better able to cope thanks to care coordinators who provide support information.  A newly hired financial counselor assists those in need of financial support.

Additional screenings have lead to quicker discovery and treatment of cancers.  Already in 2009, four skin cancers were found in 22 skin cancer screenings and there have been nine abnormal findings at 120 prostate screenings.  Additional screenings are planned in rural areas including Mountain View and Lebanon.

“Some people will drive over an hour to receive a screening, “said Sharon Davis, director of the St. John’s Breast Center.  This will cut down on patient’s drive time and increase the possibility for individuals to receive cancer screenings if the technology is easily accessible.”

Resource Center staff members have also distributed free nutritional supplements and smoking cessation aides.

Construction continues on a physical home for the Cancer Resource Center located inside the St. John’s C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center.  Meanwhile, patients are seeing the benefits, as screenings and other services are already available.

“The Cancer Resource Center will provide a central location where clinical expertise is coupled with educational, emotional, practical and spiritual support,” explained Dr. Gary Hoos, St. John’s Cancer Services medical director.  “During the various stages of treatment and recovery, cancer will disrupt not only the life of the patient, but the lives of their families.  The ever-growing population of cancer survivors requires a new approach and recourses to meet their needs.”

Funding to support the center is being provided in part by the family of the late C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly, a long-time community philanthropist and co-founder of O’Reilly Automotive.  Family members include Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly; Larry and Dr. Nancy O’Reilly; David O’Reilly; Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten and Kenna Lou O’Reilly.

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FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, CONTACT ST. JOHN’S MEDIA RELATIONS AT 417-820-2426 OR CORA.SCOTT@MERCY.NET