Top Health Talk Questions
1. If my child was diagnosed with cancer, I would want to make sure they received the best care and treatment possible. How does MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center's services compare to other facilities in the U.S.?
According to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC), the national organization that sets the gold standard for cancer care, where a patient seeks care does impact their outcome. Members of the COC, including MeritCare, must reach and maintain standards of excellence in cancer care. One measure is participation in clinical trials. Member centers are required to have at least 4 percent of patients involved in trials; MeritCare has 15 percent. At any given time, MeritCare patients (children and adults) are participating in over 100 clinical trials (some are to prevent cancer, some are to treat cancer, and some are to manage a patient's symptoms). Research shows that facilities that offer clinical trials are better prepared to provide the most current treatment options.
The COC recently awarded MeritCare with an outstanding achievement award as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program (COMP); MeritCare is only one of 31 organizations in the nation to receive the award (for 2006), and the only facility in North Dakota in this category.
MeritCare Children's Hospital and Roger Maris Cancer Center are also participating member of Children's Oncology Group (COG). COG is the world's largest childhood cancer research organization, with the mission to cure childhood cancer. This ensures that your child will get state of the art treatment that is up-to-date and comparable to all major centers in the U.S.
2. How common is childhood cancer?
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every 333 Americans between birth and 20 years of age develops cancer.
3. How does MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center help children and their families cope with the psychological aspects of a cancer diagnosis?
MeritCare's cancer center takes a team approach to support children and families - a wide-range of professionals from medical and pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons to chaplains, psychologists and social workers help families cope with the stresses of a cancer diagnosis. The cancer center works closely with MeritCare Children's Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques in a uniquely designed, child-friendly environment. The professionals and atmosphere at the cancer center are key in helping children cope with the physical and psychological issues facing them as they battle cancer.
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Health Talk Highlights
MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center's pediatric oncology program and pediatric hematology/thrombosis program, in partnership with MeritCare Children's Hospital, provide the full range of services needed for inpatient and outpatient care.
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