2014A N N U A L R E P O R T

B A S E D O N 2 0 1 3 D A T A

Table of ContentsOverview 1Treatment 2Services 4Accreditations 7Key Accomplishments 8Clinical Trials 10Cancer Conferences 10Cancer Committee 11Registry Data and Study 13Patient Survivor Story 16Partnerships 17Photographic Year in Review 18Resource Directory 19

WelcomeWe are pleased to share CaroMont Health’s 2014 Cancer Program Annual Report highlighting the state-of-the-art cancer care provided to our patients and families. At CaroMont Health, we strive for more than just the highest ratings, we hope to provide the best possible cancer care in our community. We are proud to highlight our accomplishments and strategic initiative implementations from the past year.

Cancer can happen to anyone. Regardless of where patients are in their cancer journey, CaroMont Health is ready to assist in making the best possible decisions about their diagnosis and treatment. We continue to embrace the future and make strides in cancer prevention, education, treatment and survivorship.

In 2014, CaroMont Health launched the CaroMont Genetic Services program. Cancer genetics is the study of hereditary and familial cancer, and can help identify those at risk of developing cancer due to familial genetic predispositions. Genetic Services includes both genetic counseling and genetic testing. Genetic Counseling is used to identify those at increased cancer risk to promote awareness, early detection and prevention. Genetic Testing utilizes blood, saliva and tissue testing to detect genetic disorders. The results are used to create a plan of care addressing those genetic propensities.

This past year has also seen a continuation and growth of the CT Lung Cancer screening program. This program, funded by a generous grant from the CaroMont Health Foundation, offers low-dose CT scans at a reduced cost to detect lung cancer in current and former smokers.

CaroMont Health provides quality care thanks to the extensive team of health care professionals in the Cancer Program. Our team includes board-certified physicians, nurses, technologists, therapists, and many others who have dedicated their careers to the care and treatment of the patients we are privileged to serve.

On behalf of our team and their hard work, it is with pleasure we present the 2014 Cancer Program Annual Report for CaroMont Health, the Cancer Care Committee and the communities we serve.

In Good Health!

Michael Gaslin, MD, Chairman, CaroMont Cancer CommitteeRick Varterasian, Director, Oncology Service Line

Michael Gaslin, MD

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OverviewMissionAt CaroMont Cancer Center, it is our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve by providing high-quality, timely, compassionate oncology services that are nationally-recognized and accredited.

PromiseAt CaroMont Cancer Center, our promise is to provide excellent care. The physicians and professional staff of the CaroMont Cancer Center take pride in providing the very best care for you and consider it a privilege to provide your treatments.

HistoryThe CaroMont Cancer Center was established in 1989 on the campus of CaroMont Regional Medical Center to address the need for comprehensive cancer services in Gaston County. Since then, the program has grown significantly in staff and technology, and recently expanded into neighboring Lincoln County.

Founded on the principle of providing high-quality, convenient care to our community, CaroMont Cancer Center continues to follow our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve.

About CaroMont Cancer ProgramThe CaroMont Cancer Center provides an overall system-of-care approach to the treatment of cancer. This includes prevention, early detection, education, treatment, follow up, symptom management and patient survivorship services. We focus on a patient-centric approach to cancer care, which places the patient and their family at the heart of decision making and treatment planning.

Our highly-responsive team of physicians and staff members initiate care in a coordinated manner with other necessary support services provided in the community. Our patients benefit from sophisticated technology and expertise, as well as a unique healing environment designed for wellness, hope and possibilities.

We understand that patients prefer to stay close to home when receiving cancer treatment. That’s why we offer nationally-accredited cancer care…in your community.

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TreatmentRadiation TherapyRadiation therapy is one of the most effective weapons in the war against cancer and is given as part of an initial treatment plan if necessary or as a means to lessen or control symptoms, such as cancer-related pain. This rapidly changing field, with several evolving technologies, offers the most advanced, precise and sophisticated cancer treatments available.

CaroMont Cancer Center uses a targeted therapy approach that utilizes specific treatment to limit side effects. CaroMont Cancer Center therapies include TrueBeam™ Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery (SBRT), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Breast MammoSite® and Brachytherapy.

This advanced technology is available at our two locations: CaroMont Regional Medical Center and Lincoln Cancer Center. The treatment is highly technical and requires special personnel such as radiation oncologists, Dosimetrists, Radiation Therapists and Medical Physicists.

The Radiation Oncology program is nationally accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

SurgeryCaroMont Health has highly-trained, board-certified surgeons on staff to address the surgical needs associated with cancer treatment plans. These surgeons work closely with care teams to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Depending on the type of cancer, a patient could see one of the following: Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgeon, General Surgeon, Colorectal Surgeon, Fellowship-trained Breast Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon or Urologist.

Medical Oncology and HematologyTreatment may also involve medical oncology and CaroMont Cancer Center’s accredited program offers compassionate care from board-certified medical oncologists.

CaroMont Cancer Center offers convenient on-site access to inpatient and outpatient infusion services. A specially-trained team of nurses provide chemotherapy and other systemic treatments in local physician offices, CaroMont Cancer Center or the Outpatient Infusion Center.

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Treatment (continued)

Medical Oncology Unit CaroMont Regional Medical Center’s Medical Oncology Unit is focused on meeting the special needs of cancer patients. The nursing staff is comprised of Registered Nurses who have been specifically trained through the Oncology Nursing Society to administer chemotherapy and manage the care of patients receiving cancer therapies. Many have achieved national nursing certification in Oncology (OCN).

Infusion CenterAs with the Medical Oncology Unit, our Registered Nurses have extensive infusion therapy experience, and many have received certification in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration through the Oncology Nursing Society. These nurses work collaboratively with physicians to address patient emotional and physical needs during treatment. Treatment is provided in private areas with reclining chairs, televisions and easy access from the parking deck.

A sample of the services offered in the Infusion Center include: � Administration of intravenous medications and chemotherapy � Administration of blood and blood component therapy � Administration of hydration and antiemetics

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ServicesCaroMont Cancer Center recognizes that cancer can affect every aspect of a person’s life and the journey can be very challenging for the patient and their loved ones. CaroMont Cancer Center offers a number of support services to assist patients physically, psychologically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

CaroMont Comprehensive Breast CenterWithout leaving the community, breast cancer patients benefit from a personalized plan of treatment recommendations from a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons.

In ONE visit, newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients receive: � A comprehensive evaluation � A discussion of the diagnostic and/or treatment options � A personalized plan of treatment recommendations � An assessment for clinical trial eligibility � A meeting with a nurse navigator

Genetic Services ProgramThe Genetic Services Program provides individualized and comprehensive cancer risk assessment, counseling and testing to patients and their families.

Nutritional Counseling Nutrition services for cancer patients and survivors with expert advice from a registered dietitian with special training in oncology.

Palliative Care Many people with chronic illness suffer symptom burden that impacts their quality of life. In an effort to improve the care of patients, CaroMont Regional Medical Center provides the services of the Quality Life Care team. One of our goals is to help patients with the elimination or lessening of their symptoms. The team works to create a plan of care that is individualized for the patient and incorporates cultural and spiritual needs.

Pastoral CareChaplains are available to support cancer patients, families and friends in making use of faith or spiritual values to work through the challenges of cancer. Pastoral Care may include conversation, prayer, liturgy, worship, sacraments, scripture reading, reflection and program referral. The pastoral care service is interfaith, personal and specific for the individual and family in need. The William McKinley Roberts Memorial Chapel is located on the first floor off of the main lobby of CaroMont Regional Medical Center and is open for personal meditation 24 hours a day.

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Services (continued)

Navigation Services Nurse Navigators are professional nurses who have experience working with cancer patients and understand how challenging the journey can be. The goal of the Nurse Navigator is to make sure that the comprehensive and varied cancer care services offered through CaroMont Cancer Center and the community are accessible to all patients. CaroMont Cancer Center currently offers Nurse Navigation services for Breast, Lung and Colon cancer, as well as survivorship care.

These Navigators are here to simplify the journey and to be the one person patients can always call with a question. They also help patients and caregivers know what to expect from various procedures and treatments.

Gaston Hospice CaroMont’s Gaston Hospice cares for people who have a life-limiting illness that is no longer responding to curative treatment. Hospice care enables these patients to live at home as fully as possible.

Since 1981, the highly experienced staff and volunteers have dedicated themselves to providing the most compassionate and highest quality hospice care for your loved one and you. Hospice also provides services at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Robin Johnson Hospice House and local long-term care facilities.

To learn more, please visit www.gastonhospice.org.

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Services (continued)

P.R.I.D.E. Program - Oncology Wellness ProgramPower to Recover through Individualized Development and Exercise.

P.R.I.D.E. is a wellness program designed to assist cancer survivors in managing the physical, social, psychological and spiritual side effects of cancer treatment.

The program, developed by the CaroMont Health and Fitness Center and the Cancer Center, provides both physical exercise and lecture-style educational presentations during treatment or post-treatment.

The goals of P.R.I.D.E. include: � Reducing fatigue � Maintaining or improving strength and endurance � Decrease risk of depression � Increasing Independence for normal activities � Improving quality of life � Educating and informing patients

P.R.I.D.E.C A N C E R W E L L N E S S P R O G R A M

Power to Recover through Individualized Development and Exercise

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AccreditationsCaroMont Health and CaroMont Cancer Center are proud to be recognized and accredited by a number of renowned professional healthcare organizations, including:

American College of Surgeons (ACOS) - Commission on Cancer

National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Radiation Oncology Program

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

College of American Pathologists

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

American College of Radiology’s CT Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s Mammography Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s MRI Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s Nuclear Medicine Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s PET/CT Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s Ultrasound Accreditation Program

American College of Radiology’s Breast Center of Excellence

Member of the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). The ACCC is a recognized leader and premier provider of resources for the cancer centers. ACCC serves as an education and advocacy organization for the entire cancer team.

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2014 Key AccomplishmentsGenetic Services at CaroMont Health

CaroMont Health is pleased to announce its new Genetic Services Program provided through the CaroMont Cancer Center. This new program offers patients and their families a comprehensive model of patient-centered and personalized care.

Cancer genetics studies hereditary and familial cancer that can aid in improving treatment options for individuals already diagnosed with cancer and serve as a guide in determining early methods of prevention for those who have been identified with an increased risk for cancer.

Cancer can sometimes develop in individuals as the result of a genetic predisposition that runs in their family. By identifying inherited cancer syndromes, at-risk individuals and their health care providers can implement targeted, individualized lifestyle modifications, screening recommendations, and preventive or therapeutic treatment options to improve outcomes.

The demand for genetic testing continues to increase. Genetic disorders are detected from laboratory collections taken from an individual’s blood, saliva or other tissues, and based on these results, patients and their health care providers work together to create a customized plan of care that addresses their risk factors.

In continuing with CaroMont Health’s multidisciplinary cancer care, Genetic Services provides individualized cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and testing to patients and their families.

In May, CaroMont welcomed Ashley Migliaro, MS, Genetic Counselor to the program. In her role, Migliaro meets with individuals and families to help them understand their potential risk and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process combines family and medical history interpretation with education about heredity, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. Counseling also helps individuals with an increased risk for cancer to promote awareness, early detection and cancer prevention, as well those already diagnosed with cancer to guide treatment and follow-up options.

There are many known inherited cancer susceptibility genes associated with various cancers, including breast, ovarian, colon and uterine. CaroMont’s genetic counselor is equipped with the knowledge and tools to assist in testing recommendations and can help determine if testing is needed. She also helps communicate complex science into understandable, practical decision-making information for the patient.

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2014 Key AccomplishmentsCT Lung Screening Program Continues

In August 2013, CaroMont Health welcomed fellowship-trained Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Alec Akbarov, MD, PhD, FACS, to its medical staff as Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Director of Thoracic Surgery for CaroMont Heart.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involving surgical treatment for diseases affecting organs in the chest, generally conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Dr. Akbarov has grown his practice assisting patients diagnosed with a number of conditions, including heart disease and lung cancer.

As a key advocate for the CT Lung Screening program, Dr. Akbarov has helped grow the program in its second year. Made possible by a generous grant from the CaroMont Health Foundation, this program provides low-cost CT screening to current and former smokers who meet certain criteria. The hope is to inform these people of their risk of developing cancer in the future and to catch early-stage cancers before they grow and spread.

The CT Lung screening program tested 87 people in 2013, detecting three cancers. In 2014, the number of people tested increased to 118, two of whom were diagnosed with cancer. As the second most diagnosed cancer at CaroMont Health, we continue to focus on lung health and tobacco-related illnesses and conditions by expanding the Quit Smart smoking cessation program and educating the public on the dangers of tobacco.

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Clinical TrialsClinical trials are strictly-controlled studies of new and emerging therapies. These studies test whether a new drug, prevention strategy or screening option is safe and effective for patients.

CaroMont Cancer Center is part of a consortium of North Carolina cancer centers with access to a wide variety of clinical trials sponsored by government organizations such as the National Cancer Institute. Our program allows patients to take part in clinical trials dedicated to treating many types of cancer. Patients receive highly-specialized care from clinicians and are among the first to benefit from new treatments.

In 2013, 4% of the new cancer patients at CaroMont Health were enrolled in clinical trials related to cancer prevention, cancer diagnosis, cancer screening, cancer treatment, cancer quality of life or cancer tissue studies. Many of our clinical trial patients continue to be followed, having been enrolled in clinical trials in the past, which also contributes greatly to science and the most up-to-date cancer care.

CaroMont Cancer ConferencesCancer Conferences are a key component to the multidisciplinary approach of a Commission on Cancer accredited Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program.

In 2014, CaroMont Health held both General Cancer Conference and a Breast Cancer-specific conference.

Cancer Conferences bring physicians of multiple disciplines into one room to discuss recently diagnosed cases, difficult cases and cases of interest in a prospective manner. This approach enables the treating physician to discuss patient care with a broad spectrum of specialties. Discussions include patient medical history, diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, stage of disease at diagnosis, treatment options including palliative care, pain management and survival outcomes.

Physicians and health care professionals are welcome to attend these meetings that enhance patient care. All CaroMont Health medical staff are encouraged to submit cases to the cancer registry for presentation.

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Cancer CommitteeThe Cancer Committee is the designated multidisciplinary body for the administrative oversight, development and review of cancer care services at CaroMont Health.

The Committee is comprised of representatives of primary and specialty care physicians, as well as hospital team members involved in the care of cancer patients. The multidisciplinary Committee meets at least quarterly to review and evaluate the quality and direction of the overall cancer program, and makes recommendations for improvement.

The Committee includes board-certified physicians from surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology and pathology, along with a cancer liaison physician, clinical research manager, pain control/palliative care specialist and representatives from administration, nursing, social services, cancer registry and quality assurance. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Services of Gaston County are also active and represented on the Committee.

The Committee is charged with providing leadership to plan, initiate and assess the institution’s cancer-related activities in accordance with the Commission on Cancer requirements for cancer program accreditation.

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Cancer Committee MembershipRequired Physician Members Specialty

Michael Gaslin, MD Chairman / Surgeon

Robert Doline, MD Cancer Liaison Physician

Lia Spina, MD Cancer Conference Coordinator

Doug Johnson, MD Diagnostic Radiologist

Steve Tracy, MD Pathologist

Steve Yates, MD Medical Oncologist

Charles Meakin, MD Radiation Oncologist

Rick Varterasian Director, Oncology Service Line

Todd Friday, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC Manager, Inpatient Oncology & Infusion

Peggy Blackburn Director, Post-Acute Services

Lisa Ganem, CTR Certified Tumor Registrar

Yiskah Simons, RN Oncology Quality Coordinator (Quality Improvement Coordinator)

Kaye Grubaugh, RN, Quality of Life Coordinator Palliative Care

Tammy Cozad, RN Clinical Research (Clinical Research Coordinator)

Heather Griffin, MA, LPC, NCC Oncology Counselor (Psychosocial Services Coordinator)

Margie Owenby Oncology Program Coordinator (Community Outreach Coordinator)

Ashley Migliaro, MS Genetic Counselor

James McGrath, MD Medical Oncologist

William Charles, MD Medical Oncologist

Sandy Schultz, MD General Surgeon

Paula Lundgren, MD Breast Surgeon

Alec Akbarov, MD Thoracic Surgeon

Michael Case, MD Medical Director, Gaston Hospice

Robert Waterhouse, MD Urologist

William Barrett, MD Surgeon

Beverly Wood Oncology Nutritionist

Mike Molby Director, Pharmacy

Janet Brightman Director, Outpatient Rehabilitation

Kari Klamut American Cancer Society

Steve Lemons Director, Pastoral Care

Bonnie Faust, RN Vice President, Patient Care Services

Kathleen Besson Chief Operating Officer

Robin Smith, NP Oncology Clinical Manager

Stephanie Roberts Executive Director, Cancer Services of Gaston County

Richard Lahm Executive Director, Gaston Hospice

Janice Hill, RN 5 South - Clinical Manager

Amy Whisnant, RN Director, Peri-operative Services

Deanna Roe Director, Medical Imaging

Ashley Cloninger, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator

Kim Hughes, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator

Donna Neil, RN Oncology Survivorship Navigator

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CaroMont Cancer Registry DataThe Cancer Registry is an essential component of the CaroMont Health Cancer Program. The Cancer Registry staff works closely with the Cancer Committee to maintain accreditation as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

Responsibilities of the registry include the accurate and timely collection of information on cancer diagnosed and/or treated at CaroMont Health, as well as the management and analysis of this data. The information collected, such as demographics, anatomic site, tests, treatment and extent of disease, has multiple uses which include outcome reporting, patient care reviews, physician education, clinical research and hospital planning.

The data collected by the Cancer Registry is electronically submitted to the State of North Carolina and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). This allows comparative analysis with other hospitals or databases. Data analysis for specific sites can be done to compare elements to other published state, regional or national data. This information provides the cancer program benchmarking opportunities to patterns of patient care and survival.

CaroMont Health 2013 Cancer Cases

Top Four Tumor Sites

All Other42.39%

Colon/Rectum8%

Prostate8.79%

Lung16.82%

Breast24%

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CaroMont Cancer Registry DataPrimary Site Table - 2013

Primary Site Total Gender AJCC Stage Group

Male Female 0 I II III IV NA UNK % Total

Breast 284 6 278 56 134 65 16 6 0 7 24

Lung 199 102 97 0 34 24 47 92 0 2 16.82

Prostate 104 104 0 0 10 80 8 3 0 3 8.79

Colon/Rectum 100 44 56 0 15 24 30 26 0 5 8

Urinary Bladder 55 37 18 21 19 6 3 5 0 1 4.65

Lymphoma 49 26 23 0 9 7 16 9 6 2 4

Kidney 42 25 17 0 34 3 1 3 0 1 3.55

Brain/Spinal Cord/Nervous System

40 13 27 0 0 0 0 0 40 0 3

Lip Oral Cavity Pharynx

28 21 7 0 3 1 5 16 0 3 2.37

Pancreas 27 19 8 0 2 6 4 15 0 0 2.28

Melanoma skin 23 14 9 6 4 4 3 2 0 4 1.94

Corpus Uteri 21 0 21 0 10 3 3 2 0 3 1.78

Liver 20 16 4 0 3 3 1 7 1 5 1.69

Esophagus 20 15 5 0 6 2 3 7 0 2 1.69

Thyroid 19 6 13 0 9 2 3 1 0 4 1.61

Larynx 16 13 3 2 5 1 2 6 0 0 1.35

Cervix 15 0 15 0 2 4 4 3 0 2 1.27

Leukemia 14 6 8 0 0 0 0 1 13 0 1

Other Urinary 9 5 4 6 1 1 0 0 1 0 0.76

Other Male Genital 9 9 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 1 0.76

Stomach 9 5 4 0 1 2 1 4 0 1 0.76

Soft Tissue 5 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0.42

Other Female Genital 4 0 4 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0.34

Other Skin 3 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0.25

Ovary 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.25

Anus 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0.25

Small Intestine 3 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0.25

Other 32 13 19 0 0 1 2 1 25 3 3

Unknown Sites 27 17 10 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 2.28

Totals 1183 523 660 93 307 244 155 213 115 56 100.00

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2014 Quality StudyColonoscopy Follow-up William Barrett, MDCaroMont Surgical Associates

Objective:The study objective is to ensure that all colon cancer patients cancer who were surgically resected obtain a colonoscopy one year post surgery as indicated in the national treatment guidelines.

Methodology:A retrospective review of CaroMont Cancer Registry data for calendar years 2012 and 2013 was performed. Abstracts of colon patients treated with surgical resection were reviewed. Medical records were reviewed to assess colonoscopy compliance one year post operatively.

Study Population:Surgically resected colon cancer patients diagnosed in 2012 and 2013.

Conclusions:65% of patients returned for a colonoscopy. 36% of patients participated in the navigation program during active treatment. However, colon cancer navigation services were not available until July 2013. And survivorship navigation was not available until 2014.

Recommendations:All patients receive a survivorship care plan at the end of treatment. A component of the survivorship care plan is colonoscopy follow up as recommended by the national guidelines. The continued role of the survivorship navigator is to ensure colonoscopy follow up compliance as ordered in their care plan. Monthly compliance reports are submitted to Dr. Barrett for review.

Patients Who Return for a ColonoscopyAfter Colon Cancer Treatment

Patients Who Participated in Navigation Services During Active Treatment

Navigation67

No Navigation37

Colonoscopy68

No Colonoscopy33

William Barrett, MD

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Patient Survivor StoryOne Man’s Life-Saving PrescriptionRalph Cline remembers 2012 as a significant year. It was the year that one of his daughters was married. It was the year his first grandchild was born. It was the year he lost his father to cancer. And, it was a year that seemed to fly past as he dealt with his responsibilities at work as a pharmacist. With so much happening, Cline continued to put off getting his colonoscopy. Being 54 at the time, Cline was four years beyond the recommended age to get screened for colorectal cancer, so he thought, “What difference would a few more months make?”

Current screening guidelines strongly suggest that all men and women should have regular screening for colorectal cancer from the age of 50 until the age of 75. Colorectal cancer begins either in the colon or rectum, and is the third most common cause of cancer death among men and women in the U.S. However, routine screening among symptom-free individuals can lower the risk for developing colon cancer. Early detection is the key to addressing cancer when it is highly treatable.

“My primary care physician asked at my yearly physical to have a colonoscopy, and I agreed it was time to have my first one,” said Cline. “I felt putting the colonoscopy off for a few years would not make a difference since I had no issues.”

In April 2013, Cline finally made a colonoscopy appointment. After the procedure was over, he waited to hear the results. When the doctor stepped into the exam room, he told Cline that he had found four lesions, three of which he was able to remove. However, a biopsy on the larger lesion showed precancerous cells, meaning it could eventually turn into cancer and would need surgery to remove it.

That May, Cline underwent a Laparoscopic Colectomy to remove the polyp and roughly two feet of his intestines, an aggressive approach taken to avoid the need for a second surgery. Following the surgery, a second biopsy of the polyp revealed cancerous cells, and he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

(continued on next page)

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Patient Survivor Story (continued)

In late June, Cline started a six-month chemotherapy process at CaroMont Cancer Center. He continued to work through his chemo treatments, only missing work on the day of his infusion. He doesn’t recall experiencing any residual effect from the chemo, which he attributes to staying hydrated and eating small meals throughout the day to avoid nausea. With his pharmacy background, he says he knew what to expect from a technical perspective, though people respond differently to treatment. In December, Ralph successfully completed his cancer therapy.

“I feel great,” said Ralph. “I felt great before, but I found out that feeling great does not always reveal what may be happening inside your body.”

Individuals who are at higher risk for the disease, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should be screened from the age of 40 or at 10 years before the age their family member was at diagnosis, whichever is earlier. So, Ralph’s daughter decided to get screened, too, and both of Ralph’s brothers decided to have a colonoscopy as an added precaution.

“I’m now a big advocate for early screening,” said Ralph. “Go get your colonoscopy done. If you can catch it before it spreads, it makes a big difference.”

PartnershipsCaroMont Cancer Center partners with the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Cancer Services of Gaston County, and many other local, regional and national organizations to further enhance and support our mission.

We actively seek local and national cancer care partners to bolster our strengths and better enable us to carry out the vision of CaroMont Health. Continuous improvement is not a solo performance. It requires an orchestrated effort, and we are eager to team up with organizations that can boost quality, help control costs and provide opportunities to promote community wellness.

We are proud of our cancer care partnerships in the community and the outreach programs in which we participate. Our dedicated medical professionals and volunteers contribute many hours to the community and participate in many different health events.

From our support and involvement in CaroMont Health free screenings, to volunteering in our community, wellness events and educational classes, the Cancer Program is proud to participate in these activities because of their value to our community.

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2014 Prostate Cancer Screening

2014 Charlotte Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

2014 CaroMont Cancer Center Golf Classic

Strike Out Cancer NightGastonia Grizzlies

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Resource DirectoryCancer Center 704.834.2944Cancer Registry 704.834.4375CaroMont Comprehensive Breast Clinic 704.834.3540 CaroMont Health 704.834.2000CaroMont Heart 704.834.3278Clinical Research 704.834.2810Gaston Hospice 704.861.8405 Genetic Counseling 704.834.3671Inpatient Oncology Unit 704.834.3200Inpatient Palliative Care 704.834.3403Lincoln Cancer Center 704.735.6637 Medical Imaging (Radiology) 704.671.5300Oncology Nutritional Services 704.834.3966Outpatient Infusion Center 704.834.3545Pastoral Care 704.834.2888Patient Navigation 704.834.3576P.R.I.D.E. Program 704.671.7930Radiation Oncology 704.834.2944 Survivorship Navigation Program 704.834.2480Volunteer Services 704.834.2256

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