The Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Program is extremely active in providing ongoing community outreach in the greater Fort Wayne area and surrounding counties. Efforts focus on education, awareness and screening tests to promote cancer prevention and early detection – diagnosing cancers when they are most treatable.
Educational programs
Staff nurses and cancer specialists regularly present educational programs to businesses, organizations and schools. Educational presentations reach more than 500 middle- and high-school students each year with important information on topics such as prevention and detection of skin, lung, oral and breast cancers.
Each year, the cancer center hosts a symposium for healthcare professionals and a community forum for the general public highlighting a specific kind of cancer. These presentations provide information on risk factors, treatment options and technological advances in treatment and research for a particular type of cancer. Prevention tips are emphasized at the community forum. Keynote speakers include respected practitioners in their respective fields; in 2008, a nationally known breast cancer surgeon – who became a breast cancer survivor – shared her personal experiences and professional perspective on treatment.
Partnerships
Parkview is committed to partnerships with other cancer support agencies that focus on awareness, education, advocacy, early detection and research. Working closely with agencies such as the American Cancer Society, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, and the Fort Wayne African-American Cancer Alliance enables us to improve the coordination of services to the community. Collaboration with Vera Bradley Designs, Inc., and other companies involved in cancer awareness and fundraising activities enables the cancer center to further extend its reach.
Screening tests and health fairs
Staff members provide an abundance of consumer-oriented health information at:
- Community health fairs, such as Healthy Cities, Focus on Health and Fort4Fitness
- Company health fairs
- Cooperative programs with organizations such
as Neighborhood Health Clinics
The cancer center also coordinates screening initiatives:
- Prostate cancer – An annual prostate cancer screening event encourages men to have their PSA levels tested by providing on-site blood tests and follow-up through the Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Colorectal cancer – In cooperation with the Community Health Improvement Program of the Parkview Hospital Foundation, the Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center distributes thousands of free home test kits to area residents each year.
- Mammography – The center is a partner with Francine’s Friends in providing mobile mammography services for women close to their home or workplace.
- Skin cancer – Free skin cancer screenings are offered from time to time. In spring 2009, the center hosted a community forum on melanoma, providing free visual inspections by a board-certified dermatologist before the presentation.