Every patient at the LCC benefits from a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses and other specialists work together to design treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique medical history, needs and preferences.

The LCC integrates cutting-edge technology and advanced therapies into its treatment options, making many of the latest cancer-fighting breakthroughs available to patients in Eastern Kentucky and the broader Central Appalachian region. As part of a small percentage of cancer centers nationwide offering clinical trials, the LCC can provide qualifying patients with access to new medications that are not yet widely available. These trials offer hope, particularly for those whose cancer has not responded to conventional treatments. Additionally, the center is equipped with leading-edge technology such as the Varian TruBeam Linear Accelerator with Brain Lab, allowing precise and highly effective radiation therapy.

Understanding that cancer impacts more than just the body, the LCC also focuses on the emotional and social well-being of its patients. Support services—including counseling, group therapy, art therapy and even personal care sessions—help patients and families find comfort and strength throughout their journey.

The center’s facilities are designed with patient comfort in mind. The 11th floor of the PMC Clinic building features 24 private chemotherapy suites with calming aesthetics and soothing sounds to create a healing environment. The proximity of the 11th-floor infusion area to the specialized oncology pharmacy safeguards that chemotherapy medications are prepared and delivered quickly and safely. By dedicating the 10th floor to physician office visits, the LCC has been able to reduce wait times and improve the overall patient experience.

By combining advanced medical care with a culture of compassion, the Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center makes it possible for patients across the tri-state region to receive world-class cancer treatment close to home.

To learn more, visit: www.pikevillehospital.org/cancer

The initiative was a result of a dynamic partnership between PMC, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), regional healthcare systems and the Rural Appalachian Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (RALCSI). Participants from across the country, including healthcare professionals, policymakers and national partners from Washington, D.C., joined PMC executives, providers and staff to celebrate the remarkable achievements made during this project.

Throughout the program, PMC implemented significant system-wide changes to embed lung cancer screening into its culture of care.

Highlights of the collaborative effort include:

• Almost 2,000 low-dose CT scans performed
• 10 early-stage lung cancer diagnoses
• Integration of Epic Best Practice Alerts and MyChart Notifications to identify screening-eligible patients
• Training for all clinical nurses to accurately capture smoking history
• Creation of a Pulmonary Nurse Navigator position and establishment of a dedicated Pulmonology Clinic
• Over 10 community outreach events across Eastern Kentucky.

As part of this annual observance, PMC recently hosted its “Rise & Shine Cancer Survivors Breakfast,” a heartfelt event dedicated to honoring the courage of current and former cancer patients. Held at the Lawson Cancer Center (LCC), the breakfast welcomed survivors with a warm atmosphere of community and compassion. The event featured a fresh breakfast buffet provided by Morrison Healthcare and began with a special prayer, setting the tone for a morning filled with inspiration and connection.

In addition to hosting events like the Survivors Breakfast, PMC supports cancer survivors year-round through a variety of free patient-centered programs. These initiatives focus on promoting both physical and emotional well-being for patients currently undergoing treatment as well as those in remission. Programs such as The Art of Healing—a therapeutic art initiative—and Look Good. Feel Better.—which helps patients manage the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment—are just two examples of PMC’s commitment to holistic care.

Survivors also have access to wellness resources including tobacco cessation classes, personalized nutrition education, and the Cancer Survivorship Support Group. These programs provide ongoing encouragement and guidance during and after treatment, reinforcing PMC’s belief that survivorship is a lifelong journey that deserves continuous care.

As part of its emphasis on ongoing health monitoring, PMC encourages all cancer survivors to maintain routine screenings as part of their long-term health strategy. The PMC Diagnostic Center is equipped with advanced imaging technologies capable of detecting cancer in its earliest stages. This includes highly accurate screening options for lung, breast, prostate, and other cancers so patients receive timely and precise diagnostic care.

For more information on survivorship programs and cancer care at Pikeville Medical Center, call (606) 430-2212 or visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/cancer/.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the nation. Detecting it early is crucial, as treatment is more effective during the initial stages of the disease.

PMC is equipped with advanced 3D mammography technology, which can detect up to 40% more invasive breast cancers than standard mammography equipment. This allows women to catch breast cancer sooner, vastly improving their chances for a successful outcome.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging and life-altering moments in a woman’s life. When a screening results in a diagnosis of breast cancer, it is important to know where to turn. The Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center makes it easier for patients during this difficult period in their lives.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everyone is encouraged to take time to further understand the disease, provide support and empower those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. To learn more about the Lawson Cancer Center or to schedule a cancer screening, please visit pikevillehospital.org/cancer.

“A breast radiologist plays an important role in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, explained Dr. Pryce. “Breast radiologists have specialized training in the interpretation of breast
imaging. Breast imaging/technology has advanced tremendously over the years, thus leading to improved detection and outcomes. I am proud that Pikeville Medical Center offers our patients
this life-saving technology.”

Yearly screening mammograms are recommended for women with a normal breast cancer risk beginning at age 40. Taking these steps to identify cancer before there are any symptoms is one
of the most important steps women can do for their health.

To schedule a 3D mammogram at Pikeville Medical Center, call 606-430-2231

Patients at the LCC receive comprehensive care, personalized treatment and unwavering support from the entire oncology team, which embraces a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. This group of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses and other support staff collaborate to design tailored treatment plans that consider each patient’s unique medical history, preferences and emotional needs.

Cutting-edge technology and advanced therapy techniques are integrated into these plans, ensuring patients have access to many of the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The LCC is among a relatively small percentage of cancer centers approved to offer some of the newest treatments available to qualifying cancer patients in the form of clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies involving people and are the final step in the long process of the development of a new drug. Patients whose cancer has not responded well to treatment and who meet specific qualifications are given the option to participate in a clinical trial, giving them access to new medications not yet available to most patients. The LCC also houses some of the most advanced equipment such as the Varian TruBeam Linear Accelerator with Brain Lab technology for patients receiving radiation therapy.

Recognizing that a cancer diagnosis can affect a patient’s mental, emotional and social well-being, the LCC offers a range of support services. From counseling and support groups to art therapy and beauty sessions, patients can find solace in a nurturing environment that addresses their emotional needs.

The Lawson Cancer offers 24 private, state-of-the-art chemotherapy suites on the 11th floor of the PMC Clinic building featuring soothing sounds and aesthetics. These suites allow clinic space on the 10th floor to be dedicated solely to physician office visits, reducing patient wait time. In addition, the 11th floor section of the LCC is closer to the dedicated oncology pharmacy, making the transportation of chemotherapy drugs quicker and safer.

The Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center makes it convenient for patients across Eastern Kentucky to receive advanced cancer care close to home by combining cutting edge technology, advanced medical care with the warmth of human connection. Visit https://www.pmcky.org/cancer/

Patients who participate in screenings are more likely to find polyps and have them removed before they develop into cancer. When colorectal cancer is discovered during a screening, it is generally found early when it is easier to treat.

Because of the prevalence of colon cancer, adults are recommended to begin screening at age 45. There are various types of screening options available for colon cancer. Men are encouraged to discuss these with their family doctor during routine wellness exams. Based on risk factors and the patient’s family history, a physician will recommend the appropriate screening test.

Once a physician has decided to schedule a colonoscopy for a patient, Pikeville Medical Center has several general surgeons and specialists who regularly perform colonoscopies as a screening tool for colon cancer. If cancer is found, the Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center has a full-service team, including a surgical oncologist, hematologists, medical oncologists and three radiation oncologists ready to work together to develop an aggressive treatment plan.

For more information about the Lawson Cancer Center at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/cancer/

In early 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced that cases of colorectal cancer cases in younger adults are on an alarming increase. According to the ACS, in the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women. In 2024, it is the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than 50 and the second-leading cause in women in that age group.

While the precise cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown, various risk factors have been recognized. Age is obviously emerging as a significant factor, joining the well-known risk factor of having a family history of colorectal cancer. Colon cancer rates are also higher in those with a personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs. These might include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or a change in stool consistency), blood in the stool (rectal bleeding), persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain) and unexplained weight loss.

Like all cancers, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Screening methods like colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopies can detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum and is considered the gold standard of diagnostic testing for the detection of colorectal cancer.

Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) primary care providers work closely with PMC general surgeons to schedule routine colonoscopies and diagnostic biopsies for their patients. The United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) guidelines recommend that every person 45 and older has a colonoscopy done once every ten years as a screening for colorectal cancer.

If the surgeon discovers a cancerous polyp as a result of a colonoscopy, there are several treatment options to consider. Common treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. When patients are faced with a colon cancer diagnosis, the experienced specialists at the Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center are skilled in providing comprehensive and compassionate oncology care.

During March, patients 45 and over are encouraged to talk to their family medical provider about colorectal cancer screenings. To schedule an appointment with a Pikeville Medical Center primary care provider, call (606)-430-3500 or visit www.pmcky.org.

Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix, which is in the lower part of a woman’s uterus. Almost all cases are linked to infection caused by a virus known as HPV (human papillomavirus), which the majority of women will come in contact with during their lifetime. HPV infections usually present no symptoms, and in most cases, the immune system will clear HPV from a woman’s body. However, persistent or long-term HPV infections can cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix, which can become cancerous.

While advancements in healthcare have improved prevention and detection, cervical cancer remains a serious issue. To lessen the rates of cervical cancer, it is essential to understand its risk factors and the importance of early detection. The Advanced Women’s Care Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has the area’s largest OB/GYN team, featuring seven highly experienced, board-certified physicians. The PMC OB/GYN team spends time discussing risk factors with patients and encouraging preventive measures such as regular screenings and vaccinations.

Risk factors of cervical cancer include HPV, smoking, a weakened immune system and long-term use of oral contraceptives. The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. Administered to adolescents before they become sexually active, the HPV vaccine protects against several high-risk strains. Other prevention measures include regular pap smears and safe sex practices. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin receiving pap smears at age 21 and continue every three years until age 29. From ages 30 to 65, a combination of Pap smears and HPV tests is recommended every five years.

When diagnosed in the early stages, cervical cancer is among the most successfully treatable types of cancer. Health officials widely believe that a unified approach to prevention, screening for and treating cervical cancer can lead to its elimination as a public health concern within the next several years.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a PMC OB/GYN provider, call (606)-430-2207.

This multidisciplinary approach brings together a diverse group to collaborate and tailor specific treatment plans unique to each patient. Doing this allows everyone involved in patient care to examine and discuss the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, preferences and emotional needs. Once a plan is developed, cutting-edge technology and advanced therapy techniques are utilized to ensure each patient receives quality cancer care.

The Lawson Cancer Center houses some of the most advanced cancer-fighting equipment available including the Varian TruBeam Linear Accelerator with Brainlab technology. This particular combination has been a game-changer in recent years in radiation oncology, and PMC is one of a few cancer centers in Kentucky to offer it.

Participating in a clinical trial may be an option for patients whose cancer has not responded well to treatment and who meet specific qualifications. Clinical trials are research studies involving actual patients and are the final stop in the long process of the development of a new drug. This option, when available, gives patients access to new medications not yet widely available.

Recognizing that a cancer diagnosis can also affect a patient’s mental, emotional and social well-being, the LCC offers a wide range of support services. From counseling and support groups to art therapy and beauty sessions, patients at the Lawson Cancer can find solace in a nurturing environment that addresses their emotional needs.

For more information on the Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center, visit www.pmcky.org/cancer/.