| Hospital Cancer Program Receives Commendation
WHEELING — Since the last time it was surveyed, Wheeling Hospital's cancer treatment program has improved, according to an independent organization that recently reviewed its standards and practices. A recent survey by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons revealed the facility is not only in compliance, but has exceeded nine standards. Its cancer program has been deemed ‘‘comprehensive'' for many years. But after a new review was conducted in October, it was granted another three-year approval — this time ‘‘with commendation.'' According to hospital officials, such a designation is the highest ranking the commission can give to a facility. The independent, voluntary survey was conducted by the commission's Dr. Richard Glazier on Oct. 26. In his report, Glazier described the program as ‘‘impeccable.'' The commission notes that approval of a cancer program does not guarantee any treatment outcomes.
High Dose Radiation for Prostate Cancer Won't Raise Sexual Dysfunction
TUESDAY, Oct. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Among prostate cancer patients undergoing a high-tech form of radiation therapy, exposure to a higher amount of radiation over a shorter time span poses no added risk for impaired sexual function, new research reveals. "For men getting a high dose of radiation in a shorter amount of time than is typical -- meaning getting higher doses per day for fewer days -- a loss of sexual function is the chronic side effect that concerns most," noted study co-author Dr. Eric Horwitz, a clinical director in the department of radiation oncology at Fox Chase Medical Center in Philadelphia. "But we found that sexual function wasn't any worse than when patients got radiation in the conventional high-dose way," he said. Horwitz and lead author Mark Buyyounouski, also at Fox Chase, were expected to present their team's findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, in Los Angeles.
Philadelphia sports writers honor runner
Breast cancer couldn't stop Lois Gilmore from running. Neither could a stroke five years ago. Through it all, the 77-year-old Gilmore, from Janesville, Wis., has continued to run competitively most weekends, even when impaired vision from the stroke left her running into the occasional road sign or fence post. Gilmore would gather herself up, brush herself off, point herself toward the finish line, and take off again. "I finished every race I fell down in," Gilmore said yesterday with a hint of pride. Her determination has paid off. In 2007, for the second straight year, Gilmore competed in 64 races, most of them 5- to 15-kilometer runs, and ranked as the No. 1 runner in the country among runners 75 and older. USA Track and Field named her its 2007 Masters Athlete of the Year.
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