The number of Americans being diagnosed with certain forms of cancer is increasing, with many cases being diagnosed in the advanced or late stages due to pandemic-related delays and general declines in cancer screenings. Research shows an uptick in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under 50, with more cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Additionally, experts have seen fewer early-stage and more late-stage breast and cervical cancer diagnoses in recent years.
Despite this uptick in advanced cancer diagnoses, the good news is that overall cancer death rates in the U.S. continue to decline thanks to detection and treatment advances. According to Dr. Vincent Reyes, Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at St. Clair Health who also serves as Assistant Medical Director of Medical Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, “Cancer isn’t the end. People with a cancer diagnosis are living longer, healthier lives.”
Life after a cancer diagnosis can come with challenges, but organizing your care or life around your cancer treatment is not one of them for patients at the St. Clair Hospital Cancer Center Affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Our goal is to eliminate your worries, because you already have enough on your plate with cancer. Our facility serves as your home base for care,” explains Dr. Reyes.
He continues, “Being fully integrated across multiple specialties on one campus means the best protocols, the most treatment options, and innovative clinical trials, plus access to the best doctors and staff for expert-level care.” The entire team works together through every step of a patient’s cancer journey to ensure they are receiving the right treatment, at the right time.
If you or someone you know are one of the estimated two million Americans who will be diagnosed with cancer annually, you can rest assured knowing that world-class cancer care is available close to home at the St. Clair Hospital Cancer Center Affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. To learn more, please visit stclair.org/hillman [1].
