Enjoy the outdoors

Central Oregon has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the country, thanks to our abundant sunshine and high altitude. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

• Wear sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Keep covered. Wear protective clothing, such as a longsleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible. It is best if the clothing has a rating of UPF 50 to ensure appropriate sun protection.
• Avoid being outdoors during the brightest parts of the day (usually 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) as much as you can. If you are outside and your shadow appears shorter than you are, seek shade when possible.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays for the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.

Avoid tanning beds

Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Avoid sunburn

Sure it hurts, but what’s so bad about a sunburn?

Sunburn means your skin has been damaged. Ultraviolet light enters the skin to damage your cell’s DNA (your body’s instruction manual). Repeated exposure to ultraviolet light can cause a lot of problems:

• wrinkles
• brown spots
• eye problems
• moles
• saggy skin
• skin cancer

In the United States, more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually and one person dies from melanoma every hour. Examine your skin monthly and report any changes to a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Then if it is skin cancer, you will have the best chance of it being diagnosed in its earliest, most treatable stage.

The A-B-C-D-E of skin cancer

A sunburn can increase the number of moles on your body. While moles are common, they can become cancerous.

Keep an eye on your moles with the “ABCDE” rule and talk with a health care provider if you notice anything abnormal.

Sun awareness for kids

• Minimize summer sun exposure between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and UV protective clothing. Even while swimming, wear a UV swim shirt
• Apply sunscreen that provides UVB and UVA protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes BEFORE sun exposure and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating
• Seek shade
• No tan is a good tan
• Avoid tanning beds

Below are some facts about skin cancer and children’s risk factors:

• Approximately 40 to 60 percent of sun exposure occurs before age 20
• Sunburns can happen within 15 minutes of being in the sun, but redness and discomfort may be noticed for a few hours later
• Melanoma accounts for approximately 7 percent of all cancers diagnosed in 15 to 19 year olds

Sunscreen with the term “baby” means it contains only these active ingredients:

• Titanium dioxide
• Zinc oxide

These ingredients are less likely to irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.

The AAD recommends the following when using sunscreen on babies and toddlers

Children younger than 6 months of age:

• Protect their skin from the sun by keeping them in the shade and dressing them in long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses while taking care to prevent them from overheating
• If possible, avoid using sunscreen on these children

Children 6 months of age and older:

• Use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which is most appropriate for the sensitive skin of infants and toddlers
• Even when using sunscreen, keep children in the shade and dress them in clothing that will protect their skin from the sun, i.e., long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats

While both products provide important protection, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends buying separate sunscreen and insect repellants because:

• Sunscreen should be applied liberally and often
• Insect repellant should be applied sparingly and less often than sunscreen

Reducing cancer in our community

By 2025, cancer is projected to be the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Reducing the incidence of cancer in our region is part of the St. Charles Health System vision: Creating America's healthiest community, together.

Two of the Cancer Center’s key strategies toward reducing the impact of cancer in our communities are 1) preventing cancer from developing and 2) diagnosing cancers earlier. We have greatly expanded our prevention and early detection programs.

Prevention

Prevention and early detection:

• Cancer education - Educational programs on cancer prevention and screening guidelines are available for health fairs, businesses, schools and community groups. Contact the cancer center for information and to schedule a presentation.
• High Risk Breast Clinic - A collaborative between St. Charles Cancer Center and Central Oregon Radiology to provide women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer with education regarding lifestyle risk reduction strategies, genetic counseling, and more vigilant screening strategies. 
• Mammothon Program - Provides no cost screening mammograms to uninsured patients. Please call 541-706-6729 for further information.
• ScreenWise - Breast and Cervical Cancer (BCC) screening services help low-income, uninsured and medically under-served women gain access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening services. Please call 541-706-6729 for further information.
• Genetic screening
• Pathfinder 2 Study - The Pathfinder 2 Study looks at how well a new test called Galleri can find cancers early. Galleri is designed to find many types of cancer using a simple blood test. Right now, this test is still being studied and has not been approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is still important to follow your health care provider’s recommendations about cancer screening tests, such as colonoscopies or mammograms. En Espanol.
• Lung Cancer Screening - St. Charles Cancer Center partners with Central Oregon Radiology to provide screening for high risk patients. 
• Pulmonary Nodule Clinic - St. Charles Cancer Center partners with Central Oregon Radiology to provide personalized follow-up for lung nodules identified on imaging studies.
• Skin cancer screening - The St. Charles Cancer Center partners with the Deschutes County Health Department and local dermatologists to periodically provide community skin cancer screening. Watch the St. Charles Health System Facebook page for details.
• HPV - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents infection from the most harmful kinds of HPV. Download HPV brochure.
• Colorectal cancer screening - Please contact your provider regarding colorectal cancer screenings.

Support Services

From the moment you receive a cancer diagnosis, you are a survivor. Cancer survivorship - living with and beyond cancer - is a reality for nearly 12 million people in the United States.

We offer programs and support services for survivors and caregivers designed to:

• Guide you toward healthier living choices
• Help you manage stress and anxiety
• Introduce resources to help you manage everyday life
• Provide information about community resources
• Give you the confidence to write the next chapter of your life

Many of our programs are supported by generous donations from our community through the St. Charles Foundation.

Download our Resource Guide!

Nurse Navigators

Oncology nurse navigators provide individualized care coordination by guiding a patient diagnosed with cancer through the medical, emotional and educational aspects of cancer treatment. Navigators offer assistance with scheduling appointments, communication with the medical team, connecting with support services and finding available resources. There is no charge for this service, which is designed to assure that quality care is provided to the patient once the initial diagnosis is determined. For more information, call 541-706-6715.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care, rehabilitation and survivorship. A registered dietitian is available to work with patients and their families, especially patients identified at risk for having nutritional problems or special needs. Nutrition classes are offered monthly for patients during treatment and beyond cancer treatment. For more information, call 541-706-4725.

Social Work

Our social workers assist patients with practical and emotional support to manage the stress of living with cancer. Social workers provide connection to locally funded organizations like Sara's Project, Wendy's Wish and CAN Cancer for assistance with non-medical living expenses, such as transportation, lodging, utility bills or rent payments. Social workers also refer to specialists, including psychiatrists, integrative therapies (like massage, acupuncture and Reiki), counselors, spiritual care, registered dietitians, nurse navigators, insurance specialists, medical financial assistance and survivorship programs. For more information, call 541-706-4864 or 541-706-6363.

Spiritual Care

Spirituality and religion may help patients and families find deeper meaning and experience a sense of personal growth during their cancer journey. A chaplain is available for one-on-one and family discussions to help cope with your cancer journey, respecting the beliefs of all involved. For more information, call 541-706-5800.

Harvest of HOPE

Patients diagnosed with cancer often have more than just the disease to consider.

Harvest of Hope provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare, nonperishable food items, such as canned fruits and veggies, pasta and marinara, beans and bread mixes to patients who qualify. These foods are combined with fresh produce, cheese and eggs to provide enough food to last a family several meals. Meal planning tools and healthy recipes are also included. For more information, call 541-706-4864 or 541-706-6363.

If you can benefit from this program or know a cancer patient who needs support, please call St. Charles Cancer Center Social Work at 541-706-5800.

If you're interested in donating to support our programs, you may contact the St. Charles Foundation at 541-706-6996 or click here to go to their website.

Sign up for MyChart   Learn More About Proxy Access   NEW! Text Messaging

St. Charles MyChart

The St. Charles MyChart patient portal offers you, our Central Oregon patients, personalized and secure online access to portions of your medical records, as well as multiple tools to help you manage your care. MyChart is accessible through a web browser or mobile application.

With MyChart, you can:

• View test results
  Once available, see results compared to standard ranges and view trends over time.
• Communicate with your doctor
  Send and receive messages with your care team about non-urgent issues
• Schedule appointments with Family Care clinics
  Manage upcoming appointments and view details of past visits, including comments and instructions from your doctor
• Pay bills online
  View billing statements and pay bills and co-pays with a credit card

You can also:

• Contact customer service
• Request a referral to a specialist
• Review details of care advice calls
• Request a renewal of current medication
• See details about future appointments, including instructions and driving directions
• Confirm, cancel and reschedule appointments
• Search open appointment availability
• Move appointments to an earlier date if an opening becomes available
• Complete most of the check-in process from home, like paying co-pays, verifying allergies and medications and completing questionnaires

Now Available: Text Messaging

You may soon receive a text message asking you to opt in to specific text messages related to your health care at St. Charles. This could include, but is not limited to, appointment reminders, billing messages, etc.

If you already receive text messages from St. Charles & Care Partners, you will continue to receive messages, but they will now come from 84823.

To opt in to receiving text messages from St. Charles & Care Partners, text START to 84823.

In order to receive text messages, your mobile number must be opted-in and communication preferences must be set for text messaging. Access Communication Preferences via your MyChart account through the account settings and choose which type of notifications to receive and by which method (phone call, text, email, MyChart push notifications).

To opt out of receiving text messages from St. Charles & Care Partners, reply STOP to any of the text messages you receive. If you wish to resubscribe, you can turn text preferences back on in your MyChart account in the Communications Preferences section or contact us at 844-258-4153.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact MyChart support at 844-258-4153.

How to allow a third party app to access your health record

Patients of providers that use Epic software are able to connect third party applications (apps) to retrieve parts of their health record for their own personal use. Examples of data that can be pulled into an app include lab results, allergies, medications and immunization history.

In order to authenticate an app to retrieve your health data, follow the steps outlined on Epic's website (note that images may not reflect St. Charles' exact layout or content for each step in the process). Visit Epic's site with the tutorial.

List of Third Party Apps    Download the St. Charles Guide    Descargar Guía de San Carlos

Need help with MyChart? Contact customer service or call 844-259-4153.

Sign up for MyChart 

Rehabilitation services for patients in the Cancer Center

Physical activity and maintaining functional independence is important throughout the cancer treatment spectrum. Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of developing some types of cancer, and has been shown to help patients maintain wellness during and after cancer treatment. Research has also shown that maintaining physical function is a key component to the health and quality of life of people going through cancer treatment.

Being diagnosed with cancer is a time of change, with many people seeking opportunities for improved health and well-being which can include continuing to be physically active, starting new health habits, or maintaining physical and cognitive function needed for daily tasks. Unfortunately, many of the common side effects of cancer or its treatment can be barriers to reaching those goals. These barriers can be overcome with the help of a licensed physical, occupational, and/or speech therapist.

We have brought together experts in their field to provide you with individualized and evidence-based therapies to get you back to the activities you love. Our compassionate rehabilitation team will be there for you throughout your cancer journey and help you achieve your goals.

Getting started with oncology rehabilitation

A physician referral is required for the initial evaluation. Please call 541-706-6335 with any questions about how therapy can help you. To schedule an appointment, call 541-706-5800, ext. 3265. Plan on arriving 15 minutes early for registration with your prescription for therapy, current insurance card, current list of medications and your questions.

Rehabilitation services are currently available in our outpatient clinic in Bend.

Integrative Therapies

The Integrative Oncology Program combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies to support the health and healing of the whole person. We offer acupuncture, massage and Reiki to help manage symptoms associated with cancer treatment by calming the mind and relaxing the body. These treatments are shown to improve quality of life by lessening the side effects of conventional treatments and providing psychological and physical benefits to the patient. Integrative therapies are offered at no charge to patients in active cancer treatment. 

These services are funded through generous donations from our community through the St. Charles Foundation. If you are interested in donating, please click here. 

To schedule an appointment, call 541-706-6723.

Acupuncture

Treatment by an oncology-trained acupuncturist involves painlessly inserting small needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture is offered to patients with symptoms related to treatment such as peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, pain, nausea and sustained high anxiety.

Reiki

Reiki (ray’key) is a Japanese energy-based technique that provides deep relaxation and supports the body toward balance. Sessions involve light, hands-on touch provided by certified Reiki practitioners while patients lie on a table fully clothed. Benefits may include:

• Deep relaxation
• Enhanced sense of peace and well-being
• Decrease in fatigue
• Decrease in tension and anxiety
• Increase in immune system response
• Decrease in pain

Therapeutic Massage

Massage therapy is provided by an oncology-trained massage therapist. Massage is offered in the infusion room during your treatment or by private appointment.

Aromatherapy

Integrative Therapies now has aromatherapy to enhance our healing modalities.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. Each oil is of a natural compound which is found in the seeds, stems, bark, roots, flowers and other parts of plants. If you have enjoyed the smell of lavender, a rose or freshly cut mint, then you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils.

As a patient enters the door of the Integrative Therapies Suite, they are happily greeted by our scheduler and with sounds of soft music coming from each of the therapy rooms. At that time, they take a moment to discover which essential oil feels good to them as they inhale its essence. Patients are then given their own personal inhaler to use during their massage, reiki or acupuncture session and also to take with them as a gift to use to calm or enhance their day.

Oncology Massage

Massage therapy at the Cancer Center is provided by an oncology-trained massage therapist. Massage is offered in the infusion room during your treatment or by appointment. This massage is a therapeutic and safe massage for patients going through cancer treatment. Benefits of massage may include deep relaxation, decrease in muscular tension, pain and anxiety.

HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancer.

The HPV vaccine prevents infection from the most harmful kinds of HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is a very common virus. Nearly 80 million people - about one in four - are currently infected in the United States. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancer in men and anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx) and genital warts in both men and women.

Three things parents should know about preventing cancer:

• HPV vaccine is cancer prevention

  HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that most commonly cause anal, cervical, throat/neck, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Most of these cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccine.

• HPV vaccine is one of the vaccines recommended for preteens.

  Preteens need three vaccines at 11 or 12. They protect against whooping cough, meningitis and cancers caused by HPV.

• HPV vaccine is best at 11-12 years

  Preteens have a higher immune response to HPV vaccines than older teens. While there is very little risk of exposure to HPV before age 13, the risk of exposure increases thereafter.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule?

Most adolescents 9 through 14 years of age should receive the vaccine in two doses, with the second dose 6 to 12 months following the first dose. For those that do not start the series before age 15, three doses should be given. The second shot is given between one and two months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first. Following these schedules results in the most effective protection.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. The first HPV vaccine was available in 2006, and since then, more than 40 million doses of vaccine have been administered. There have been no serious safety concerns associated with HPV vaccination.

Is help available for the cost of vaccines?

Check to see if your health insurance covers the HPV vaccine. If your child does not have health insurance or does not have insurance that covers vaccines, ask your health care provider about Oregon’s Vaccines For Children (VFC) program or visit your local health department or school-based health center. Pharmacies can also provide immunizations for children who are 11 and older.

Beginning cancer treatment is a confusing and overwhelming time. It's essential that you receive clear, simple and complete information about how the process works, what to expect and what can be done to manage your symptoms.

Your oncology (cancer) nurses, radiation therapists, radiation oncologists (radiation therapy doctors) and medical oncologists (chemotherapy/hematology doctors) will be a great source of information.

Prior to your first visit, you may be instructed to download, print out and complete the applicable forms and bring them with you to your visit:

• New Patient Questionnaire — For all cancer center patients
• General Patient Information — For radiation oncology patients
• Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing Form

After the diagnosis: Breast cancer survivors share wisdom and hope

What is the High-Risk Breast Clinic?

The High-Risk Breast Clinic is a comprehensive program for women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The team of breast care specialists includes genetic specialists, breast surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and nurse navigators.

The clinic can provide a personalized care plan that includes:

• Breast cancer risk assessment
• Breast exams by a breast care specialist
• Genetic risk assessment and testing
• Personalized screening and prevention options

Who may be at risk?

Personal and family history of cancer

• Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly before menopause.
• Two or more close relatives - such as aunts, grandmothers or cousins - diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age.
• Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in multiple family members.
• Combination of breast and ovarian cancer occurring on the same side of the family.
• Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative.
• A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
• History of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS).

Genetic risk assessment and testing

Although most breast cancers occur in women who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer, about five to 10 percent are hereditary. Researchers have identified genes that increase a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Other mutations can increase risk.

Based on your family history of cancer, you may benefit from a genetic risk assessment and genetic testing. We will discuss this at your first visit.

How the clinic works

Start by calling 541-706-6729 and participating in a phone interview with our high-risk manager. If you are determined to be at increased risk for breast cancer, and would like to participate in the clinic, you will be enrolled.

Your first visit will be with one of the participating providers who will review your history, answer all of your questions and establish a care plan.

The clinic will help schedule and coordinate regular clinical breast exams, radiology screening and preventative measures including lifestyle education and chemoprevention, based on your care plan.

Early diagnosis is key to the most successful treatment

Screening and techniques

Your breast care team will discuss options for cancer screening. High-risk screening may include:

• Annual digital mammography: Annual mammography remains the standard for breast screening. Both 2D and 3D imaging may be used. 3D mammography is the newest screening and diagnostic mammography tool with improved breast cancer detection rates.
• Annual breast MRI: Annual MRI is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology in women with a 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Often this will be staggered every six months with a mammogram.
• Screening breast ultrasound: Screening ultrasound can be used in addition to mammography for some patients, particularly those who cannot undergo MRI.

Total Joint Classes

We have slowly started to offer our total joint classes again. Class size is limited since we continue to keep social distancing in the classroom. You need to be registered for class. We cannot take drop-ins at this time. You and you coach (someone that you live with) will need to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear your masks and be prepared to go through screening process at the front door. This will include health questions and temperature check. You will then be directed to the classroom. To inquire about class please call 541-706-4922 and leave your name and phone number.

Total Joint Exercises

Follow these exercises to strengthen your muscles prior to total joint replacement surgery.