Farewell Dr. Kelley

Today we say goodbye to a true champion of community health, Dr. Joseph Kelley, as he moves back east to be near family. “I have been extremely fortunate and honored to have served alongside one of the best radiation oncology teams in the business as well as serving with a highly talented team of professionals who work as support staff for the community’s premier cancer treatment facility, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. I will be hard-pressed to find a group as committed, compassionate and skilled as the one I have worked here at the Cancer Center,” Kelley stated.

Dr. Kelley has overseen a significant transition this past year as he served as the Cancer Center’s Medical Director. Several programs with far reaching community impact have been implemented under his charge. His skill, expertise and passionate commitment to cancer patients, their families and the community has been very much appreciated. His leadership and vision will be missed.

Dr. Sue Mandell has been hired to take over Dr. Kelley’s position as Medical Director. “We are very excited about the level of skill, treatment interests and clinical trial experience Dr. Mandell brings to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Her installment as Medical Director will continue the Cancer Center’s tradition of excellence in radiation oncology and provides additional skills to advance our cancer treatment program,” Kelley stated in a letter to area physicians.
Additionally, the Cancer Center hired Dr. Juno Choe back in May to allow for the expansion of our services and treatment options. Dr. Choe provides the Cancer Center, and the people we serve, with greater depth and breadth of radiation oncology experience. Through our physician leadership, the Tri-Cities Community can expect new levels of clinical program development, new innovative treatment options, and superior results. Dr. Kelley and Dr. Choe have been working closely together for the last several months to ensure a seamless transition.

Dr. Kelley, we wish you and your family the very best. You have left an indelible mark on the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and the community we serve.

- Tri-Cities Cancer Center

A note for the Guys: Prostate Health

Did you know it’s estimated 239,000 men in America will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year? Another staggering estimate for you, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly 30,000 deaths will be attributed to this disease. While these are ugly statistics, there is great hope for men who take an active role in their health. Of course, prevention is your first line of defence. Diet and exercise are key when taking a proactive role in your health. In our library here at the Cancer Center you will find a great deal of information on prostate cancer including a booklet titled, Eating Hints, which is produced by the NCI. Early detection is also very important and can lead to more treatment options. Annually we hold free community screenings which include a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen ) blood test and a digital exam for the detection of prostate cancer. Our recommendation for men is to have a discussion with their physician regarding prostate cancer screening starting at age 50.

Last night we had roughly 75 men who took advantage of our free prostate screening. Hats off to the guys who recognize the benefits of being screened. If you missed this screening be sure to keep you eyes open for another free prostate screening event we will be holding this fall. Screenings like this are offered free-of-charge thanks to generous donations made to our Foundation.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center offers several radiation treatment options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Other options, aside from radiation therapy, include: active surveillance, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. Several factors including age, general health and grade of the tumor will dictate what the appropriate form(s) of treatment will be. Some men will have a combination of treatment options.

Be sure to talk with your physician regarding steps you can take to be proactive about your health, including prostate specific suggestions.

Stay tuned for our next screening. In the meantime we wish you great health!