HCA Far West Division

What Is a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center?

When you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you want the highest level of cancer care available. The successful treatment of cancer depends on a multifaceted approach that addresses the patient’s physical and emotional needs. Specialists must have comprehensive knowledge of the latest care techniques for patients. They must also exhibit an accessibility that allows patients to feel confident in their care. Unfortunately, not all hospitals and medical centers can provide this standard of cancer treatment and support. The American College of Surgeons has studied various cancer treatment facilities to determine which offer the complete care that patients need; those that uphold the many cancer care demands are designated Comprehensive Community Cancer Centers. Only one-fourth of all American hospitals receive this honor.

HCA Far West Division contains four Comprehensive Community Cancer Centers. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a representative at one of these California or Nevada facilities, call (855) 422-9378. We can help you receive the cancer care you deserve.

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

A lung cancer diagnosis can cause grave concerns. Often this disease displays no signs of its presence until it has grown to a considerable size. Once found, treatment may be lengthy and extensive. That’s why HCA Far West Division highly encourages lung cancer screenings for individuals who may have an elevated risk for the disease. Consider the following demographics; if you fall into one of them, consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider for a lung cancer screening.

People with a family history of lung cancer
If you have an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, your chances of getting this disease increases. Physicians urge family members to discuss their medical history so that parents, siblings, and children can make informed choices about getting lung cancer screenings. If you do not know your family’s medical history, make a point to discuss it with them as soon as possible.

Those who have been exposed to carcinogenic materials
Studies have found that some substances and chemicals can increase a person’s likelihood of getting lung cancer. For example, asbestos, which was used in the past for building construction, can cause lung cancer. For this reason, you should investigate the materials in your home and workplace. If you have any concerns that either building may contain asbestos, ask for documentation certifying that it is asbestos-free, and consider a lung cancer screening.

Individuals who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
Of any risk factor that may heighten one’s chances of developing lung cancer, smoking is the most widespread. Some statistics indicate that between 80 to 90 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses can be attributed to smoking. If you have a history of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, make a commitment to stop and contact your doctor about a lung cancer screening.

HCA Far West Division includes several California and Nevada hospitals that specialize in cancer care. If you are at risk for lung cancer, don’t hesitate to schedule a screening appointment. Call (855) 422-9378 or use our Consult-A-Nurse referral system to contact a HCA Far West Division representative.

What Happens During a Lung Cancer Screening?

Doctors recommend cancer screenings to increase the chances of detecting cancer in its early stages. With early detection, patients are more likely to receive less invasive yet more effective treatment for their condition. Physicians stress the importance of lung cancer screenings in particular. Many times lung cancer shows no symptoms until it has spread, making it difficult to treat. By undergoing either sputum cytology or a low-dose spiral CT scan, patients can take action to stop lung cancer before it progresses. Sputum cytology is a procedure wherein the patient provides a lung mucus sample for examination. When assisted by a high power microscope, an oncologist can determine if cancer cells are present in the mucous. A low-dose spiral CT scan offers a comprehensive look at a patient’s lungs. By evaluating the images produced by the CT scan, doctors can identify areas of cancerous growth.

Would you like to learn more about how to get a lung cancer screening? Then call HCA Far West Division at (855) 422-9378. Our California and Nevada area hospitals provide extensive cancer care services for patients. Visit our website to find out how we can help you take control of your lung health.

Ways to Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control When You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you know the importance of keeping your blood sugar levels in check. For those with this condition, consistent blood glucose monitoring is essential toward safeguarding one’s health and preventing future complications. When you implement healthy lifestyle habits and establish a relationship with a HCA Far West Division hospital, you can stabilize your blood glucose everyday with ease. Controlling your blood sugar can be simple with the following steps:

Maintain a nutritious diet
Diabetic individuals must understand the way their bodies process the foods they eat. For instance, processed or starchy foods contain a high level of simple sugars that can make a diabetic’s blood glucose levels suddenly spike and slump. To avoid this scenario, eliminate prepackaged and processed food from your diet. Instead of eating white breads, pasta, and rice, include whole grain foods in your meals. Not only can your body better digest these foods, but they will leave you feeling better and more energetic.

Start a regular exercise routine
Exercise is a great way for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels. However, you should obtain your doctor’s approval before beginning any exercise program. Once you are given permission, you can use physical activity to control your blood glucose. Exercise is also a highly effective method for weight maintenance. Given the added complications that obesity can present for diabetic individuals, it’s important to make physical activity a daily part of your life.

Consult your healthcare provider
Though it’s important to take action to control your blood sugar levels, it’s equally vital to receive regular professional evaluation from a healthcare provider. Only a doctor who specializes in diabetes can determine if your blood glucose levels necessitate medication for further stabilization and care. With this in mind, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor as often as recommended.

Do you have more questions about your diabetes? Then call HCA Far West Division at (855) 422-9378. Our top hospitals in California and Nevada offer comprehensive preventative and treatment care for diabetic patients. We also encourage our patients to use our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral system for any diabetes-related inquiries.

Learn About the ER Expansion at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas

To accommodate its community’s changing needs, Mountain View Hospital invested in a $60 million renovation project. This video explains why the medical center decided to update its facility.

Many individuals choose to move to warmer climates once they turn 55—a trend that Las Vegas has witnessed firsthand. With old age also comes a greater demand for medical aid. To ensure that the growing senior community had access to quality urgent care and stroke care, Mountain View Hospital doubled the size of their emergency center and expanded their patient amenities.

Mountain View Hospital is a proud part of the HCA Far West Division, which includes several other California and Nevada hospitals. Call us at (855) 422-9378 for more information.