Mission and Values Statement

Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to deliver high quality, cost-effective health care in the communities we serve.

In pursuit of our mission, we believe the following value statements are essential and timeless:

We recognize and affirm the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual. We treat all those we serve with compassion and kindness. We act with absolute honesty, integrity, and fairness in the way we conduct our business and the way we live our lives. We trust our colleagues as valuable members of our health care team and pledge to treat one another with loyalty, respect, and dignity.

Screenings / Community Education

The cancer program is actively involved in community health fairs and public education. This year, the program provided information on breast, prostate, skin, and colorectal awareness at health fairs throughout our community, via TV talk shows, and other means. We also encourage early prevention and detection by way of annual cancer screenings. In May, we screened 178 individuals at our annual skin cancer screening, with 41% of the participants referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for follow up. We also conducted our annual prostate cancer screening in June. Two hundred-twenty men were screened, and 28% of the men were referred to a urologist.

Support Groups

In addition, Del Sol Medical Center is proud to sponsor several support groups in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. We have the only Spanish support group, entitled "Entre Amigos: De Hombre A Hombre," specifically for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and family members. This group meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Our second support group, "Dialogue," is designed to educate and support all cancer patients, survivors, and family members. They meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month. Both groups meet at the Del Sol Regional Oncology Center at 10460 Vista Del Sol. You may call 629-3440 for additional information. We are also planning a breast cancer support group to begin at the end of 2001.

Future Plans

We look forward to the expansion of our cancer program. Plans for the upcoming year at Del Sol Medical Center and the Del Sol Regional Oncology Center include:

* The addition of a PET (positron emission tomography) scanner, which is a highly specialized machine used to visualize extremely small tumors in cancer patients.
* The expansion of the inpatient oncology unit to include the addition of 10 more beds.
* The addition of an education/informational center on the inpatient unit.
* The addition of an education/resource center at the Del Sol Regional Oncology Center.
* A breast cancer support group.
* A woman's imaging center with a focus on women's health issues to include a breast center component.
* Long term studies for cancer sites diagnosed at Del Sol and along the border, for comparison with national trends and treatment patterns.
* The completion of accreditation by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). We are currently awaiting a survey date.