By: Robert Remler
The center's opening brings cancer treatment to the people and makes available the most advanced medical technology in a community-based setting.Located on the corner of South Central Avenue and Merrick Road, the center combines state-of-the-art equipment with an experienced, multidisciplinary staff. Patients are evaluated by cancer specialists, undergo treatment, access a wealth of educational resources, and benefit from supportive care, in a newly renovated 12,000 square-foot facility that affords them and their loved ones hotel-like amenities.The Valley Stream facility is one component of South Nassau's Cancer Center. Among the other aspects of the cancer center are the Division of Surgical Oncology, the Division of Gyn-Oncology, the Division of Medical Oncology, the Department of Radiology, the Women's Center, and the Division of Radiation Oncology which includes the Long Island Gamma Knife®. Pain management and supportive care are also key elements of the cancer center.At the Valley Stream location, special services begin with a commitment to helping patients make informed decisions. The center is outfitted with a multimedia resource room, where books, pamphlets, educational videotapes, and free Internet access are available free-of-charge to patients and families. The Gladys Brooks Patient and Family Library and Resource Center is funded through a $100,000 grant from the Gladys Brooks foundation. The foundation was created under the will of the late Gladys Brooks Thayer with the purpose of establishing and supporting non-profit libraries, educational institutions, hospital and clinics.The Valley Stream facility houses examination and consultation rooms for surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and mental health professionals. A minor procedures room is in place for minimally invasive biopsy techniques.Treatment modalities include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), an advanced, computerized treatment planning and delivery system that permits radiation beams to be conformed to the irregular shape of the tumor. With IMRT, lower doses of radiation are delivered to the tumor's margins and higher doses to its center, sparing healthy surrounding tissue.To help put patients at ease, the center was designed with elegant architectural details. Wood-grain floors and cabinetry complement the contemporary upholstery patterns and muted carpet tones. Private changing areas with wood-grain lockers enhance the decor.A large meeting room near the center's front entrance is used for community education events, screenings and other outreach programs. The facility is completely handicapped accessible and offers ample free parking. For more information on the facility please call (516) 632-3300.
Free prostate cancer screening at Mercy
Mercy Medical Center and The Union Baptist Church of Hempstead are co-sponsoring free prostate cancer screenings. The screenings will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Union Baptist Church Hall, located at 24 Clinton C. Booner/Hastings Place, (one-half block West of S. Franklin Street) Hempstead.Each screening will include a PSA Lab Test and a Manual Exam by Mercy Medical Center professionals. Studies have shown that men over 40 years of age are at greater risk for prostate cancer and that early detection often increases your chances of being cured.Men interested in a free screening should contact Mercy Medical Center from Jan. 22 through Jan. 29. Please call (516) 705-1391.
