On World Digestive Health Day, EFW Radiology launches the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Screening Program in partnership with the University of Calgary Liver Unit

CALGARY, May 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Marking World Digestive Health Day, EFW Radiology officially launches their Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Screening Program with the University of Calgary Liver Unit today.

"We are thrilled to be sharing our resources with the Liver Unit at the University of Calgary", says Dr. Houman Mahallati, Managing Partner at EFW Radiology, "this program is a multi-component program, that keeps track of all patients and makes sure they get the care they need based on medical evidence."

"Liver cancer is one of the few cancers on the rise in North America," says Dr. Kelly Burak of the University of Calgary's Liver Unit, recognized for their excellence in patient care and research, "today's launch of the new automated HCC program will allow greater monitoring for at-risk Calgarians."

Directly in line with EFW Radiology's patient-centered practice, family doctors can refer their patients to the program, where they will be seen by sub-specialized Radiologists. The imaging will take place at EFW Radiology Clinics. Each patient will be imaged with an HCC specific scan, and then a unique follow-up plan will be developed by Liver Unit Doctors based on medical findings. Finally, each patient can rely on the database system to aide in continuing care.

"This program has been tailor-made to ensure patients get regular and accurate diagnoses, followed by customized care," said Dr. Mahallati. "EFW's partnership with the University of Calgary Liver Unit, is another example of our commitment to a team approach to consultative care."

EFW Radiology has been operating in Calgary since 1969 performing 600,000 imaging procedures, consultations, second opinions, and studies each year. EFW is a committed community partner that supports many local charities and organizations.

BACKGROUNDER
EFW Radiology and UofC Liver Unit's Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Screening Program

The Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) screening program is the first of its kind in Calgary, AB. The collaborative effort between EFW Radiology and the University of Calgary Liver Unit will ensure those patients who are at-risk, the most up-to-date liver cancer screening process. This collaboration of resources aligns with both EFW and the University of Calgary Liver Unit's visions for excellence in patient care.

While other types of cancer are on the decline, liver cancer is one of only a few cancers on the rise in North America. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer. Approximately 750,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer annually. If caught in its early stages, HCC is curable. For at-risk groups, ultrasound surveillance is recommended every six months for early detection. At-risk groups include the following:

• Cirrhotic patients
  
  
• Hepatitis B carriers (HBsAg +) who are
• Asian males > 40 years old
• Asian females > 50 years old
• Africans > 20 years old
• Patients with a family history of HCC
• HIV co-infected

Hepatologists at the University of Calgary Liver Unit and EFW have created a multi-component program that ensures patients a regular and accurate diagnosis. Patients will be imaged by technologists who have been specifically trained on HCC imaging protocol, followed by sub-specialist doctors analysis of each patients images. The team will develop follow-up plans based on each patient's unique needs, ensuring that all cases needing greater investigation are given the highest level of attention.

EFW will maintain a comprehensive database of those screened and those at-risk. Each patient will receive reminders of follow-up exams and further screening. This monitoring will allow EFW and Doctors to keep close maintenance with each patient file.

On May 29^th, 2013, World Digestive Health Day, the HCC screening program launches citywide at all EFW locations.

SOURCE: EFW Radiology

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