SALA DE PRENSA DE RENOWN

Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. Acerca de Helix Helix es la compañía líder en genómica y vigilancia viral de la población cuyas operaciones se basan en el cuidado clínico, la investigación y el análisis de datos. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

Leer más About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

Renown Health is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Renown Health’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms, long COVID-19) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD impacts 16 million people across the United States, and 1 in 13 adults (7.5%) have “long COVID” symptoms, defined as symptoms lasting three or more months after first contracting the virus, and that they didn’t have prior to their COVID-19 infection. "We are thrilled to receive this certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for our pulmonary rehabilitation program at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. This recognition underscores Renown Health's unwavering dedication to providing the highest standards of care and improving the lives of our patients, no matter what life throws at them,” said Sam Weller, MHPA CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of our programs, and this certification reinforces our ongoing mission to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people of northern Nevada." To earn this accreditation, Renown Health’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. "At Renown Health, our pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed with our patients in mind. Our focus includes physical exercise, extending to education, counseling and support for both patients and their families,” said John Lynn, Manager of Respiratory Services at Renown Health. “This AACVPR certification is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication in ensuring that individuals with pulmonary conditions receive the best possible care to enhance their quality of life." In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About AACVPR Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Leer más About Renown Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The program becomes first of its kind to be accredited in Nevada. Renown Health is pleased to announce the certification of the Thomas S. Dolan Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Renown South Meadows Medical Center by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). AACVPR certification demonstrates that an organization's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is aligned with current guidelines set by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for appropriate and effective early outpatient care of patients with cardiac or pulmonary issues. Certification offers peace of mind, so that patients can feel confident in knowing that staff has the experience and skills necessary to coordinate the many issues faced by people receiving a life-changing cardiac or pulmonary diagnosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people with health issues such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recover faster and live healthier.  “Having access to quality pulmonary rehabilitation services so close to home, staffed by a highly-skilled group of compassionate care providers, truly is a gift to our community,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown. “Estamos muy orgullosos del trabajo que se realiza en nuestro programa de rehabilitación pulmonar, y también estamos eternamente agradecidos por la donación de Tom Dolan al programa en 2019, que permite a los residentes de Nevada mejorar su salud y su calidad de vida”. “El Programa de rehabilitación pulmonar Thomas S. Dolan es el único programa de rehabilitación pulmonar acreditado en el estado de Nevada”, señaló Chris Nicholas, vicepresidente de Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Rehabilitation Hospital. “We take pride in this distinguished honor from the AACVPR as it acknowledges and amplifies the life-changing work happening here. Our dedicated caregivers provide support to our patients every step of the way, helping them lead vibrant and fulfilling lives despite their health conditions.”  The comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program at Renown South Meadows Medical Center offers treadmills, stationary bicycles, strength training and an education classroom to help patients achieve health goals. To earn accreditation, Renown’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process requiring extensive documentation of the program’s practices. La certificación de programas de la AACVPR es el único proceso de acreditación de revisión por pares diseñado para revisar los programas individuales conforme al cumplimiento de las normas y las pautas desarrolladas y publicadas por la AACVPR y otras asociaciones profesionales relacionadas. En noviembre de 2019, Tom Dolan propietario y fundador de Dolan Auto Group, realizó una donación al Programa de rehabilitación pulmonar de Renown South Meadows Medical Center después de que su experiencia personal en la rehabilitación pulmonar le hiciera percatarse sobre las capacidades y necesidades que había en el norte de Nevada. His generous donation has allowed Renown to double the number of patients who receive treatment and increase the access to pulmonary rehab in our community. “As a former patient myself, I found so much benefit in my pulmonary rehab,” said Dolan. “I have always wanted to support this program and increase the number of people it serves. It’s great to see that we now have the only certified pulmonary rehab in Nevada.” “The most essential component of lung health is breaking the cycle of inactivity associated with lung disease,” said Lung Critical Care Physician Dr. Farah Madhani-Lovely. “Our community is fortunate to have an accredited program like this to empower our patients.”      About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . Para obtener más información, visite renown.org. Acerca de la AACVPR Fundada en 1985, la American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation es una organización multidisciplinaria dedicada a la misión de reducir la morbilidad, la mortalidad y la discapacidad causadas por las enfermedades cardiovasculares y pulmonares a través de la educación, la prevención, la rehabilitación, la investigación y el control de las enfermedades. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Obtenga más información sobre la AACVPR en www.aacvpr.org.

Leer más About El Programa de rehabilitación pulmonar Thomas S. Dolan recibe una certificación respetada del líder de la industria