The Cancer Center of Saint Vincent Hospital is designed to treat and support patients by providing comprehensive services during and after treatment. The staff of the Cancer Program prides itself in utilizing advanced technology and information, including patient participation in national clinical trials and the latest advances in research and treatment for cancer care. We maintain the highest quality standards in the prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Our multidisciplinary approach to cancer care incorporates trained professionals and a wide range of support services. The standards of our Cancer program are validated by full accreditation with the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We fulfill the criteria for membership in the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS).

• Current Events
• Providers and Treatments
• Information, Education and Counseling
• Clinical Trials

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Current Events
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Health Care Providers and Treatments
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician's role includes the following responsibilities:

• Preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, laboratory and diagnostic services.
• Medical care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
• Referral for specialty care.
• Collaboration with all of your consultants.
• Participation in multidisciplinary teams.

Your primary care physician may choose to refer you to a medical oncologist or radiation oncologist to manage your care while you're on treatment.

Surgery

Often the first step in diagnosing and treating individuals with cancer is a surgical procedure: biopsy, aspiration and/or actual removal of the tumor. The timing of surgery will depend on the design of your overall treatment plan. When surgery is part of the treatment plan it may be performed before, during or at the end of other therapies. Inpatient and same day surgery procedures are performed at Saint Vincent Hospital. Procedures are frequently performed in the surgeon's office or at a clinic site.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy is the use of invisible, painless, high energy x-ray beams which are precisely targeted to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given either externally or internally. Most people who receive radiation therapy for cancer have the external type. These treatments are usually given on an outpatient basis daily for an average duration of two to six weeks. Patients who receive internal radiation therapy are usually admitted to the hospital for treatment. A team consisting of a radiation oncologist, oncology certified nurses, radiation therapists, a dosimetrist, and medical physicist collaborate to design your treatment plan. This team will meet you and your family regularly and are available to coordinate any other services you may require (home care, social services, nutrition counseling, etc.)

Medical Oncology/Chemotherapy

Medical oncology is a treatment field that uses medication to disrupt the cancer cell's ability to multiply. The application of these drugs is called chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be used by itself or in combination with radiation and/or surgery. The length and frequency of your treatment depends on the cancer diagnosis, the medications used and the body's response. Chemotherapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis, but occasionally some therapies require hospitalization. A team consisting of a hematologist a specialist in diseases of the blood; a medical oncologist a specialist in the treatment of solid tumors and an oncology nurse are specially trained to care for patients with cancer and to the administration of chemotherapy.

Inpatient Oncology

Saint Vincent Hospital has an inpatient oncology unit dedicated to caring for people with cancer and those who care about them. Your daily inpatient care is provided by a team of health care providers, coordinated by a registered nurse. This team's goal is to meet the needs that you and the interdisciplinary team identify. Your physician will order the tests and medications you need. The Oncology Unit has private and semi-private, air conditioned rooms. A quiet room is available with a television set, comfortable furniture which offers a home-like atmosphere to patients and visitors during their hospital stay. There is a kitchen equipped and stocked with nutritious snacks, a coffee maker, refrigerator, ice maker and microwave oven. Visiting hours are unrestricted, and arrangements can be made through the staff to spend the night in the patient's room.

Information, Education and Counseling
Patient Education

Saint Vincent Hospital believes that patients who are well informed do better overall by:

• Participating in treatment options that suit their lifestyles, beliefs and value systems.
• Feeling and being more in control of the decision-making process.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Most departments have numerous educational handouts, brochures, pamphlets, books, videos, etc. Just ask!
• An Oncology Education Center is open to patients, families and friends. The Center has videos, books and audio tapes which can be borrowed upon request.
• An additional area for information is the Dumphy Memorial Medical Library, located at Saint Vincent Hospital.

Social Work Services

The Social Work Services Department offers the opportunity for counseling to patients and families, from the time of diagnosis through the continuum of care. The counseling staff is available to patients and families to discuss concerns relating to financial issues, transportation, lodging, marital problems, coping skills, bereavement, sexuality and fertility. Staff also addresses issues of depression and substance abuse. There is an ongoing support group for cancer patients and their significant others.

Pastoral Care

The Department of Pastoral Services provides religious and spiritual support to patients and families. Staff is available, by request, to provide sacramental ministry as well as counseling services. They may also arrange for continuity of pastoral care within the patient's own church, synagogue, or religious center.

Behavioral Medicine

The Division of Behavioral Medicine offers new approaches to dealing with troubling symptoms. In a group context, participants learn effective techniques and skills to gain greater control over their symptoms and reduce their distress. You will learn innovative coping skills including relaxation, meditation and imagery. These coping skills are designed to help you manage possible physical symptoms as well as to reduce anxiety and depression.

Sexuality and Fertility

A cancer diagnosis can affect all aspects of life, including the most intimate. Whether you are single or in a committed relationship, the diagnosis and decisions involving treatment can pose difficulties involving self image, self confidence and closeness. Fears concerning attractiveness and maintaining intimacy can strain the most established relationship. For some patients, a cancer diagnosis can raise important questions about future fertility and family planning. Often these personal concerns are difficult to discuss; communication can be improved through talking with a trained professional.

Nutrition

Patients who eat well during their cancer treatment better tolerate all aspects of their cancer care by maintaining strength, preventing body tissues from breaking down, and rebuilding normal tissues that may be affected by their treatment(s). Cancer patients with good eating habits may have fewer infections and more energy. Registered dietitians are available to assist patients and/or their caregivers in learning about possible nutritional problems brought about by disease, radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery.

Pain Care Center

People may experience varying levels of pain or discomfort; cancer patients are no exception. If your pain has not been adequately controlled, your physician may recommend that you be seen by this team of specialists, or you may ask any one of the physicians taking care of you for a referral. The Pain Care Center takes a holistic approach to care. The staff at the Center strives to help you minimize your pain and to maximize your activity level, improving your quality of life.

Clinical Trials/Research

A clinical trial is a research study (sometimes called a protocol) that is used to evaluate new treatments or answer questions about new or more useful therapies. These studies are also used to determine the benefits of new medicines. Patients choose to participate in clinical trials to increase their chances of a cure, to feel better, to live longer, or to contribute to research efforts that can help others.

Before enrolling in a clinical trial, you should take time to discuss the new treatment with your healthcare team. You should ask as many questions as you need to until you receive a complete explanation. Your decision to participate or not to participate should be made from the information you have received. If you agree to take part in a research trial, you will need to sign an Informed Consent. This form outlines the risks and desired benefits of the clinical trial. Signing a consent form means you understand the trial and agree to take part. You may withdraw from participating in the trial at any time you desire.

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