Anti-Nausea Treatments

Treatments to address nausea associated with chemotherapy or other procedures.

Antibiotic Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

Barium Enema

A barium enema (also called lower GI, or gastrointestinal, series) is  a procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine and the lower part of the small intestine. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages) and other problems.

Biological Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy or biotherapy) uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. The cells, antibodies and organs of the immune system work to protect and defend the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Bosom Buddies Cancer Support Group

A support group specially designed for breast cancer survivors.

Brachytherapy

During brachytherapy (also known as internal radiation or implant radiation),  radiation is given inside the body as close to the cancer as possible. Substances that produce radiation, called radioisotopes, may be swallowed, injected or implanted directly into the tumor. Some of the radioactive implants are called "seeds" or "capsules."

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

A type of surgery for women who have had a breast removed (mastectomy). The surgery rebuilds the breast so that it is about the same size and shape as it was before. The nipple and areola (the darker area around the nipple) can also be added. Most women who have had a mastectomy can have reconstruction. Women who have had a lumpectomy may not need reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is done by a plastic surgeon.

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Sonogram)

Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts and look for tumors. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography.

Cancer Clinical Research Trials

Research studies that involve patient volunteers to find different ways to treat cancer. Each study is designed to answer specific scientific questions and to find potentially better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Cancer Financial Support Services

Financial support for cancer survivors to help with medical expenses.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Services

Community education programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and  behaviors, which can reduce the risk of cancer.

Cancer Prevention Trials

Cancer prevention studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Cancer Resource Library

The Cancer Resource Library offers books, videotapes, audiotapes, articles and pamphlets on various topics related to cancer including medical, emotional, inspirational, nutrition, and child and parent issues. The library is equipped with computers and internet access. All materials may be checked out for up to three weeks.

Cancer Wellness Programs

A variety of programs to treat the entire person, both physically and emotionally, on the cancer journey.

CEA Assay Colon Cancer Diagnostic

The CEA Assay test measures a protien called carcinoembryonic antigen. This protein is sometimes higher in people with colorectal cancer.

Chaplaincy Services

Chaplaincy is typically the services of a priest, pastor, ordained deacon, rabbi, imam or other member of the clergy serving a group of people who are not organized as a mission or church, or who are unable to attend church for various reasons.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (also called systemic treatment) is the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells.

Chronic Pain Treatment

Treatment of chronic pain, which is pain that persists longer than the time it takes for natural healing to occur, or pain that lasts longer than six months.

Colon Resections (Colectomy)

Laparoscopic intestinal resection surgery (colectomy) uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the belly button. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors in the operating room. Anyone with a condition that requires removal of a large part of the intestine, including diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, some colorectal cancers, and rectal prolapse may be a candidate for laparoscopic intestinal surgery.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is  a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum, up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination and possibly treat some problems that are detected.

Core Needle Biopsy

During a core needle biopsy,  a large needle is guided into a lump or suspicious area to remove a small cylinder of tissue (also called a core). No incision is necessary.

Cryoablation (Cryosurgery)

Also called cryotherapy, cryosurgery or targeted cryoablation therapy, this is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy diseased tissue, including cancer cells. Liquid nitrogen or argon gas is applied to diseased cells located outside or inside the body. Physicians use image-guidance techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) to help guide these freezing substances to treatment sites located inside the body.

CT Scan

A computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

da Vinci Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

With the da Vinci system, surgeons can perform gynecologic surgery by manipulating long hand-held surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. This procedure is less invasive and often results in a shorter recovery time.

da Vinci Robotic Prostate Surgery

This procedure incorporates a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system that helps your surgeon see vital anatomical structures more clearly and to perform a more precise surgical procedure through small incisions. For most patients this procedure offers substantially less pain and a much shorter recovery period.

The surgeon performs the operation by manipulating long hand-held surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.

Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonogram)

Diagnostic ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of body tissues. Information obtained from these images can be utilized along with other patient data in order to arrive at a medical diagnosis.

Digital Mammography

The latest advancement in the early detection of breast cancer, new digital capabilities will enable the technologist to immediately view mammogram images on the screen, thereby reducing the amount of time spent in the imaging suite and the need for retakes.

Digital Rectal Examination

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is  a procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.

Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is  a procedure in which a sample of tissue is obtained through a tube that is inserted into the uterus.

Exercise Consult

Individualized consults with a cardiovascular lifestyle specialist. Patients will receive assistance developing a healthy, individualized exercise program.

Exercise Physiology Testing

Exercise testing can provide valuable and objective insights into a patient's cardiopulmonary condition and capacity. There are different types of exercise tests that may be performed, depending on the questions that need to be answered. Exercise tests usually are performed on a stationary bicycle or a treadmill.

Exercise Therapy

Individual consultations with an exercise physiologist. Patients will be assisted with developing or enhancing a safe, effective exercise program.

Family Counseling

Family counseling is the treatment of emotional disorder of a family unit. It is based on the belief that the family is a unique social system with its own structure and patterns of communication. Any change in one member of the family affects both the family structure and each member individually.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

A fecal occult blood test is  a test to check for hidden blood in stool.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a short, lighted tube to examine the sigmoid colon and rectum.

Flow Cytometry

A laboratory test that helps physicians select a cancer treatment option. This technique measures properties of cells as they move, or flow, in liquid suspension. Flow cytometry provides information on how quickly the cancer cells are growing and can help determine the cell's immune response characteristics.

Full-Body Skin Cancer Exam

A dermatologist conducts a full-body exam of the skin to check for abnormalities that are, or could become, cancerous.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling  provides an assessment of heritable risk factors and information to patients and their relatives concerning the consequences of a disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and ways in which it can be prevented, treated and managed. Genetic counseling is provided by a physician with specialized training in genetics or a genetic counselor.

Group Counseling

Therapy technique which includes interaction among group members with a counselor or other leader.

Gynecologic Oncology Services

Services addressing cancers of the female reproductive system.

Hormonal Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands, such as the ovaries and testicles. Hormones help some types of cancer cells to grow, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. In other cases, hormones can kill cancer cells, make cancer cells grow more slowly, or stop them from growing. Hormone therapy as a cancer treatment may involve taking medications that interfere with the activity of the hormone or stop the production of the hormones. Hormone therapy may involve surgically removing a gland that is producing the hormones.

Hospice Services

Care provided to support a terminally ill patient at home. Hospice and pallitative care usually involve relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the patient and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity. To qualify for hospice care, a patient usually has a life expectancy of less than six months.

Inpatient Hospice Care

Provides compassionate care in an in-patient setting to patients with terminal illnesses, and supportive care to their families.

Live Poet Society Cancer Support Group

An on-going open discussion and sharing of experiences and feelings with the possibility of written expression.

Liver Biopsy

A procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. The tissue is then analyzed in a laboratory to help doctors diagnose a variety of disorders and diseases in the liver. A liver biopsy is most often performed to help identify the cause of jaundice, liver enzymes, an abnormality or unexplained enlargement.

Look Good, Feel Better Cancer Program

A free, national public service program to help women who are undergoing cancer treatment. Teaches women coping skills for dealing with appearance-related side effects of treatment. Look Good, Feel Better is product-neutral (no specific product, brand or manufacturer is recommended or endorsed) and makes no medical claims. Sessions and materials are provided at no charge.

Lumpectomy

A type of breast-conserving surgery that may be used as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed. However, the breast itself remains intact.

Lymph Node Dissection

A lymph node dissection, also called lymphadenectomy, is surgery to remove lymph nodes. This may be done to examine lymph nodes for cancer cells. The removal and examination of the cancerous lymph nodes will help determine the exact stage and grade of the cancer and may reduce the spread of the disease.

Lymphedema Clinic

Individuals who have had lymph nodes removed or injured during their cancer treatment may be at risk for lymphedema, a condition characterized by abnormal swelling of one or more areas of the body. The Lymphedema Clinic offers a variety of treatments to help decrease this swelling.

Mammogram

A form of x-ray of the breast that can identify tissue abnormalities, including cancerous growths. Mammograms can detect breast cancer as much as two years before a lump can be felt.

Mammosite Breast Cancer Treatment

After the surgeon removes a breast tumor, an uninflated MammoSite balloon is gently placed inside the tumor cavity through a small incision. A portion of the catheter will remain outside of the breast. The MammoSite balloon can be placed either during your lumpectomy surgery or up to 10 weeks after surgery in a separate procedure. Through this balloon, radiation can be given more quickly.

Massage for Cancer Patients

Massage has been shown to have a variety of benefits for cancer patients such as stress reduction, pain reduction, fatigue reduction, and increase in immune system response.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove portions or all of the breast.

Medical Oncology Services

Medical oncology is a specialty of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis of and management of treating cancer.

Mind/Body Healing Cancer Support Group

This group, open to all cancer survivors, discusses meditation/self-help techniques and how to incorporate them into daily life; educates on stress and its effects on the immune system; participants will learn relaxation, imagery and more.

Mobile Mammography

The mobile mammography unit reaches women unable to come to traditional on-site mammography centers. With a mobile mammography unit, the center is able to take breast health care to underserved populations.

Molecular and Cytogenetic Anaylsis

Molecular  and cytogenetic analysis is a diagnostic test used to find abnormalities in the genetic make-up of human cells and help doctors determine the best treatment option for the patient.

MR-Guided Breast Biopsy

Taking a breast biopsy guided in real-time by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MR-guided breast biopsy is often a preferred alternative to surgical biopsy. It is used when ultrasound or mammogram (stereotactic) guided biopsy is not appropriate because the area of concern is not well seen by mammogram or ultrasound.

Nuclear Medicine

A branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses the nuclear properties of matter in diagnosis and therapy. More specifically, nuclear medicine is a part of molecular imaging because it produces images that reflect biological processes that take place at the cellular and subcellular level.

Nutrition Counseling for Cancer Patients

Nutrition services for cancer survivors with expert advice from a dietitian with special training in oncology.

Pain Management and Treatment

Pain management and treatment options address the whole person, not just the site of the pain. Options may include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, pain psychology, biofeedback, integrated mind-body pain program, medication management, social work, patient-controlled analgesia, epidural injections, procedural treatments, and/or implantable technologies.

Pain Rehabilitation

A program designed for persons with residual impairment from injury, disease or surgical procedures. 

Palliative Care Program

A palliative care program focuses on relieving pain, symptoms and stress of patients with advanced diseases.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is the ministry of care and counseling provided by pastors, chaplains and other religious leaders to members of their group. Examples of Pastoral Care Services are:

• Chaplaincy
•  
  Parish Nursing and Health Ministry
• Onsite chapels

Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials

Pediatric cancer clinical trials are research studies that involve pediatric patient volunteers to find different ways to treat cancer. Each study is designed to answer specific scientific questions and to find potentially better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Pediatric Cancer Treatment

Childhood cancer varies from adult cancers in development, treatment, response to therapy, tolerance of therapy and prognosis. In most cases, childhood cancer is more responsive to therapy, the child can tolerate more aggressive therapy and the prognosis is better. Treatments may include options such as antibiotics, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine procedure that measures the metabolic activity of cells.

Pharmacological Pain Control

Pharmacological pain control involves the use of analgesics, as well as other medications, to modify the patient's mood or pain perception.

Preventive Care

Medical and/or dental services aimed at early detection and intervention.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

This support group is open to adults, family and friends (18 and older) with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate.

PSA Blood Test

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is used to help detect prostate cancer by measuring a substance called prostate-specific antigen produced by the prostate.

Radiation Therapy for Cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. External radiation by an x-ray machine sends the x-ray through the skin. Internal radiation puts radioisotopes into the body through thin plastic tubes.

Research Studies

Research studies allow patients to receive the latest medical treatment options. A research program is composed of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals who work together as a team. Their mission is not only to find new and better ways to treat patients, but to prevent the disease from occurring at all.

Second Opinion Cancer Clinics

Second Opinion Cancer Clinics allow cancer specialists to meet together at one time in the convenience of a single location to consider each patient's case and make the best, most comprehensive recommendation for treatment.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

This procedure involves locating the few lymph nodes near the site of cancer that would receive lymph fluid drainage from the tumor itself. If any tumor cells have moved from the original area involved, those lymph nodes would most likely hold them. These lymph nodes are found using a radioactive tracer and blue dye.

Sisters Network Breast Cancer Support Group

Sisters Network, Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African-American community.

Sputum Cytology Lung Cancer Diagnostic

Sputum cytology examines a sample of sputum (mucus) under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs.

Stem Cell Transplant

Treatment procedure by which young blood stem cells are collected from the patient (autologous) or another matched donor (allogeneic). High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation is given, and the stem cells are reinserted into the patient to rebuild their immune system.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

A type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position the patient and precisely give a single large dose of radiation to a tumor. It is used to treat brain tumors and other brain disorders that cannot be treated by regular surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Also called stereotaxic radiosurgery, radiosurgery and radiation surgery.

Stress Management

A set of techniques used to help an individual cope more effectively with difficult situations in order to feel better emotionally, improve behavioral skills, and often to enhance feelings of control. Stress management may include relaxation exercises, assertiveness training, cognitive restructuring, time management, and social support.

Strides to Strength Cancer Wellness Program

Strides to Strength is a cancer wellness and fatigue management program designed to help you overcome fatigue, physical limiatations and emotional challenges to improve your quality of life following a cancer diagnosis. The program enhances physical and emotional recovery by focusing on exercise, nutrition, support and education.

Supported Employment Program

Helps people with disabilities find and keep a job. Specializes in helping people who are recovering from brain injury and stroke. People in the program work with a Job Coach who identifies a client's work strengths and limitations, assists with locating appropriate job options, provides on-the-job training, and provides education as needed to employers and co-workers. The goal is to see that the client is right for the job and the job is right for the client.

Surgical Tumor Removal

For certain types of cancer, surgical removal of the tumor is the easiest, most effective method of treatment. In many cases it is just the tumor, or a part of the tumor, that is removed. However, it might be necessary to remove an entire diseased organ, such as a lung or kidney.

Together Learning About Cancer Support Group

A support group open to anyone diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends.

Tumor Marker Panel

Tumor marker panels are tests that analyze substances in the blood produced by cancer cells. The markers are able to detect if cancer is present in the blood and can monitor the cancer's response to therapy.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Volunteer Services

Volunteers help with many aspects of customer service at our facilites, such as:

• Visiting patients to ask about non-medical needs and offer emotional support
• Serving as reception and information clerks
• Assisting visitors and patients with directions
• Transporting patients throughout the hospitals
• Assisting in hospital gift shops

X-ray

An x-ray is a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.

Yoga for Cancer Patients

Yoga is a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being. Yoga is a well-known health activity that increases flexibility, stimulates the mind and balances the body.