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Your cancer care team

Cancer is a complex illness that affects a person not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. A diagnosis of cancer affects not only the person with the cancer, but also his or her friends and family. Therefore, a team of highly trained individuals will be working together to provide you with comprehensive and holistic treatment.

Some of the specialists that you may encounter as a patient at Community Regional Cancer Care include the following:

Physicians / Surgeons

Your medical care will be directed by an oncologist, a board-certified doctor with years of specialized training and experience in cancer. During the course of your illness you may also need to be seen by other doctors specializing in internal medicine, infectious disease or disorders affecting specific organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys.

• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Surgical oncologists/breast surgeons

Symptom Management Group

The Symptom Management Group assists patients and families in providing comfort, relieving symptoms, and easing distress caused from disease and treatment. Learn more and meet the team

Nursing staff

Community Regional Cancer Care nurses have received advanced training in the care of patients with cancer. We employ more than 20 nurses who have received the OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) certification. They have extensive knowledge about how to give you the treatment your doctor prescribed and they know the best method for administering your treatment. They also watch for side effects and changes in you, and teach you how to help care for yourself in the hospital, the clinic or at home.

Nurse Practitioner (N.P.)

This is a registered nurse with advanced training, usually a master’s degree. You may see a nurse practitioner for physical exams, daily visits if you are an inpatient, certain procedures such as a bone marrow biopsy, or for education or discharge planning.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (C.N.S.)

This is a registered nurse with a master’s degree who helps to train the oncology staff and assists the staff with difficult patient care issues such as pain control and symptom management.

Radiation therapists

Radiation therapists have special training in radiation therapy and physics. They coordinate and deliver your daily radiation treatments according to the prescription of your radiation doctor.

Registered dietitian

Both cancer and the treatment can take its toll on your body and affect your appetite. Your body will need to maintain the best nutrition possible during your illness and treatment. The dietitian will assist you and your family in assuring a healthy diet for you.

Pharmacist

The oncology pharmacist works directly with your health care team to ensure a safe and effective program of medication, chemotherapy, antibiotics and other medicines that your illness may require.

Oncology chaplain

The oncology chaplain has special skills in assisting you and your family to draw upon your particular spiritual resources for healing. The chaplain is available to people of all faiths as well as to those without a religious affiliation.

Psychiatrist

The stress and challenges of having cancer can sometimes seem overwhelming. A physician who has specialized in psycho-oncology is available to assist you and your family in working through emotional and psychological difficulties.

Social worker

The social worker is available to assist you with many of the practical aspects of coping with your illness. They can help to identify and access various financial and community resources to support you and your family’s special needs during this time of illness.

Case managers

Case managers help to coordinate your medical care and services in the hospital, the clinic or at home. They work frequently with insurance providers.

Financial counselors

Financial counselors verify insurance benefits for your tests and treatments, maintain your account, and help you set up payment plans or assistance for those with low income.

Ancillary staff

Professionally trained physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and others may be enlisted to care for any special needs.

Support staff

Numerous other individuals are dedicated to caring for you as transporters, schedulers, nursing assistants, secretaries, food service workers, housekeepers and volunteers.