Cancer doesn’t simply affect a single part of a person’s body. At Altru Cancer Center, we recognize that cancer can impact your entire body—your physical, mental and emotional health. And beyond that, it can also affect your loved ones.
That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional cancer care that extends well beyond cancer treatment. Our team of providers will walk with you from the day you’re diagnosed, helping to guide your decisions and make you as comfortable as possible every step of the way.
This extends to the family, too. We offer support services and resources that include family support during cancer, helping them know and understand how to best support the person with cancer.
Who is a Cancer Survivor?
Did you know that you are considered a cancer survivor from the day you are diagnosed? It’s true—and we consider cancer survivorship as a distinct part of the cancer care we provide. By 2030, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 22.1 million cancer survivors in the United States.
Patient Navigators
Coming to a cancer center can be overwhelming. That’s why we connect each patient with a patient navigator who works to provide support and guidance to help you through the process.
Your patient navigator will work closely with members of your medical team, helping to coordinate testing and treatment, as well as other aspects of your care.
You will also have access to a Financial Navigator who will assist you in navigating the financial hurdles to your treatment.
Social Resources
Our patient navigation department can work with you to determine your individual and family needs and connect you with the resources that can help as you adjust and move through cancer treatment.
These may include:
- New and gently used wigs and turbans available free of charge for anyone experiencing hair loss
- Referral to community agencies, including lodging and transportation.
- Referral to financial programs, including Medicaid, Social Security Administration, medication assistance and Veterans Affairs
- Support services, including counseling and education
- Supportive living arrangements including; personal care assistance, home health, hospice, home delivered meals, assisted living and nursing homes.
Survivorship Care Plan
A survivorship care plan is prepared by request at the end of treatment. It includes information related to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship care and overall health.
The provider will review the information with the patient and his or her family, highlighting the information related to what’s next, including follow-up care:
- Cancer-related resources online and in the community
- Information on recommended follow-up visits and tests
- Possible short-term and long-term side effects from cancer treatment
- Promotion of physical and mental wellness
- Signs and symptoms of cancer recurrence or secondary malignancy
Palliative Care
Palliative care is not just end-of-life care—it is provided in addition to curative treatment and designed to help improve a patient’s quality of life while he or she is going through treatment.
Palliative care offers patients help with the emotional and physical impacts of cancer by:
- Providing management of pain and other physical symptoms and side effects
- Helping patients understand their options and make decisions about quality of life
- Managing lifestyle goals around new physical limits
- Promoting well-being and peace of mind
- Helping the patient and loved ones deal with issues if and when they arise
- Encouraging reflection, repairing of relationships and creating new memories
For more information regarding palliative care, please call us at 701.780.5860.
Nutrition Services
Oncology nutrition services are provided on site by a Registered Dietician with knowledge and skills to address nutrition and hydration requirements and recommendations throughout the continuum of cancer care, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.
Home Care
When cancer has advanced to a stage where it is considered terminal, patients and their families may need assistance navigating daily life and care. Home care may be available to patients who are cleared to return home but cannot care for themselves.
Resources
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Free to Breathe
- Livestrong
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
- National Cancer Institute
- LCSW can provide individual or family counseling to help work through this transition. No referral is needed. Call 701.780.6697 for more information or to make an appointment.
If you have any questions about our support services at Altru Cancer Center, please call us at 701.780.5400.
