How do cancer specialists collaborate to benefit patients?
Through the interdisciplinary treatment planning conferences, specialists review new or difficult cases and develop treatment plans suited to each of the patient’s specific needs. Through this coordinated effort, we are able to deliver quality and precision in cancer care with intense commitment to quality of life.
Like most cancer centers, we are dedicated to treating the whole person and believe that one should never make the journey alone. In addition to treatments, our programs include support groups and psychosocial services — all designed to help patients and families every step of the way.
What can we expect in the future?
Scores of innovative cancer therapies and treatments are in varying stages of development as researchers learn more about cancer cell biology and new treatments. Pharmaceuticals are being created to better kill tumors by cutting off their blood supply. Therapeutic vaccines may be able to boost the immune system’s natural ability to protect the body from disease. Gene sequencing looks for specific DNA mutations that occur with different types of cancers. The ability to identify those mutations may lead to new treatments. Physicians are beginning to use knowledge gained by research to look at an individual’s DNA to predict cancer risk. Personalized screening for those at higher risk will help detect cancer at its earliest signs. Doctors will be better able to customize treatment by choosing the most effective treatment and thus avoiding those that will not work.
How can employers help?
Encourage employees to take advantage of cancer screenings. Employers should also initiate wellness programs. These can be as simple as ensuring worksite cafeterias and vending machines have healthy food, offering exercise tips and providing pedometers to use during breaks and mealtimes. Partner with a local accredited hospital cancer center to offer onsite education. Our memorialcare.org website provides online risk assessments and tools as well as a wealth of information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
