The new comprehensive cancer center is going to help coordinate care for oncology patients. They will be able to meet with a collaborative care team at the same place and potentially on the same day at the early stages of their cancer diagnosis. This care team will consist of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, geneticists, nurse navigators, social workers, registered dietitians, physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and other relevant providers. This care team will devise a personalized plan for each patient and communicate alongside the patient throughout his or her cancer journey. Most of the cancer services will be available within the comprehensive cancer center to reduce travel for patients and focus on good use of the patient’s time.
The long list of cancer support services that Cancer Partners provides – including genetics, rehabilitation, nutrition, mental health support, and survivorship to name a few – play a major role in our cancer care and will continue to be available in the new cancer center. The addition of an appearance center in the cancer center is also a welcomed addition to these services. Our cancer patients will soon be able to get fitted for a wig, and any other prostheses. They will also be able to receive a massage, acupuncture, facials, and have other spa services all in the comfort of our cancer center with confidence in the quality of the service being provided. Care will be for the whole person and their families. Our support services make that possible.
Research has shown that stress can inhibit the white blood cell response to infection, wound healing, and cancer. If we can help oncology patients and their families reduce their stress to a very minimal level, then potentially, those patients could have an improvement in their outcomes. Part of that stress reduction is to create an environment that is very welcoming, positive, and healing while caring for each patient as an individual, and tailoring as needed.
Due to our membership in the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group and the ALLIANCE networks, with an affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Center, our cancer center has access to clinical trials that are available nationwide. These are the same trials that are being offered at various academic institutions across the nation and even in other countries. The only difference is that they will be able to participate in these trials while remaining in the comfort of their home with their family and support systems.
Lincoln has an excellent medical community with many providers who take pride in the care that they give to their patients, and as such, these providers are driven to provide a high quality of care. The cancer center will enable the Lincoln medical community to raise the level of excellent care and, consequently, many oncology subspecialized providers are attracted to our community. These specialists can already see the vision Cancer Partners has in Lincoln for comprehensive cancer care to all that come to the cancer center. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this momentous movement.
