Comprehensive Cancer Care
When people ask why Comprehensive is part of our name, we explain that the word defines our multi-specialty and collaborative approach for treating our patients.
When diagnosed with cancer, patients of the practice may work with several different cancer care specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons all while being well taken care of by our team of advanced practice providers, nurses, MA’s and other clinical and research staff, depending on the patient’s individual need.
The practices also offers cancer genetic counseling where patients can work with our cancer genetic nurse practitioners who help identify cancer risks early, help build pathways to making smart lifestyle changes, schedule screenings, and offer advice on how to reduce the risks of cancer before a diagnosis occurs.
The Comprehensive Cancer Team
The multi-specialty team approach at Comprehensive may include the following:
Physicians
- Medical Oncologist: Medical oncologists have special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. They serve as the treatment point person and work with their colleagues to determine the best treatment course, which could include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and/or targeted therapy, as appropriate for each patient’s situation. A medical oncologist gives supportive care and can coordinate cancer treatments including clinical research.
- Hematologist: A hematologist is a physician specializing in disorders of blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems. Hematologists can treat many types of cancers, including blood cancers.
- Radiation Oncologist: Radiation oncologists’ possess highly specialized training in various types of external and/or internal radiation to treat cancer. Radiation oncologists often work with a dosimetrist and/or a physicist to ensure treatment plans are uniquely tailored to both the patient and their cancer.
- Breast Surgeon: These surgeons may perform biopsies and other surgical procedures necessary for the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer. At Comprehensive, our surgeons offer surgical procedures for cancer related or non-cancer related diseases of the breast.
- Pulmonologist: A pulmonologist is a physician that specializes in diseases of the lungs and bronchial tubes, which often involves evaluation of the upper respiratory tract. Our pulmonologists add to our multidisciplinary approach to care by offering more services to patients, especially those with lung and bronchus cancer.
Comprehensive’s Advanced Practice Providers
As noted before, in addition to its team of physicians, Comprehensive’s trained and experience Advanced Practice Providers are part of the team and perform the following responsibilities as related to patient care.
- Physician Assistant: Physician Assistants (PAs), operate under the supervision of a doctors at Comprehensive, but share many of the same responsibilities of a medical doctor, with the exception of a few major procedures (including surgery). They’ll examine and provide follow up care to patients the same way a physician would, making them a critical part of the cancer care team.
- Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice nurses, known as an APN, or NP, are registered nurses at Comprehensive who have had additional education and training in diagnosing and treating diseases. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. Seeing an NP is similar to seeing a doctor in some cases. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may provide follow up care and manage the primary care of patients under the supervision of the treating physician. .
- Oncology Nurse: Oncology nurses are often the first line of communication for patients to discuss how they’re feeling during treatment; along with the side effects they’re experiencing. Some of their duties may include:
- Monitoring physical conditions
- Managing patient symptoms/side effects
- Providing patients and their family with emotional support
- Administering chemotherapy under supervision of a doctor
- Radiation Therapist: A professional who works in the field of radiation oncology. A radiation therapist plans and administers radiation treatments to cancer patients, under the supervision of a doctor.
- Cancer Genetic Nurse Practitioners: A specialist who assesses individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions, such as cancer.
Comprehensive’s Supportive Care Team
Cancer is a challenge for both patients and their families. Comprehensive offers the following support services to help make the treatment process as simple as possible.
- Social Worker: A professional trained to talk with people and their families about emotional or physical needs, and to find them support services and the appropriate community resources.
- Financial Counselor: A person who works with patients and their families to help them reduce stress or hardship related to the cost of cancer treatment. Financial counselors (also called patient benefit representatives) help patients understand their out-of-pocket expenses and what their health insurance plans may cover.
- Registered Dietitian: A registered dietitian is an important part of the cancer care team, helping with cancer treatment and recovery. A dietitian will work with patients, their families, and the rest of the medical team to manage the patient’s diet during and after cancer treatment.
From the minute a patient walks through our doors – from the person who greets you to the provider who treats you – will do everything in their power to get you well. That’s what makes us Comprehensive.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for cancer including: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, breast surgery and clinical research. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
