Oncology Palliative Care Program
Oncology Palliative Care Program
Palliative care is a type of health care that focuses on improving your physical, emotional and spiritual health while you receive cancer treatment. We give special attention to relieving pain and other distressing symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Ultimately, the goal is to improve your quality of life.
Oncology palliative care can begin at the time of diagnosis or any time afterward, and continues throughout a patient's treatment. Recent studies have shown that patients, who receive palliative care services early in their course of treatment often experience less-adverse symptoms, require less time in the hospital and report feeling better.
The Providence Oncology Palliative Care team includes a board-certified adult nurse practitioner and a certified oncology social worker. They can work with you, your family members and your care team to provide:
- Relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and fatigue, whether caused by the cancer or the treatments
- Treatment for depression and anxiety related to the cancer
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Enhanced communication with doctors and family members
- Guidance with difficult treatment decisions
- Help with navigating the health care system
The team reserves 90 minutes for your first appointment to make sure there is enough time to address all your questions and concerns.
Your family members, caregivers and friends are an important part of your care, and we encourage you to bring them with you for this appointment.
After your initial appointment, the team will follow up with you on a regular basis to address concerns and provide ongoing support.
As an integral part of Providence Cancer Institute, Providence Oncology Palliative Care can give patients and family members access to other helpful services:
- Dietitian services and nutrition counseling
- Naturopathic care
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Cancer counseling, support groups and classes
- Chaplain services and pastoral care
- Home health care
- Financial counseling
Our palliative care clinics are open to all patients receiving treatment at Providence Cancer Institute.
Our team focuses on alleviating symptoms, easing side effects of treatment and improving quality of life for those living with these serious cancers.
When you first hear the words “it’s cancer,” the road ahead may seem overwhelming. But from that moment on, Providence Cancer Institute surrounds you with people to help you through the journey. Treating your cancer is not only about treating the disease; it is also about supporting you as a whole person – body, mind and spirit. Here are some of our key support services to help you get through your treatment and emerge as healthy as possible.
- Oncology nurse navigators work directly with your oncologists, surgeons, and care team to help you better understand and follow your treatment plans. The compassionate guidance of nurse navigators has been shown to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Learn more about nurse navigators. - Oncology social workers are trained counselors who help patients and families cope with the emotional stresses and practical concerns associated with cancer. Providence cancer patients and their families can benefit from our social work services.
Learn more about what an oncology social worker can do for you. - Oncology nutrition. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients. Our registered dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and are here to help.
Learn more about oncology nutrition. - Integrative medicine offers an excellent complement to conventional medicine to help patients achieve optimal health. Programs and services include acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage and more.
Learn more about integrative medicine. - Palliative care is a type of health care that focuses on improving your physical, emotional and spiritual health while you receive cancer treatment giving special attention to relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.
Learn more about palliative care. - Cancer rehabilitation combines evidence-based cancer rehabilitation practices with services to address side effects and symptoms. The result is our patients recover their energy, well-being and quality of life more completely and quickly.
Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.
In addition to providing expert cancer care, Providence Cancer Institute provides an extra dimension of care through our many support services and cancer resources.
- Support groups provide education and support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Support groups are led by our professional staff and are offered as a free service to any person with cancer in our community.
- Peer support is offered by trained volunteers who provide one-on-one peer support for patients with cancer and/or their caregivers. It is an opportunity to talk about your fears or concerns with someone who comes from a place of understanding your journey.
Learn more about support groups and peer support. - The Living Well Guide is designed to provide our patients with one reference for all contact numbers, support services and self-care information.
- The Living Well Through Cancer Treatment and Beyond Video Series will give you information, support and hope. Each video features patients who share their stories and experiences with helpful advice from cancer care experts.
Learn more about Living Well Guide & video series.
Both the Living Well Guide and the video series are available in several languages.
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