Volunteer Services

Volunteers help with many aspects of customer service at our facilites, such as:

• Visiting patients to ask about non-medical needs and offer emotional support
• Serving as reception and information clerks
• Assisting visitors and patients with directions
• Transporting patients throughout the hospitals
• Assisting in hospital gift shops

Smoking Cessation

Using individualized medical assessment, strategies and health tips, this program helps people identify and reach their goals to stop using tobacco.

Hospice Services

Care provided to support a terminally ill patient at home. Hospice and pallitative care usually involve relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the patient and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity. To qualify for hospice care, a patient usually has a life expectancy of less than six months.

Group Counseling

Therapy technique which includes interaction among group members with a counselor or other leader.

CT Scan

A computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Research Studies

Research studies allow patients to receive the latest medical treatment options. A research program is composed of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals who work together as a team. Their mission is not only to find new and better ways to treat patients, but to prevent the disease from occurring at all.

Pap Test

A Pap test (also called Pap smear) involves microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix, used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer, and to show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.

Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is  a procedure in which a sample of tissue is obtained through a tube that is inserted into the uterus.

Lymph Node Dissection

A lymph node dissection, also called lymphadenectomy, is surgery to remove lymph nodes. This may be done to examine lymph nodes for cancer cells. The removal and examination of the cancerous lymph nodes will help determine the exact stage and grade of the cancer and may reduce the spread of the disease.

Colon Resections (Colectomy)

Laparoscopic intestinal resection surgery (colectomy) uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the belly button. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors in the operating room. Anyone with a condition that requires removal of a large part of the intestine, including diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, some colorectal cancers, and rectal prolapse may be a candidate for laparoscopic intestinal surgery.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Mammogram

A form of x-ray of the breast that can identify tissue abnormalities, including cancerous growths. Mammograms can detect breast cancer as much as two years before a lump can be felt.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

This procedure involves locating the few lymph nodes near the site of cancer that would receive lymph fluid drainage from the tumor itself. If any tumor cells have moved from the original area involved, those lymph nodes would most likely hold them. These lymph nodes are found using a radioactive tracer and blue dye.

Needle Localizations

A special examination for localizing questionable masses that cannot be felt but are seen on mammogram films. The radiologist places a needle with a wire into the area of abnormality. The needle remains in the breast once it is in the area of interest.  The patient then goes to the operating room for the biopsy procedure. The needle is used as a guide by the surgeon to ensure that the correct area of abnormality is removed.

Fine Needle Aspiration

For a fine needle aspiration biopsy,  a very thin needle is placed into the lump or suspicious area to remove a small sample of fluid and/or tissue. No incision is necessary. A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to help to differentiate a cyst from a lump.

Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonogram)

Diagnostic ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of body tissues. Information obtained from these images can be utilized along with other patient data in order to arrive at a medical diagnosis.

Core Needle Biopsy

During a core needle biopsy,  a large needle is guided into a lump or suspicious area to remove a small cylinder of tissue (also called a core). No incision is necessary.

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Sonogram)

Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts and look for tumors. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography.

Pain Management and Treatment

Pain management and treatment options address the whole person, not just the site of the pain. Options may include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, pain psychology, biofeedback, integrated mind-body pain program, medication management, social work, patient-controlled analgesia, epidural injections, procedural treatments, and/or implantable technologies.

Full-Body Skin Cancer Exam

A dermatologist conducts a full-body exam of the skin to check for abnormalities that are, or could become, cancerous.

Nutrition Counseling for Cancer Patients

Nutrition services for cancer survivors with expert advice from a dietitian with special training in oncology.

PSA Blood Test

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is used to help detect prostate cancer by measuring a substance called prostate-specific antigen produced by the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

This support group is open to adults, family and friends (18 and older) with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Support Group

This support group is open to adults, family and friends (18 and older) with a ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Lumpectomy

A type of breast-conserving surgery that may be used as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed. However, the breast itself remains intact.

Liver Biopsy

A procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. The tissue is then analyzed in a laboratory to help doctors diagnose a variety of disorders and diseases in the liver. A liver biopsy is most often performed to help identify the cause of jaundice, liver enzymes, an abnormality or unexplained enlargement.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

A fecal occult blood test is  a test to check for hidden blood in stool.

Digital Rectal Examination

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is  a procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.

da Vinci Robotic Prostate Surgery

This procedure incorporates a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system that helps your surgeon see vital anatomical structures more clearly and to perform a more precise surgical procedure through small incisions. For most patients this procedure offers substantially less pain and a much shorter recovery period.

The surgeon performs the operation by manipulating long hand-held surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions.

Anti-Nausea Treatments

Treatments to address nausea associated with chemotherapy or other procedures.

Antibiotic Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

Digital Mammography

The latest advancement in the early detection of breast cancer, new digital capabilities will enable the technologist to immediately view mammogram images on the screen, thereby reducing the amount of time spent in the imaging suite and the need for retakes.

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer.

Cancer Resource Library

The Cancer Resource Library offers books, videotapes, audiotapes, articles and pamphlets on various topics related to cancer including medical, emotional, inspirational, nutrition, and child and parent issues. The library is equipped with computers and internet access. All materials may be checked out for up to three weeks.

Biological Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy or biotherapy) uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. The cells, antibodies and organs of the immune system work to protect and defend the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses.

Hormonal Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands, such as the ovaries and testicles. Hormones help some types of cancer cells to grow, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. In other cases, hormones can kill cancer cells, make cancer cells grow more slowly, or stop them from growing. Hormone therapy as a cancer treatment may involve taking medications that interfere with the activity of the hormone or stop the production of the hormones. Hormone therapy may involve surgically removing a gland that is producing the hormones.

Radiation Therapy for Cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. External radiation by an x-ray machine sends the x-ray through the skin. Internal radiation puts radioisotopes into the body through thin plastic tubes.

Cancer Clinical Research Trials

Research studies that involve patient volunteers to find different ways to treat cancer. Each study is designed to answer specific scientific questions and to find potentially better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (also called systemic treatment) is the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove portions or all of the breast.

Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate.