Cancer genetics program
The cancer genetics program at Saint Joseph's
focuses on the study of cancer in families. The
program involves looking for patterns in the types
of cancers that occur in a family. A family's
history of cancer and significant other medical
illnesses are gathered and placed into a form
or “pedigree” and sent to a specialist
in genetics for analysis. If this analysis indicates
a hereditary pattern of cancer, genetic testing
may be the next option. Prior to actual testing
however, the oncology clinician and social worker
will provide further education and support to
ensure understanding of the options and decisions
to be made upon receiving test results.
Saint Joseph's is committed to providing
educational resources and the required information
necessary to promote informed and responsible
use of this new technology. Currently, genetic
testing is available for breast, colorectal cancers
and melanoma. Through this program, Saint Joseph’s
continues its effort to offer the latest advances
in cancer prevention and management of the disease.
For more information about the genetics program,
call 404-851-7118.
CanScreen
Saint Joseph's is the first hospital in Georgia
to provide CanScreen, one of the nation's
premier comprehensive cancer screening and early
detection programs. Since most cancers detected
early can be treated successfully, the CanScreen
program is an invaluable resource for the community.
CanScreen is designed to assess cancer risks
and educate on how to watch for cancer's early
warning signs. Canscreen is a program that combines
a screening examination with a health history
questionnaire to define an individual’s
risks and provide a unique plan of care. Performed
by an experienced oncology nurse clinician, CanScreen
combines a head-to-toe screening exam and a health
history questionnaire review. Once the assessments
are complete, the nurse clinician teaches ways
to reduce cancer risk factors, self-exam techniques
and reviews individual results of the screening
exam with each person.
The screening physical exam includes a PSA and
DRE for men, pelvic exam and Pap for women, along
with hemoglobin, hemoccult and a urine check.
The program is offered in its entirety at the
cancer center and in segments to the community
and in corporate settings. The segments offered
off-site include breast, prostate and skin cancer
screenings. Results are given to the individual
to share with their respective physician. CanScreen
assists individuals to find physicians on Saint
Joseph's staff, if one is needed or requested.
During the full CanScreen exam, women receive
a pelvic exam with a PAP test, men a prostate
digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen
blood test.
For more information about the CanScreen program,
call 404-851-5175.
Click
here for more information about other cancer
screening programs available at Saint Joseph’s.
Cancer Survivors' Network
The Cancer Survivors' Network was established
to support patients with cancer and their families,
as well as to promote community awareness of the
issues confronting cancer survivors. The network
serves as a resource for patients during and after
cancer treatment. By providing support, encouragement,
resource information and education, network participants
can truly help those affected by cancer.
Click
here for more information about the programs
and services of the Saint Joseph's Cancer
Survivors' Network as well as additional community
resources for cancer survivors.
For more information on the Cancer Survivors'
Network, call 404-851-5051.
Rehabilitation and support
Rehabilitation and support services include a
lymphedema management program offered through
Saint Joseph's Wellness Center. Lymphedema
is a swelling of arms or legs following removal
of lymph nodes that normally drain the affected
leg or arm. The Lymphedema Program is staffed
by an expert therapist who will teach and assist
in managing this side effect of treatment.
Evelyn Trammel Voice and Swallow Center offers
diagnostic and rehabilitative services for patients
whose ability to speak and swallow, following
treatment for head and neck cancer, has been impaired
in any way. This is one of a handful of centers
of its kind in the country and is staffed by highly
trained thereapists in this field.
Saint Joseph's palliative care program is
focused on relieving suffering and providing comfort
for those facing end of life decisions as curative
measures become less available. Led by a palliative
care nurse coordinator, the multidisciplinary
palliative care team at Saint Joseph's consults
with patients, families, physicians and staff
to develop a plan of care based on the patients’
wishes. As well, educational programs on components
of palliative care, sensitive communications,
patient-centered decision making are available
for staff and the community at large. The Hughes
Spalding, Jr. Fund for Palliative Care has been
established in the Saint Joseph's Mercy Foundation
for the continued growth and development of the
palliative care program.
