Saint Joseph's other oncology programs and services

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 678-843-7118.

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 678-843-5175.

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 678-843-5051.

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.