New Site Features Online Social Networking Tool for Patients

Living with a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough – finding the right information and resources shouldn't be. That's why PAMF now offers two new online tools to help individuals with cancer learn about their cancer, find out about treatment options, become more familiar with PAMF's Cancer Care Center providers, learn about local resources and support groups, communicate with their friends and family, and so much more.

New Cancer Care Center Web Site

The PAMF Cancer Care Center Web site (www.pamf.org/cancercare) is filled with information that individuals with cancer need to know. The site's "Diagnosing Cancer" section includes information on how PAMF's doctors diagnose cancer using imaging, such as MRI and ultrasound; how cancer is "staged" (determining how advanced it is); and about PAMF's genetic counseling services for individuals with a family history of cancer.

This section also offers information about PAMF's tumor board, where physicians and other health care providers meet and discuss the best course of treatment for select cancer patients. Visitors to the site can also read more about PAMF's multidisciplinary clinics, in which newly diagnosed breast or prostate cancer patients spend two or three hours at PAMF meeting their team of specialists and discussing their treatment plan.

"Our multidisciplinary clinics are designed to reduce the wait times that can create anxiety for newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families," said Theresa Manley, R.N, director of clinical operations at PAMF. "These one-day visits provide an opportunity for patients to meet their team, have their questions answered and quickly get started on their course of treatment."

The "Treatment Options" section of the Cancer Care Center's Web site can also assist in this process, providing information about surgery, chemotherapy and medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiosurgery, acupuncture, psychosocial care and nutrition.

As part of its commitment to helping patients live a quality life after their treatment is complete, PAMF established its Survivorship Program to provide patients with the resources and support they need to face the unique challenges that cancer presents. Visitors to the Cancer Care Web site will find more information about the Survivorship Program, as well as PAMF's Patient-Focused Cancer Care Committee, Breast Cancer Program and Prostate Cancer Buddy Program.

PAMF's Cancer Care Clinic also offers financial counseling, psychosocial support, support groups and other resources for its cancer patients. Information about these services, as well as educational handouts and links to other trusted and useful cancer care Web sites, are available under the "Patient Support" section.

The site even provides pictures and biographies of PAMF's cancer care team, including oncologists, surgeons, nurses, cancer educators and other providers, as well as inspirational stories and testimonials from fellow PAMF cancer survivors.

CarePages™ Social Networking Tool

Visitors to the Cancer Care Center Web site will find a link to CarePages™, a secure online social networking tool that allows patients to keep friends and family updated on their cancer treatment and condition. PAMF is one of the nearly 700 leading health care organizations in the country, including renowned medical centers such as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, to offer CarePages to its patients.

Unlike public Web sites, CarePages is secure and private, so patients don't have to worry about strangers reading personal information about them. In addition, CarePages allows patients to connect with others who are also facing similar illnesses and allows family and friends to leave messages of support and encouragement.

"Sometimes, one of the hardest elements of receiving a cancer diagnosis is being able to communicate your diagnosis and your story with your closest friends and relatives," Manley explained. "CarePages will help our patients create the story they want to tell to others about their illness and emotions, as well as diminish the need to repeat that story, which can be quite painful. It also allows our patients the freedom to communicate in whatever way they want, including written and multimedia formats."

Frank delaRama, R.N., M.S., AOCNS, a clinical nurse specialist at PAMF, agreed. "It always helps patients' recovery to be connected to friends and family, and I’ve heard that even just writing is therapeutic for some because it gives them a chance to express strong emotions."

Comprehensive, Integrated Cancer Care

PAMF’s comprehensive Cancer Care Center provides state-of-the-art, coordinated, compassionate care to individuals with cancer including brain, prostate, breast, colorectal and lung cancers.

"We are committed to providing our patients with personalized care that recognizes they are unique individuals – not just cancer patients," said Manley. "We partner with patients to create the treatment plan that is best for them and provide them with the support they need during a difficult and emotional time."

From the moment a patient is diagnosed with cancer, a PAMF clinical care coordinator guides him or her through the entire treatment process, working with the patient's health care team to establish appointments, laboratory tests and other procedures. Together with the clinical care coordinator, the Center's nursing staff helps patients understand their different treatment options and plan next steps in the process, including getting the resources and support they need to live healthy lives after their treatment is over.

"We don’t just treat the cancer," said Manley. "We provide care to the entire person – mind, body and spirit."