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That's why the new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care was designed with one goal in mind - bring patients and their families the very best coordinated cancer treatment possible close to their community.
"It lessens their burden," said Dr. Therese M. Mulvey, the center's physician-in-chief. "We hope to empower patients to receive high-quality care in their own communities, with shared decision making among specialists and patients."
The new comprehensive center addresses the growing need for advanced comprehensive cancer services in the eastern portion of the region. It provides a wide range of oncology services, utilizing the very latest technology available, including image-guided radiation therapy.
The facilities also specialize in the latest chemotherapies, surgery and advanced diagnostic imaging. Support services - such as nutrition counseling and social work - educational materials and screenings will also be offered.
The public is invited to tour the new center tomorrow, Oct. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. It is located in the Mitchell Therapies Building at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Entrance is off Prospect Street.
"We want to become part of the community so that the community feels like it can come to us," said Dr. Mulvey.
The new facilities will operate as an extension of a new flagship cancer center in Fairhaven slated to open in 2011.
The center is currently staffed by six oncologists, who work with a clinical team composed of more than 30 professionals.
"The experts are here. We've recruited the best. We have put an amazing team with links to across the country," said Joyce Brennan, spokesperson for Southcoast Hospitals Group.
A system has been developed so that medical information and all patients' results exist in one electronic file accessible to everyone on the cancer team. St. Luke's Hospital and Tobey Hospital in Wareham are also part of Southcoast Hospitals Group.
"We're an integrated medical community and have the advantage of sharing the same information platform," said Dr. Mulvey.
The center has a dedicated social worker and a "Patient Navigator" to make sure the patient's journey through cancer treatment is as smooth as possible. The "Patient Navigator" is a go-to person to help coordinate appointments, answer questions, point patients in the right direction and guide them through their care -free of charge. This coordinator will manage all aspects of the patient's care, including appointments with physicians, radiology and laboratory services, medication and pain management, support services, transportation and any questions the patient or family members may have during their visit or after they return home.
"Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming," said Dr. Mulvey. "Having an advocate to walk the journey with you is tremendous."
A multi-disciplinary breast cancer clinic is currently being developed and should be in place by Christmas, said Dr. Mulvey. The objective is to provide team-oriented, patient-focused multidisciplinary counseling and consultative service to patients using a "one-stop care" concept.
"The cancer is difficult as it is, but it is also difficult in the context of family," said Dr. Mulvey. "This also helps the non-English speaking patient to work with the translator in just one setting. That way, everyone is speaking the same language."
Over the next year, the center intends to hold a series of educational programs geared both to community members and primary care providers.
Another goal is to systematically investigate how cancer impacts certain populations, not just in terms of race and language but also economics.
"We want to figure out what the barriers are and work with the community to identify them and to overcome them," said Dr. Mulvey. "Illness is sometimes associated with badness. That transcends language, ethnicity. We have to let people know that disease is part of the human condition, but there are things we can do to prevent or detect disease earlier."
Some lifestyle factors that contribute to breast cancer prevention are: breast self-exams, reducing body weight, increasing exercise, increasing green leafy vegetables intake, and decreasing alcohol consumption. Delaying pregnancy can also increase the risk.
"Information is power; it does not change life, but helps you make informed decisions," said Dr. Mulvey.
In the case of the Portuguese community, Dr. Mulvey said the center is currently exploring the possibility of developing a direct link with institutions in the Azores. She met with Mayor of Ponta Delgada Berta Cabral during her recent visit to the SouthCoast and gave her a tour of the facilities.
"We're looking to work with the community in the Azores because it is a direct extension of the community here," said Dr. Mulvey. " It's an opportunity for prevention and breast cancer reduction. The Portuguese play a part in our mutual strengths to keep the community engaged to prevent cancer."
Another goal is to establish a breast cancer support group for Portuguese-speaking women, she said.
Dr. Mulvey is also looking to meet with Portuguese community members interested in breast cancer and its prevention.
"We're looking for people active in the community to help us," she said. "There are roles for the members of the community to be played. We don't have all the answers; we need a hand from the community."
"We want to know what is culturally appropriate, how to communicate news and make sure we meet the needs of the population we serve," she added.
Southcoast Hospitals Group provides trained interpreters at no cost to the patient or family members. Dr. Mulvey said the center is considering having its own dedicated interpreters.
"Cancer is a very emotional thing, often times the translator needs to transmit more than just the actual words, and emotional contacts take some time to develop," she said.
The center will also help individuals determine their family history, cancer risk and develop a prevention plan, if necessary. This could be of particular interest to the Portuguese, since research indicates some carry a high-risk mutation for cancer, especially breast cancer.
"Unfortunately, we cannot escape our ancestors," said Dr. Mulvey. "But we can look at risk factors and family history and determine probability. Then, we can decide if we want to go through formal genetic testing with consent. We address questions like 'What it means to carry a gene' and the ethical, legal, social, cultural and insurance related issues. If the test is performed, then we develop an individual risk reduction plan... for a positive and negative result."
Southcoast Health System also offers 100 percent digital mammography at all of its sites. Mammography is also made available to uninsured or underinsured patients through its mobile health van.
All newly diagnosed cancer patients receive a "Patient Guide" binder full of information about the disease, its treatment, resources and financial guidance. Brennan said the guide is in the process of being translated to Portuguese.
For Dr. Mulvey, cancer is a journey that everyone, even physicians like herself, can learn from on a daily basis.
"People of all walks of life are stripped down to humanity," she said. "I've been so enriched by patient interaction. People have given me life gifts. I never cease to be in awe of the capacity for hope, compassion and the tremendous spirit of life and courage they bring. I think it's a little bit selfish because I get more from the patients than I give them. It's a window not many people get to see every day... It's a privilege. People trust me to take care of them... I don't take that lightly."
For more information about Southcoast Center for Cancer Care, please call 508-961-5899.
