Women's Health News

Comprehensive Care - The Heart of Hoag Cancer Center

Each day, Hoag Cancer Center and its team of dedicated experts stand ready to help patients win the war against cancer. And each day, they are achieving stunning results.

With five-year relative survival rates that exceed national averages by a full 10 percentage points, Hoag Cancer Center has built a solid reputation as a leading cancer care and treatment center. Perhaps that is why more than 2,300 patients seek treatment at Hoag Cancer Center each year, making it the largest volume provider in Orange County.

But that's not the whole story. "During the past decade, Hoag Cancer Center has been committed to the development of site specific comprehensive programs," asserts Medical Director Robert O. Dillman, M.D. "Our philosophy is that comprehensive programs are the foundation of excellent cancer care and management."

"Cancer affects not only the physical body, but the mental, emotional and spiritual core of an individual," explains Dr. Dillman. "Comprehensive programs that address each of these areas are what make Hoag Cancer Center a leader. And comprehensive programs are at the heart of why we have been able to make such impressive strides in patient outcomes."

Comprehensive Care Defined

What does "comprehensive cancer care" mean and why is it so important? Comprehensive cancer care involves an entire gamut of services--from diagnosis and treatment to support services and educational resources--combined, each of these components make a tremendous impact in the overall care a patient receives.

Read more about Comprehensive Care

Leading-Edge Care

From state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic technology, to progressive leading-edge treatments, there is no question that Hoag Cancer Center remains a leader both locally and nationwide.

Early detection of cancer is made possible by a staff of diligent primary care physicians and radiologists utilizing the latest in diagnostic technology. And the delivery of optimum medical treatment and care is provided by a team of expert oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons who work together to manage each patient's care.

Yet, there is more to comprehensive cancer care than each of these crucial elements.

Research and Clinical Trials

"Research and clinical trials play a vital role in the treatment options available to cancer patients not only today, but in the future," explains Dr. Dillman. "Our goal is to bring the latest advances in cancer management to Orange County so local residents have access to the finest medical care right here in their own backyard."

And Hoag Cancer Center is doing just that. The important work that takes place each day within the walls of Hoag's Cell Biology Lab continues to set Hoag Cancer Center apart from other community cancer centers across the nation. Through the many progressive treatments being developed in the cell biology lab, patients continue to gain access to leading-edge therapies--many of which help the body's own immune system fight cancer.

Tumor Boards and Staff Education

Hoag physicians and nurses remain connected to the latest developments in cancer care and treatment through access to weekly cancer education conferences. Hoag Cancer Center also hosts multi-disciplinary tumor boards specific for various cancer types, where experts from all disciplines gather together to review cancer cases from every angle to ensure the latest knowledge in cancer treatment is applied.

Patient Coordinators

Patients not only receive the finest care from a dedicated nursing, clinical and medical staff, but also from professional cancer care coordinators who compassionately guide patients through the labyrinth of consultations, surgeries and procedures that often follow a cancer diagnosis. This type of one-on-one attention ensures timely treatment and added support that isn't available at many medical centers.

Hereditary Cancer Program

Hoag Cancer Center offers risk assessment counseling and genetic testing to individuals with a family history of cancer or other significant risk factors. Once a comprehensive family assessment has been completed, a personalized plan of care can be formulated, which may include genetic testing, risk-reducing interventions and follow-up surveillance tailored to an individual's needs.

Cancer Support

Throughout treatment, Hoag Cancer Center offers a number of programs to support patients and their families. In fact, there are more than 10 cancer support groups, along with one-on-one counseling--all available at no charge.

Hoag also provides a host of complementary care programs such as Brighter Image, which assists patients with the physical appearance aspects of cancer management, and Fitter Image, which includes physical activities such as yoga, T'ai Chi, kickboxing and step aerobics. There are even creative outlets including art therapy, and relaxation and visualization workshops.

Community Education

Disseminating information that may prevent cancer and save lives is also at the core of Hoag Cancer Center's efforts. To accomplish this task, Hoag employs a full-time oncology education coordinator who takes the message of cancer prevention to the community. Hoag's coordinator dedicates her time to actively participating in community-wide cancer prevention events and makes educational presentations at local schools, business and civic groups.

Comprehensive Care Means Better Outcomes

"Together, each of these components make up the complete spectrum of care that is the cornerstone of Hoag Cancer Center," explains Dr. Dillman. "The difference that this level of care makes for our patients is clearly seen in the higher-than-average survival rates that Hoag continues to achieve."

And comprehensive care will continue to be a hallmark of Hoag Cancer Center, where new technology, renowned physicians, compassionate care and progressive research are all offered in one location.

For more about Hoag Cancer Center, please call 949/7-CANCER (722-6237).

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