Cancer patients often describe diagnosis, treatment and survivorship as a journey, sometimes one that is confusing. That's why the GHS Cancer Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
Through its Multidisciplinary Centers (MDC), GHS Cancer Institute offers patients an integrated resource that simplifies the treatment process while informing and supporting cancer patients and their families.
Although the GHS Cancer Institute provides treatment for all forms of cancer, the highly collaborative MDCs focus on melanoma-sarcoma and cancers of the lung, brain, breast, prostate, bone and soft-tissue and gastrointestinal tract.
Our goal is to help our patients and their families cope with cancer in a manner that streamlines care and integrates all aspects of healing: strengthening the body, informing the mind and nurturing hope.
State-of-the-Art Patient Care
The MDC offers an approach that is unique in the region, bringing together many medical and clinical services in one facility. This makes treatment more convenient for patients and gives physicians greater opportunities to work together for optimal patient care and comfort.
All in one visit: A Comprehensive Plan of Care
Patients need not travel to multiple appointments to meet with multiple physicians over several weeks. Within each Multidisciplinary Center, a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist meet first with a patient one-on-one. Then they gather as a team to discuss treatment options, potential involvement in clinical trials and make decisions regarding care. Patients receive a comprehensive plan of care — all in one visit.
How the MDC works
Under the collaborative format of the MDC:
- A patient has individual appointments with all relevant specialists, who may include a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist and others, in one day at one location.
- The team of specialists meets to discuss treatment options, determine the best course of action and recommend a treatment plan.
- A physician and nurse navigator present the recommendations to the patient.
- The patient, in consultation with the referring physician, then decides how to proceed.
- The patient leaves the appointment with a "game plan" in hand.
- A nurse navigator is available to the patient and the patient's family 24 hours a day, through the entire course of treatment and recovery. The patient’s case is reviewed pre-visit by a team of specialists, including a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, and nurse navigator.
For more information about the GHS MDC, call (864) 455-4YOU (455-4968).