Oncology

Our oncologists proudly provide screening services that allow for earlier detection of cancer and greater potential for positive outcomes. Some cancers are able to be caught early through regular, yearly screenings, including prostate, breast and gynecological cancers. While not every cancer warrants these types of routine exams, they can save lives.

Genetic counseling

Only a small percentage of cancers are caused by gene mutations that run in a family. However, men and women who carry certain genes have a much higher risk of developing cancer.

Genetic testing provides you with the information and education you need to make important decisions about your health and cancer prevention measures. Our genetic counseling services can benefit individuals and families by providing:

• Assessment of risk for cancer occurrence, recurrence or hereditary cancer syndrome
• Education about disease inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research
• Explanations of care options, help you cope with troubling results and adapt to whatever risk or condition you may be experiencing
• Interpretation of family medical history

Genetic counseling at our hospital is led by one of our highly-trained genetic counselors. They provide a range of services, including:

• Counseling
• Genetic testing
• Intervention strategies to help prevent cancer
• Research
• Risk assessment

To learn more about genetic counseling, or to schedule an appointment, please call (912) 350-1537.

Prostate cancer screening

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. As medicine continues to develop, better screenings and treatments have allowed more men to return to active, productive lifestyles following diagnosis and care.

We recommend that men 50 years old and older talk with their doctor about receiving an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test with or without a rectal exam. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at 45 years old.

Our hospital was the first in the region to offer a dedicated breast health program and gynecological cancer program. Additionally, we currently provide the only dedicated children's cancer program in Southeast Georgia.

There are a variety of options for treating cancer that can be used alone or in combination with each other. The advanced treatments we offer include:

• Medications
  • Biologic therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormonal therapy
• Radiation therapy
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Surgery

To learn more about our cancer services, please call us at (800) 343-3025.

Our cancer support team includes professionals in nursing, clinical nutrition and case management. Cancer affects you in many diverse ways, so treating it goes beyond medicine and surgery. Ensuring your needs are met requires supplemental support that we are proud to provide. We offer the following resources to help ease the stresses and pains of your cancer journey:

• Acupuncture — This can help you cope with treatment-related side effects, such as pain, nausea, fatigue and stress.
• Cancer support community educational programs — Once a quarter, our cancer support community provides educational programs that focus on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those experiencing cancer. Topics include coping with chemotherapy, bone health, lymphedema and nutrition.
• Counseling services — Counseling is available with a licensed clinical social worker to help you cope with diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer.
• Hypnotherapy — A licensed hypnotherapist is available one day a week at our facility. Hypnotherapy can be helpful in controlling stress and promoting healthy lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation.
• Massage therapy — This service is available twice a week for individuals receiving inpatient and outpatient cancer care. A licensed massage therapist provides gentle touch treatment to promote wellness and relaxation.
• Nurse navigators — Nurse navigators meet with you and your caregivers to provide education and help you overcome barriers you may face during treatment.
• Oncology social workers — Social workers can help arrange special services, such as home nursing care or at-home medical equipment and assist you in contacting outside agencies for any necessary financial assistance. Throughout treatment, social workers are available to help with issues involving health insurance, transportation and expenses associated with medications or household utility bills. To learn more about the services provided by our social workers, please call (912) 350-1530.
• Pain management — During treatment, we aim to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. We provide inpatient and outpatient assessments for issues such as pain, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and other treatment-related side effects.
• Palliative care — This type of treatment can reduce the severity of the symptoms you experience during cancer treatment. Palliative care is different from hospice care, as it is provided to individuals with any type of prognosis, not just end-of-life care.
• Patient advocacy — Members of our patient advocacy program are available to assist whenever necessary. They serve as a liaison between you and the hospital to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information about patient advocacy, please call (912) 350-8581.
• Reflexology — Stress relief and relaxation are provided by applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, ears or face that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology aids in stress relief and promotes overall relaxation and well-being. This is offered in our outpatient treatment area at no additional cost.
• Resource rooms — We have open resource rooms that provide access to educational materials about cancer treatment, side effects, complementary therapies and emotional health resources. These resource rooms also offer online access for further cancer research.
• Spiritual care — Our hospital provides spiritual and religious services, including ministry, literature and worship services. Spiritual care is available in inpatient and outpatient settings. Our chaplains are available to talk with families about the cancer experience and offer prayer and spiritual support to those in need. To speak with a chaplain, please call (912) 350-8637.

To learn more about our support programs, please call (912) 350-8874.

Cancer clinical trials

Clinical trials are primarily chosen by our doctors, but sometimes individuals in our care like to do their own research to learn more about their options. If you come to us for cancer care, we provide access to a wide range of clinical trials through the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program.

You may also speak to one of our team members about our clinical trials by calling us at (912) 350-8707.