Oncology

The goal of our cancer care doctors and multidisciplinary cancer team is to improve the overall health of our community as it relates to cancer. We meet this goal by providing advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options. Because of this commitment, we are proud to be certified as a Community Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

Our cancer care program exists to:

• Assist individuals and the community with cancer screenings for early detection
• Assist individuals, families and the community in dealing with a cancer diagnosis and its emotional effects
• Educate community healthcare professionals
• Focus on quality of life
• Improve access to cancer care
• Improve prevention and management of cancer in our community
• Increase cancer wellness behaviors
• Increase the knowledge of cancer and cancer care in the community
• Promote cancer prevention

For questions about our cancer care program, please call our Cancer Hot Line at (850) 862-1110.

Diagnostic imaging is an essential tool in identifying and diagnosing cancer. Some imaging technologies we use to screen for and diagnose cancer include:

• 3D mammography
• 64-slice computerized tomography (CT) scanning
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)

If a cancer diagnosis is made, our doctors offer comprehensive care, including minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Lung cancer screening

At the Cancer Care Center, we know the importance of diagnosing lung cancer early, so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Screenings are essential, as patients with lung cancer may not be symptomatic in the early stages of cancer, when it is most treatable.

To aid in early detection of lung cancer, we offer dedicated lung screening and imaging services, including:

• Bronchoscopy
• CT lung screening
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• PET scanning

Our oncology program is supported by a highly trained staff of healthcare professionals, including:

• Case managers
• Oncology patient navigators
• Oncology support team nurse
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Registered dietitians
• Respiratory therapists
• Social workers
• Specialty physicians

Oncology support team nurse

The oncology support team nurse is an integral member of the patient care team. This professional provides:

• Advanced levels of clinical, interpersonal, leadership and supportive skills to lead the oncology support team in providing compassionate, quality patient care
• Leadership and direction to the oncology support team and greater multidisciplinary team
• Support and peace-of-mind to patients and their families

Bosom Buddies is a support group available to anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The group is open to patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and breast cancer survivors.

This groups meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in our hospital's third-floor classroom, PCU-B.

For more information about Bosom Buddies, please call (850) 315-7889.

Cancer support group

Our hospital provides patients and their family and friends access to this cancer support group. This group is open to the public and offers a safe place for people to discuss their questions and fears following a cancer diagnosis.

This group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in the Cancer Care Center Resource Room on the fourth floor.

To learn more about this support group, please call (850) 315-7889.

Look Good Feel Better

Look Good Feel Better is a free program provided by the American Cancer Society and hosted at our hospital. Its goal is to help women dealing with hair loss and skin changes as a result from chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

We want women to look good and feel better about the skin and hair changes that may result from cancer treatment.

This program offers:

• Assistance with cosmetics, skincare and head covering options
• Free workshops led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists
• Take-home makeup package

Advanced registration is required to attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop. To register, please call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345. Workshops take place at our hospital on the third floor in Classroom B.

Oral, head and neck cancer support group

We provide a group for patients with oral, head or neck cancer to support and encourage one another. This group is open to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, family and friends.

This support group meets monthly. Times, locations and dates vary. To learn more, please call (850) 863-7580.

Prostate cancer support group

The Cancer Care Center hosts the Man-to-Man Education and Support Group. This group provides a common place for men diagnosed with prostate cancer to discuss treatment, side effects and more.

The group meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00pm in Classroom A on the third floor.

To register to attend this support group, please call (850) 651-2326.