New Milford Hospital Regional Cancer Center's PEACE Survivorship Program
The NMH cancer program started PEACE (People Empowered After the Cancer Experience) Survivorship program during 2010. The program was developed to help meet the unique physical, emotional, social and financial challenges cancer survivors face as a result of their disease and treatment.
The essence of the PEACE Survivorship is to provide treatment summary visits for each patient at the conclusion of their treatment course. This visit includes a physical and mental health assessment along with recommendations for lifestyle changes and referrals. A written treatment summary, survivorship plan addressing specific needs, concerns and planned surveillance studies/screenings is provided to both the patient and their primary care physician.
All NMH cancer survivors are provided the opportunity to participate in support services such as:
- exercise programs
- physical therapy
- nutrition counseling
- genetic counseling
- neuropsychological counseling
- smoking cessation
- support groups
- integrative therapies such as Reiki, acupuncture, massage and reflexology are also available
RCC sponsors an annual Cancer Survivors Day Celebration in sync with the American Cancer Society every June. Breast Cancer patients are provided a consultation and education from a lymphedema therapist on long term surveillance of lymphedema. A NMH Financial Counselor is available to any patient with any type of financial concerns related to their medical care.
As New Milford Hospital moves forward with its cancer program, the survivorship program outlined will be expanded. The survivorship visit at the conclusion of every treatment has become a standard practice in both medical and radiation oncology at NMH RCC. Suggested topics for future survivorship workshops include exercise and physical activity, financial needs of survivorship and sexuality.
Click here to visit the PEACE website and learn more.
About New Milford Hospital RCC
The NMH Regional Cancer Center (RCC) is an American College of Surgeons accredited Community Hospital Cancer Program. NMH Regional Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care affording oncology patients with a full range of services such as diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, surgical services in addition to medical and radiation oncology therapy treatments. The Breast Health Navigator is an integral part of the NMH Breast program, accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
During 2011, over 7000 medical oncology visits included both treatment and survivorship appointments. Active clinical trails are offered in breast, colon, lung, lymphoma, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Recently, NMH RCC worked with CT Oncology and Hematology Associates to provide education about the importance of clinical trials to the lay public and other health care professionals.
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