Take Comfort

Imagine not having to leave your community for access to the latest cancer treatment protocols, clinical trials, or even Smilow Cancer Hospital physicians. Take comfort in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. Our highly-trained Griffin Hospital surgeons and staff, along with medical and radiation oncologists from Smilow Cancer Hospital, combine to form a care team that offers comprehensive cancer care at a whole new level. It’s a different kind of cancer care - one that unites science and sensitivity - all in a compassionate, beautiful healing environment that's more comforting, and closer to home than ever before. With advanced technology that is among the newest in the country such as stereotactic radiosurgery, our skilled team to target a precise beam of high-dose radiation at a tumor, while limiting exposure to healthy cells surrounding the tumor.

Treatment Specialties

Breast

• The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer our patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services. The Center features two new, state-of-the-art digital mammography suites, two breast ultrasound suites, and an advanced system to perform stereotactic biopsy. Learn more here.

Prostate

• Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should receive be tested at age 40.

Lung

• If you (or a loved one) are between the ages of 55 and 77 and have ever been a heavy smoker, the risk of developing lung cancer should not be ignored. Griffin Hospital offers a low-dose CT lung cancer screening to those who qualify based on age and smoking history. The screening can help detect lung cancer early, which can increase survival rates among smokers by as much as 20%. Find out more here.

Colorectal

• Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly-diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death - colon cancer. Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally, and people of all races and nationalities, and the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is about one in 20. With early screening and testing, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

Head and Neck

• Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside the cheeks, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland. While anyone can develop thyroid cancers, a family history or exposure to radiation is considered a risk factor that may increase the risk. Most salivary gland cancers do not seem to be associated with any particular cause.

Patient Care Navigation

Even with the most caring and attentive doctors and staff, cancer care can often be overwhelming. It’s not easy to manage everything that’s going on, but having someone on your side, helping you navigate the course of your care and treatment, can make things a little easier.

Our Patient Care Navigator is an experienced nurse who knows all about cancer care and does everything possible to make your diagnosis and treatment understandable and less stressful. She is committed to helping you navigate all aspects of your care.

Cancer Care Navigation Services

The Patient Care Navigator at the Center for Cancer Care, is available to help you by:

• Working with your doctors to learn the details of your treatment plan.
• Talking to you and your family about your needs — schedules, medications, transportation, etc. — and approaches that suit you best.
• Communicating your needs to caregivers to make sure your doctors, nurses and therapists all work in a way that works for you.
• Explaining your treatment options, to help you and your family make more informed decisions.
• Providing tools to help you keep track of your doctor’s appointments, tests, treatments, and medications, so you and your caregivers always know what’s coming up next.
• Helping you coordinate tests and services, and giving you reminders as needed.
• Following up with you and your family to make sure you’re comfortable and well cared for throughout your treatment.