World-class cancer care: the Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program
When you or someone you care about faces a cancer diagnosis, there seem to be a million life-altering decisions to make, each contingent upon the other. The process of getting a definitive diagnosis, sorting through treatment options and working out the logistics of care is a full-time job in itself. But, the real question is: Whom do you trust to make sure you get the very best care?
Fortunately for residents of South Jersey, there is the Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program. This relationship with Fox Chase - an internationally renowned name in cancer treatment and comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute - is an expansion of a decade-old partnership between Fox Chase and Virtua Memorial Hospital.
"Virtua's outstanding clinical capabilities and high standards for treating patients are among the reasons Fox Chase chose to expand this partnership to Virtua's other hospitals," says Robert C. Young, MD, president of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
For patients, this means access to broad-based clinical expertise for the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of cancer, the latest technology and national clinical trials as well as those conducted exclusively for Fox Chase patients. It also means patients have the comfort of continuing to see their Virtua medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon and other highly specialized professionals.
Jane Slaterbeck, RN, MBA, assistant vice president of Virtua's programs of excellence, says: "The physicians in this program must meet Fox Chase's high standards. They must be board certified in their field, practice medicine in a prescribed way, participate in quality assurance audits and attend continuing education programs."
The Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program offers everything a patient needs. "The scope and depth of Virtua's capabilities are extensive," says Slaterbeck. "We can connect patients with the services they need: from the latest diagnostic technology such as PET scans to innovative treatments such as chemoembolization, and support services such as a group for young survivors of breast cancer."
"For more than 10 years Fox Chase Cancer Center and I have had a developing relationship with what is now the Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program," says
Paul F. Engstrom, MD, medical director of Fox Chase Network and senior vice president for population science at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
"We are prouder than ever to have Virtua Health as partners in bringing excellent cancer care to the people in their communities."
Here's the program at a glance.
- Comprehensive oncology services are available to treat breast, prostate, lung, colon, rectal, liver, stomach, bone and other types of cancer.
- Radiation oncology delivers the most advanced treatments in a comfortable setting.
- State-of-the-art chemotherapy medications and techniques are available including innovative methods such as chemoembolization.
- A well-established surgical program includes traditional diagnostic and treatment methods as well as minimally invasive techniques such as fine- needle aspirations, endoscopic, laparoscopic and laser technology.
- A Second Opinion Service allows patients to obtain a consultation with a Fox Chase physician who travels to Virtua to meet with the patient and family.
- The Cancer Risk Evaluation Program provides education, risk assessment and prevention programs to individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- A breast-care oncology nurse provides unlimited, in-depth information, support and assistance with concerns and issues.
- Pathology services, provided by renowned physicians, include sophisticated techniques for tissue and cell examination.
- Radiology services provide diagnostic examinations and therapeutic procedures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), interventional and nuclear radiology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and mammography.
- A range of clinical trials is available through national and regional associations as well as those that originate at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
- Tumor Boards, consisting of distinct multidisciplinary groups of clinicians, discuss new or unusual cases.
- Inpatient oncology care is provided by a team of oncology professionals who provide high quality care in a comfortable setting.
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies are used to manage the side effects of some cancers.
- Support work support is provided to help patients and families understand and cope with cancer through individual discussions and support groups.
- Nutritional counseling provides customized support, meal recommendations and information about food and drug interactions.
- Community outreach and home-based programs are provided such as home health care.
- Pastoral care, by clergy of various faiths, is available upon request for spiritual counseling, guidance and prayer.
- Patient education provides special programs and materials to enlighten and to reinforce patient/clinician discussions.
- Relaxation therapies, such as hypnosis, guided imagery and deep breathing, are available to reduce stress and anxiety.