Blog - Page 6 of 8 - HHO Hunterdon Hematology Oncology

Skin cancer is something everyone should be aware of over the course of a lifetime. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it’s important to know what it looks like so you can seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent its spread.

Here at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology in Flemington, New Jersey, our expert oncologists explain the warning signs — commonly known as the ABCs of melanoma — and risk factors so you can get proper treatment in its early stages.

Melanoma isn’t common, but it spreads easily

You mostly hear about skin cancer in the summertime, but even in the fall and winter months, it’s just as important to protect your skin when you’re outside. Melanoma isn’t the most common type of skin cancer, but it can be the most dangerous type because of how quickly it can spread to other parts of your body if not treated soon enough.

There are several types of skin cancer that begin on the top layer, or epidermis, of your skin. These include:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma skin cancers

Melanoma skin cancer begins in the cells in your skin that normally make melanin — the tan color in your skin. These cells are called melanocytes. When you spend time in the sun or on a tanning bed, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin damage, which makes melanocytes produce more melanin.

If your skin absorbs too much UV radiation, or you get a bad sunburn, mutations can occur in the melanocytes that prompt these cells then grow out of control. The result is melanoma skin cancer. If not treated, melanoma may spread out of control and form a mass of cancerous cells.

Who’s at risk for melanoma?

According to the American Cancer Society, melanin helps protect the deeper layers of your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. If you’re naturally darker-skinned, you have less risk of developing melanoma, but it’s still possible. Fair-skinned people and women under age 40 are in the high-risk categories for developing melanoma.

Other risk factors include:

Family history of melanoma
Weak immune system
History of sunburns
Excessive UV radiation exposure
Having unusual moles

People who’ve lived closer to the equator or in an area of high elevation also have a greater risk of developing melanoma.

Recognizing the signs of melanoma: Know your ABCs

Melanoma typically develops on areas of your body that have the most sun exposure, such as:

Arms and legs
Face and neck
Chest and back

You can also get melanoma on the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, or even in your fingernails. When you know what to look for, you can seek treatment and decrease your risk of melanoma spreading throughout your body.

The first signs of melanoma often appear as a change to an existing mole or the development of a new, unusual-looking skin growth. The letters ABCDE can help you determine if you should seek medical care for a potential melanoma:

A is for asymmetry

Examine the moles and blemishes on your body to see what shape they are. Do you notice a mole that is asymmetrical in appearance? Melanoma could look like a mole made up of different irregular shapes.

B is for border

Do you have a mole with an irregularly shaped border? If most of the freckles and spots on your skin appear round, but you notice one that has a jagged edge, for example, that is a sign that it could be melanoma.

C is for color

A third indication of melanoma is the changing or uneven color of a mole or growth on your skin. Melanomas come in a variety of colors, including blue-black, pink, red, or brown. A melanoma may even appear white.

D is for diameter

Moles larger than a quarter-inch in diameter may be signs of melanoma. Don’t ignore the size of a mole. It’s best to get it checked out by one of our expert physicians before it continues to grow deeper into your skin.

E is for evolving

Do you notice a mole that seems to be changing over time? Changes may include color, size, and irritation, such as itching or bleeding.

Preventing melanoma and other skin cancers

While there’s no guaranteed method of completely preventing melanoma and other types of skin cancer, you can take precautions to reduce your risk. These include:

Limiting your exposure to UV rays
Wearing sunscreen all year long
Staying in the shade
Wearing a hat and sunglasses
Avoiding tanning beds

It’s a good idea to perform self-exams regularly to note any new moles, changes to your skin, and other growths that may indicate the presence of skin cancer.

If you notice anything unusual when watching for the ABCs of melanoma, schedule an exam with the expert team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology as soon as possible, so we can evaluate your skin, diagnose any problems, and recommend an effective treatment plan. Call our office at 908-264-1798 to book an appointment today.

Congratulations Dr. Shah! We are excited to announce that our very own, Dr. Megha Shah, has been published in the Journal Of Endocrine Health. This article contains information regarding the SAT-358 Hypercalcemia-Induced Altered Mental Status as the Primary Manifestation of Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. If you are interested in learning more, read the article here.

Like many people, you may be concerned about your breast health, and how your wellness affects your family, loved ones and friends. We share your concern. As part of a comprehensive breast program, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology (HHO) combines a comfortable, supportive environment with first-rate, comprehensive diagnostic and treatment resources… all conveniently close to home.

A Coordinated Approach to Breast Care

At HHO, we take a coordinated approach to breast care, for both well care and breast cancer care. A highly skilled team of breast specialists from different medical disciplines provides diagnostic testing, treatment, surgery, psychosocial support, education and rehabilitation. This team also collaborates with family practice physicians, gynecologists, radiologists, oncology specialists, plastic surgeons, pathologists and counselors to ensure that the care you receive is the most comprehensive it can be.

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, a part of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, is a full-time care partner, providing surgery, reconstruction alternatives, radiation and chemotherapy, support and counseling every step of the way. A full-time, dedicated Nurse Coordinator experienced in breast health issues remains in contact with you, keeping you informed about test results. She serves as liaison if further treatment and evaluation are necessary, coordinating appointments in an expeditious manner. She is there to hold your hand every step of the way.

The First Step in Breast Care is Imaging

Before a regimen of care can be formulated, a clear evaluation or diagnosis of the condition of the breast must take place. And this involves imaging – a picture of what is going on within the breast. This can be done at Hunterdon Women’s Imaging.

Breast Imaging Tests

The most commonly used breast imaging tests at this time are mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRI.

Routine Mammogram

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. It can detect a breast lump nearly two years before it can be felt. A routine mammogram is the main reason most women are referred to the breast program at HHO. Screening mammograms evaluate breast health in women with no symptoms, and are used for those who seek routine breast evaluation. Diagnostic mammograms are used to diagnose breast disease in women with symptoms of a breast problem: dimpling, or a change in texture of the skin of the breast, a lump, or discharge from the nipple.

Digital Mammogram

Digital mammography is the most advanced technology to date for detecting breast cancer. The digital mammography procedure is essentially the same as standard film mammography, but uses a computer and digital image instead of film. Digital mammograms allow the image to be acquired and displayed immediately, reducing the time that the patient must remain still. This expedited process provides the patient with a more convenient and comfortable mammogram. In addition, a digital image can be enhanced and altered to be seen more clearly and to make a more accurate diagnosis. This image manipulation eliminates the need for a woman to repeat her mammogram if the first image is deemed unusable.

Ultrasound

The majority of lumps and abnormalities turn out to be benign, not cancerous. A way to determine if a lump is a benign cyst is to perform another imaging procedure called an ultrasound. Ultrasound works by sending high frequency sound waves into the breast. These sound waves produce a pattern of echoes that are changed into an image of the inside of the breast. Ultrasound is painless and can distinguish between tumors that are solid and those that are filled with fluid (cysts). It can also help radiologists evaluate lumps that can be felt but cannot be easily seen on a mammogram.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast — or breast MRI — is a test used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast. A breast MRI captures multiple images of your breast. Breast MRI images are combined, using a computer, to create detailed pictures. A breast MRI usually is performed after you have a biopsy that’s positive for cancer and your doctor needs more information about the extent of the disease. For some people, a breast MRI may be used with mammograms as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer. That group of people includes women with a high risk of breast cancer, who have a very strong family history of breast cancer or carry a hereditary breast cancer gene mutation.

Emerging Imaging Techniques

Newer types of tests are now being developed for breast imaging. Some of these, such as breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), are already being used in some centers. Other tests are still being studied, and it will take time to see if they are as good as or better than those used today.

Molecular breast imaging (MBI), also known as scintimammography or breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test for the breast. A radioactive chemical is injected into the blood, and a special camera is used to see into the breast. This test is being studied mainly as a way to follow up breast problems.

Positron emission mammography (PEM) is a newer imaging test of the breast that is very similar to a PET scan. A form of sugar attached to a radioactive particle is injected into the blood to detect cancer cells. A PEM scan may be better able to detect small clusters of cancer cells within the breast.

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), also known as contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM), is a newer test in which a contrast dye containing iodine is injected into a vein a few minutes before two sets of mammograms (using different energy levels) are taken. The contrast can help the x-rays show any abnormal areas in the breasts.

Optical imaging tests pass light into the breast and then measure the light that returns or passes through the tissue. The technique does not use radiation and does not require breast compression. Studies going on now are looking at combining optical imaging with other tests like MRI, ultrasound, or 3D mammography to help look for breast cancer.

Electrical impedance imaging (EIT) scans the breast for electrical conductivity. It’s based on the idea that breast cancer cells conduct electricity differently from normal cells. The test passes a very small electrical current through the breast and then detects it on the skin of the breast.

Elastography is a test that can be done as part of an ultrasound exam. It’s based on the idea that breast cancers tend to be firmer and stiffer than the surrounding breast tissue. For this test, the breast is compressed slightly, and the ultrasound can show how firm a suspicious area is.

If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer, your head may be swimming and swirling with questions, that all boil down to this: What’s next? The breast cancer care professionals at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, a part of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, are able to answer that question in a uniquely powerful way. Hunterdon Hematology Oncology has an entire practice focused solely on breast cancer detection, treatment and eradication, and part of that charge will focus on answering your questions and putting your worries to rest.

First, a word about cancer survivability. “What are my chances, doctor? Am I going to survive?” And the answer today is very much more positive that it was 30 or 40 years ago. Today, the overall survivability rate for breast cancer is in the neighborhood of 70%. Scientific research and early detection techniques are improving the overall trends of both survival rate and quality of life, particularly for breast cancer.

Second, a few words about the treatment process for breast cancer. You may be confused about what you should do next, but the actual treatment process for breast cancer has a certain regularity about it: it usually requires radiation treatment or hormone treatment to shrink the size of the tumor, or chemotherapy, and/or surgery or some combination of these treatment modalities. It depends on the biology of the breast cancer tumor and varies by stage (I – IV).

A little more about cancer staging: Cancer treatment depends on the stage (severity of the tumor). Clinical stage is based initially on mammogram imaging and ultrasound imaging of the suspected tumor. Pathological staging is determined after surgery; after the tumor has been removed and a sample of lymph node tissue is taken. The cancer’s stage is based on the size of the tumor, and whether the lymph node is involved in (affected by) the cancer, as well as the grade of the tumor.

You also might be wondering whether it would be worth it to go to one of those national treatment centers that advertise on TV. The answer is no. Research data indicate no difference in outcomes between national and local cancer centers. First of all, the therapeutic approach for treating breast cancer is standardized across the entire country. Second, HHO specializes in the treatment of breast cancer. HHO has a team of excellent breast surgeons who are dedicated to treating only breast cancer patients. Patients at HHO are assigned a Nurse Navigator who helps the patient coordinate care, navigate the entire process and answer any questions the patient might have.

Also, getting treated locally at HHO has certain advantages over going to one of these large national centers. While getting the exact same level of care and specialization found at a national center, HHO provides a level of personalized attention and care that is difficult to find at a larger center. Being local means that if any issues arise, if you need to come back to the hospital, we are right here and can see you immediately. We offer genetics counseling, and you can come in and out to see him/her very easily. If you need to come in to get a blood count checked, we are right here. Need extra hydration? Ditto. Feeling extra-nauseous? Come on in. We also offer an oncology-certified dietician, with whom you can arrange a visit pretty much any time you want.

And finally, there are actually certain disadvantages to using a large national cancer center. If anything detrimental were to take place, a patient using a large national center might find themselves needing to go to a local ER, and there will be nobody there who is familiar with the patient’s case or will understand what is going on. This can actually be detrimental to their care.

To learn more about Hunterdon Hematology Oncology’s cancer care treatment center NJ visit our breast cancer care page.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented time. While we maintain our commitment and dedication to patients and caregivers, we also continue our efforts to optimize the health and safety of our staff, providers, and patients. As such, we are pleased to announce the introduction of more comprehensive telemedicine visits through OttoHealth that will allow us to continue caring for you from your own homes.

When appropriate, patients can be scheduled for a virtual visit (which will include video) with a designated provider as early as this week. Visit notifications will be sent directly to your email or via text message and will include login instructions.

More information on the login process can be obtained at the OttoHealth Patient Resources page.

Please let us know if there are any concerns or questions regarding telemedicine or your care in general. For more information about our response to COVID-19, click here

We ask that you let us know prior to your appointment if you or a family member are you or a family member are exhibiting or experiencing signs associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus) in which case we may ask that you seek medical attention from your primary care physician. These include:

shortness of breath
fever
cough

If you have traveled to any of the known locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or have come in contact with anyone known to have the virus, please call our office prior to your appointment to determine if you need to be rescheduled.

Be assured that your health and well-being are extremely important to us, and we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for your care. Our staff will be screening all patients and visitors for any of the above symptoms, travel, and exposure history prior to being allowed into the waiting area.

The CDC is recommending the following preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 (coronavirus):

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular houseful cleaning spray or wipe

We will continue to monitor and update health advisories and policies as they are available.

We encourage you to visit these sites for information as well:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

Our commitment to the safety of every staff member within our practice is unwavering. We will take care of COVID-19 patients and all patients following all the appropriate policies and procedures to keep them and our staff safe. That includes following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) evidence-based guidance for personal protective equipment. The WHO guidelines have been endorsed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and local health departments.

If you have a fever, cough, runny nose or respiratory infection please call our clinic to speak with a nurse and you will be given further instructions and precautions. You may need to be rescheduled or be seen for further evaluation.
If you have traveled to any of the known locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or have come in contact with anyone known to have the virus, please call our office prior to your appointment to determine if you need to be rescheduled.
Staff members at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology will screen visitors for symptoms, travel history and contact with others before they are allowed to remain in the waiting area.
As a reminder, to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients and staff, HHO has decided to begin visitor restrictions.
One caregiver or companion will be allowed with patients who require one as long as they pass our screening protocol.

Please recognize that these policies and practices may require alterations to adapt to new developments in the community and guidance coming from our advisory bodies for this rapidly changing situation.

For the most up to date information you can go to:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the blood has an insufficient number of red blood cells; it occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to produce them. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which is the primary carrier of oxygen within red blood cells. Since red blood cells are the carriers of oxygen throughout the body, not enough oxygen reaches the tissues of the body. This results in the two most common symptoms: tiredness and lethargy (lack of energy). The primary natural sources of iron are meat, dried fruit, and some vegetables.

What Are The Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:

tiredness
lethargy (lack of energy)
shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
palpitations (irregular heartbeat)

Less common symptoms include:

tinnitus, the perception of a noise in one or both ears, such as a ringing in your ears or in your head
a sore tongue
headache
pica, a desire to eat non-food items, such as ice or clay
an altered sense of taste
difficulty swallowing
feeling itchy

You may notice additional signs of iron deficiency anemia, such as:

painful open sores in the corners of your mouth
a pale complexion
dry, flaking nails
spoon-shaped nails
an abnormally smooth tongue

What causes iron deficiency anemia?

As mentioned above, iron deficiency is a condition where the body (the blood) does not contain enough iron to effectively convey oxygen to the body’s tissues.

There are several potential causes for this condition.

Blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.

The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is bleeding in the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract). There are several causes of gastrointestinal bleeding:

Heavy, prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain-killing drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Bleeding stomach or intestinal ulcers. An ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or intestines, caused when the acid in the stomach eats into and through the stomach or intestinal lining. This can cause significant blood loss, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Cancer. Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by cancer of the stomach or colon.

Causes in women

The most common causes of iron deficiency anemia in women are:

Menorrhagia, which is the name for a condition whereby women experience unusually or particularly heavy menstrual bleeding over several consecutive cycles. The heaviness of the bleeding causes the overall blood level to decline, triggering iron deficiency anemia.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body requires extra iron to deliver the required amount of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Many women experience iron deficiency anemia because of this diversion of blood to the baby.

What complications can arise from iron deficiency anemia?

Generally, most people do not develop any serious complication from their iron deficiency anemia. But some people do, and here are the most common complications:

Tired/lethargic: Iron deficiency anemia can make you feel tired, weak and lethargic, making it more difficult to be productive and effective in the workplace. You might feel abnormally sleepy, and find it difficult to exercise normally.
Weakened immune system. Severe iron deficiency anemia can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses, as well as infections.
Heart/lung complications. Severe anemia cases are at risk of developing tachycardia, which is an abnormally fast heartbeat, or heart failure, where the heart becomes unable to pump blood at its peak level of effectiveness. It has to work overtime to get the levels of oxygen where they should be.
Pregnancy complications. Women with severe iron deficiency anemia who become pregnant increase their risk for developing pregnancy complications during pregnancy and have a higher risk for post-natal depression.

Iron serves several very important functions in the human body. First and foremost, it is critical in the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the entire body. Second, iron is important in the maintenance of healthy cells, hair, nails, and skin.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the level of hemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal; thus, the level of iron in the blood is significantly lower than normal. Your entire body cannot receive the amount of oxygen it requires to function effectively and normally. Among several other symptoms, iron deficiency anemia may make you tired and short of breath.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms

Iron deficiency anemia can often be effectively treated with the simple addition of an iron supplement to your diet. However, one challenge in addressing iron deficiency anemia is that initially there may be no discernable symptoms, or the symptoms may appear to result from unrelated conditions. Because of these complications, additional tests and/or treatments for IDA may be necessary. This is particularly true if your doctor thinks that you may be bleeding internally. This is why detection and treatment of IDA may not be as simple and straightforward as taking an iron supplement. IDA symptoms can include:

Shortness of Breath
Headaches
Dizziness
Fast Heartbeat
Weakness
Brittle Nails
Chest Pain
Ice Cravings
Fatigue
Pale Skin

Symptoms cannot be used to diagnose IDA; if you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to consult with your doctor about Iron Deficiency Anemia testing and possible options for treatment.

Possible Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Blood Loss

Certain cancers that lead to blood loss can lead to IDA. This is because when you lose blood you also lose iron.

Anticancer Therapies

Certain anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, can affect your red blood cells which may contribute to iron loss.

Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents

A medication that some patients may be prescribed to, to help them make red blood cells. However, erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) cause your body to use iron faster than normal. If you do not take extra iron you may develop IDA.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the body can drive up levels of hepcidin. Hepcidin is a hormone that helps regulate iron regulation. Cancer patients that experience inflammation may have trouble with iron absorption leading to IDA.

Nutrition Deficiencies

Common cancer symptoms and treatments can lead to appetite loss ultimately impacting the patient’s ability to take in food and absorb nutrients. If there is not enough iron being consumed in one’s diet it can raise the risk of developing Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment

Iron-deficiency anemia treatment will depend on its cause and severity. Treatments may include iron supplements, procedures, surgery, and dietary changes. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may require intravenous (IV) iron therapy or a blood transfusion. Iron supplements generally take several weeks or even several months to work at their full effect, so be patient and continue to take them as ordered by your doctor. Your doctor will monitor your blood iron levels throughout your course of treatment.

It is possible that iron supplements will not increase your blood’s iron levels; in that case, it is likely that the cause will require further testing, investigation, and treatment. This might involve:

Oral contraceptives that lighten menstrual blood flow
Surgery to remove a bleeding tumor, fibroid, or polyp
Antibiotics and other peptic ulcer medications
As mentioned above, if the iron deficiency is severe, treatment may require intravenous blood transfusions to quickly replace hemoglobin and blood iron.

Intravenous (IV) iron is given as well under several different situations:

When the patient doesn’t tolerate oral iron very well
Iron blood levels need to come up quickly (like at times prior to pregnancy or before or after surgery)
When iron absorption in the gut is an issue (e.g. people who have had a gastric bypass).
Not responding to iron tablets (e.g. due to chronic health conditions)
Have chronic kidney or heart failure
There are also several types of IV iron that can be taken without too many side effects.

Contact Hunterdon Hematology Oncology to learn more about iron deficiency anemia today!

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your head may be spinning with questions such as: How can I find out which cancer treatment center is best for my type of cancer? How can I locate the very best oncologist (cancer specialist) for my cancer diagnosis? What kinds of questions should I ask them? How should I go about choosing the best course of treatment when there are all sorts of options available? Let’s look at these questions, each in turn:

How to Choose a Cancer Treatment Center That Is Best for My Diagnosis

This question may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s not really all that bad. It just takes a little bit of time and research effort, so start by relaxing and not worrying. Cancer care has improved so much that it’s nearly assured that you can find the best care available for your cancer diagnosis.

Start by asking around! Talk with friends, family, close co-workers, and especially your family doctor. Ask them if they can recommend any hospital or cancer treatment center highly, especially if they have some familiarity with your specific diagnosis. Your family doctor will probably know the most, but you never know.

Some important considerations to include in your search: First a very practical consideration: Is the hospital or cancer treatment center in-network for your health insurance? After all, unless you have unlimited resources, you don’t want to be left with a very large bill after treatment is completed. Then, locate a hospital or cancer treatment center, that has extensive (high volume) experience in successfully treating your specific cancer diagnosis. Generally, this will tend to be large hospitals (although not always) or a well-known cancer treatment center, like the Hunterdon Cancer Center at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology in Flemington, NJ!

Patients should make sure to ask whether the treatment center has access to the newest most precise medical options to treat their cancer. Further, its approach to treating your cancer should be multi-disciplinary, meaning that multiple kinds of cancer treatment specialists should work together as a unified team, focused jointly on treating your cancer with an approach that “passes muster” with all members of the treatment team. Here at the Hunterdon Cancer Center at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology in Flemington, NJ we focus on working as a team to offer you an optimal treatment experience.

One important-but-sometimes-overlooked factor to keep in mind is geography – i.e., distance. Some cancer treatments can potentially require a lot of visits to the treatment center. Some treatments require patients to come back to the infusion suite 2-3 times per week. Considering distance often turns out to be a big deal.

Finally, look for a hospital or center that is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer treatment center, or one that is accredited by the healthcare-focused non-profit Joint Commission. Understanding the importance of these designations, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology is an affiliate of Fox Chase Cancer Center and also, as part of Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center’s Breast Program, has received full accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

How to Choose the Right Oncologist for My Cancer Diagnosis

Start with your family physician, who almost undoubtedly can refer you to one or more oncologists and/or surgeons who have extensive experience with your specific cancer diagnosis. Then, meet with at least two recommended oncologists/surgeons. Compare and contrast their recommendations. Find out whether they agree or not. If not, see another one (or two). Finally, meet once more with your family physician, who can help you sort through the options and select the right treatment and the right physician(s) for you.

What Questions to Ask Your Oncologist and/or Surgeon

In selecting your oncologist and/or surgeon, it is important to establish that he or she is board certified in your specialty area, how many patients they have treated with your kind of cancer, how many patients with this kind of cancer are seen at the center, and how many have you personally treated, and is there a multidisciplinary team that will work jointly to make decisions regarding the best kind of treatment for my cancer? Also, don’t forget to ask your oncologist if he/she can come to see you in the hospital if the diagnosis or symptoms/side effects of treatment result in an admission. The Hunterdon Cancer Center at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology works to make our patients feel comfortable and confident that they have made the right choice.

For surgeons, ask them: how many surgeries do you perform each year? (It’s important for a surgeon to have a minimum of 15 to 20 per year.) What are your complication rates? What is your 30-day operative mortality rate? (This is any death that occurred within 30 days after surgery, either in or out of the hospital.)

What Factors to Consider When Deciding on Your Cancer Treatment

A diagnosis of cancer can be very anxiety-inducing, but unless your cancer is very advanced, rushing immediately into the first kind of treatment that seems “right” can be a mistake. It is nearly always recommended to take a deep breath, let it out slowly, relax a tiny bit, and do some research.

The first consideration to weigh is the aim(s) of the treatment. These can include removing the cancer entirely or killing it entirely, stopping or slowing its rate of growth and spread, and/or palliative care (supportive care), i.e. managing symptoms and side effects. You need to have an in-depth discussion of these options with your physician and/or multidisciplinary team.

The next factor to consider is the type and stage of the cancer. From there the most important decision is deciding what treatment type best fits with your particular cancer situation. These options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, active surveillance, also called watchful waiting, palliative care, and participating in a clinical trial.

Another key consideration to weigh the risks and benefits of each type of treatment. Some factors to consider include the chances for a complete cure, the likelihood that the cancer may come back, short and long-term side effects, chances of living longer with and without treatment, and (importantly) the effect(s) of treatment on your quality of life and independence.

The Hunterdon Cancer Center team is here to guide you, offer our utmost support and provide detailed information to make these difficult decisions easier on you and your family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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