Patient Support
At Merit Health Central, we believe supporting our patients is an important part of our care. Cancer treatment often involves numerous specialists, procedures and complementary therapies, and can often be overwhelming to the patient and their family members. That’s why Merit Health Central's cancer care encompasses a range of support services that address everything from education and care management assistance to support groups and spiritual care.
Merit Health Central offers a variety of services to assist you throughout your care, including:
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Cancer education resources – We offer a wide range of educational resources to help patients and family members learn more about cancer, treatment and recovery.
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Nutritional counseling – Eating the right kinds of foods before, during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger. Merit Health Central’s registered dietitians can help you incorporate proper nutrition to regain strength, rebuild tissue and feel better overall.
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Support groups, cancer boutique and more – Choose from cancer support groups and a variety of classes for individuals who are affected by cancer.
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Spiritual support – Chaplains are available to provide compassionate spiritual and emotional support to you and your family.
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Transportation assistance – Getting to and from cancer treatments and appointments can be a challenge, so we offer transportation assistance to make it a little easier on patients and their loved ones.
Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Testing
We encourage everyone to receive regular cancer screenings to detect cancer at the earliest possible stage. Early detection leads to better chances for recovery. Coupled with self-examination of unusual lumps or skin lesions, screenings provide the best method for early detection.
High-risk patients such as those with a family history of cancer should discuss the frequency of screenings with their physician.
Merit Health Central’s Cancer Care Center offers advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, including a PET/CT scanner. This important diagnostic technology is of tremendous value in diagnosing lung, esophageal, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, and head and neck cancers.
Breast cancer diagnostic screening mammograms are provided at Merit Health Central’s Comprehensive Breast Health Center located on our campus. Using digital technology, we are able to provide faster, higher clarity imaging in the earliest stages possible, a time when the probability of a cure is best. Radiologists use this digital imaging technology to pinpoint any possible presence of cancer. When needed, a biopsy can be performed immediately, thereby reducing the stress of waiting and worrying.
At the Cancer Care Center, the goal is to make your treatment as easy and convenient as possible. To accomplish this, we are committed to offering flexible appointments, nearby and easily accessible parking, minimal wait times for your initial visit and subsequent treatments, and personal, family-centered care and treatment. It’s just a few more of the little things we do to help in the fight against cancer.
Information on cancer screenings is available by calling (601) 376-2074.