At most medical centers, it can take weeks to see each of the physicians who will have a role in the patient's care, compounding the stress that patients experience. At Wake Forest Baptist we've developed a system to streamline the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer patients by subspecialized teams of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists as well as allied health care professionals.

Approach
Bringing the expertise of multiple specialists together in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients has been a hallmark of our Comprehensive Cancer Center.

At most medical centers, it can take weeks to see each of the physicians who will have a role in the patient's care, compounding the stress that patients experience. At Wake Forest Baptist we've developed a system to streamline the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer patients by specialized teams of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists as well as allied health care professionals.

Substantial advances have been made over the past 10 years in applying innovative therapies to diagnosing and treating formerly invincible cancers. The Comprehensive Cancer Center has been at the forefront in utilizing many of these new technologies to improve detection rates, as well as survival rates and quality of life for patients facing the challenges of living with cancer.

A major focus of our research has been on developing unique therapies that destroy cancer cells in ways that were once considered unthinkable. This combination of improved detection capabilities and aggressive approaches to understanding and treating cancer are foundations of our commitment to finding a cure for this most devastating disease.

Cancer Patient Support
The Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) and Psychosocial Oncology Program (POP) were developed to enhance the quality of life of patients and family members during diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. These services were cited by the National Cancer Policy Board as a model for Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The CPSP and POP provide professional counseling and clinical research activities. Research has focused on quality of life following treatment, orienting new patients to treatment, group support for young women breast cancer patients and restorative (gentle) yoga.
The CPSP staff provides individual counseling, support groups, hospital visitation, professional education for medical center employees, patient and community education, financial assistance, and appearance consultation including wigs, turbans and caps. All CPSP services are provided without charge.

A major focus for CPSP and POP staff and volunteers is to provide comfort for patients undergoing treatment and to help them maintain hope for the journey. In the words of a CPSP volunteer, "I may not be able to do great things but I can do small things with great love."
CPSP Services

Back to HCB News