Welcome to Cancer Services
The personalized care at NMC is focused on helping patients connect with screening, early detection, treatment, emotional support, resources and education relating to cancer. We offer a variety of programs and services regardless of whether you are newly diagnosed, a survivor, or a caregiver of someone with cancer.
Key Services
- Breast cancer
- Breast surgery
- Cancer
- Cancer education
- Cancer Rehabilitation Programs
- Cancer resources
- Cancer Screening
- Colon cancer
- Connection to Community Resources
- End of Life Care
- Lung Cancer Screening
- Mammography
- Palliative Care
- Skin cancer
Survivorship
Cancer is a lifetime diagnosis, and survivorship information is available for anyone diagnosed with cancer, in treatment, or in remission. Visit the American Cancer Society’s survivorship web site for information about coping during treatment, life after cancer treatment, and living well after cancer. Survivorship: During and After Treatment | American Cancer Society. Use the list below as talking points for you and your care team:
Care Plan:
- Ask for a written summary and care plan with clear explanations including your past treatment and plans for future testing and visits.
- What will treatment recovery be like?
- Any physical or emotional concerns you still have after treatment ends.
- Short and long term treatment side effects and what actions to take when they arise.
- Screening for recurrence or new cancers.
- Diet, exercise or other health recommendations.
Preventative Health:
- Who will manage your care after treatment ends (oncologist, PCP or both)
- How to coordinate care with your PCP ensuring your PCP understands your follow-up care
- Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy options to address potential side effects
- Schedule all necessary appointments.
Emotional/Mental Support
- Emotional or psychological concerns (anxiety, depression or other worries)
- Support/counseling for emotional, sexual or relationship issues
- Identify support groups or patient advocacy groups
Financial Health
- Financial concerns that may interfere with posttreatment care and resources for financial support
- Health insurance
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) information
- Problems at work you may face as a result of your treatment
- Dealing with any discrimination
Patient story
The Importance of Early Detection: Michelle Cioffi’s Story
Michelle Cioffi has always prioritized her breast health, especially after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Every year, she was diligent about having her annual screening. Read Michelle’s Story
Did you know you may qualify for a free mammogram? Do not let financial questions delay early detection. We can help. NMC can connect you with resources through You First and other opportunities to make sure you get the preventive screening you need. Call Diagnostic Imaging now and schedule your appointment today! Or, contact Chelsea Mulheron, RN Breast Care Navigator at 524-1242 to learn more about how we can help overcome obstacles to getting your preventive care.
Care management
NMC recognizes that cancer affects not only a person’s physical health but also emotional health, finances, relationships, caregivers and more. Our Care Management team and Breast Care Navigator give patients trusted professionals to help navigate the healthcare systems, assess their needs, provide information about resources, and coordinate with other community agencies. We are here to help, for more information about any of the topics below or services not listed, contact us by emailing [email protected].
- Healthcare Advance Directives
- Assistance in applying for disability and/or retirement benefits
- Financial aid applications and referrals
- Insurance questions/applications
- Transportation assistance
- Home care and/or home nursing service referrals
- Skilled nursing or assisted living facility referrals and information
Recently diagnosed?
NMC encourages anyone with a recent diagnosis of cancer to ask to their cancer provider if a clinical trial is appropriate for their situation.
NMC offers Oncology Rehab and Lymphedema Services.
Work with our team of physical and occupational therapists who will help you move better, reduce pain, restore function, and maintain daily living and work skills. We work with you to help you understand your body and reach your therapy goals. Often treatment focuses on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill, and educating the patient and family in order to increase participation in, and performance of, daily activities.
Genetic Counseling Referrals
Speak with your oncologist and PCP about genetic testing and referral to a genetic counselor.
American Cancer Society: Access to Clinical Trials & Support Resources
The American Cancer Society offers a free clinical trial matching service to help you explore clinical trial options available. To learn more visit their website.
Cancer Risk Reduction
Northwestern Medical Center suggest these tips for reducing your risks of concern.
- The American Cancer Society recommends routine HPV vaccination for females and males between the ages of 9 and 12 years.
- Use sunscreen
- Quit Tobacco – Visit 802quits.org for free quit help
- Visit MyHealthyVT.org for free workshops and additional resources
The Jim Bashaw Fund
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another catastrophic illness that will cause a financial burden on your family, and are a resident of either Franklin or Grand Isle Counties, you may be eligible to receive funds from The Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Illness Fund. Click here to learn more, and apply online.
Did you know?
Our program has been fully accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons since 1992. We strive to meet the comprehensive needs of our patients through a collaborative approach.
We are fortunate to have an office of the Champlain Valley Hematology Oncology here on our campus. For patients who need Radiation Oncology as part of their treatment, we collaborate closely with University of Vermont Medical Center Radiation Oncology division and those services are provided at their site as an integrated approach to the patient’s overall care.
Led by the Cancer Committee, our program goals include a focus on the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patients with all cancer types, on an outpatient basis, in which we use a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
We have an active Tumor Board and we participate in the state wide Vermont Cancer Registry. Our Cancer Committee includes clinical and non-clinical members from NMC, the University of Vermont Medical Center, The American Cancer Society, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC) and the Vermont Department of Health.
