Cancer Resources

As part of Erlanger's core mission to compassionately care for people, we offer a range of resources to support patients, family members, and caregivers in all parts of the cancer journey.

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Oncology Nurse Navigators

Erlanger’s Oncology Nurse Navigators are here to guide and support our patients through cancer treatment. Viewing the healthcare system from the patient’s perspective, this integral member of our oncology care team:

• Understands all aspects of cancer care and the cancer care system
• Provides information about specific treatment(s); as well as, experiences that can be expected through the cancer journey
• Can direct patients and family to community resources that provide support during treatment and recovery
• Communicates with the entire healthcare team, collaborating on behalf of the patient to facilitate seamless, quality care

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Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy helps address the physical difficulties caused by cancer and the ways it is treated, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. By promoting physical activity and functional well-being, physical therapy contributes to improved quality of life, even aiding faster recovery. Patients are assessed by their clinicians for functional status and need for physical therapy throughout their journey, before, during and after their surgery and chemotherapy. Some patients may qualify for and benefit from specialized therapy.

Physical Therapy helps:

• Improve physical fitness, which even with light activity and movement, is known to improve healing and overall wellness
• Increase strength and mobility
• Increase alertness
• Improve total functional ability
• Reduce scar tissue
• Enhance balance which can be hampered by some medications

Erlanger’s PT team is nationally certified in a broad range of specialties and provides services out of seven convenient locations.

Meet Our Team

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Nutrition Services

Erlanger’s oncology dietitian helps cancer patients and their caregivers develop a plan for healthy eating. By achieving good overall health, proper nutrition can help:

• Reduce cancer risk
• Help address nutritional difficulties experienced during the course of treatment
• Help patients stay healthy during treatment
• Minimize side effects and illness.

Patient Resources

• Cookbooks for Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, and Their Caregivers (PDF)
• Anemia Nutrition Flier (PDF)
• Fluid and Food Choices to Manage Diarrhea (PDF)
• High-Protein, High-Calorie Beverages (PDF)
• Fiber Content of Foods (PDF)
• Constipation Nutrition Therapy (PDF)

 

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Social Work

Erlanger’s oncology social workers are licensed professionals who counsel patients and family members impacted by cancer. Our social workers can:

• Provide emotional support and compassion, and work with clinical teams to refer patients for group sessions or individual counseling
• Help patients find resources and financial assistance
• Offer assistance finding home care or transportation services
• Give guidance in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options
• Put patients in touch with local resources that offer support

 

 

 

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Palliative Care

Palliative care addresses the unique physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients living with serious or life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care can provide relief from cancer symptoms and side effects from treatment, including:

• Cancer-related pain
• Insomnia
• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Anxiety/depression
• Shortness of breath
• Edema/swelling
• Fatigue/loss of function

Learn More and Meet Our Palliative Care Team

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Spiritual Guidance and Chaplaincy Services

Erlanger offers pastoral care services to address spiritual and emotional needs, regardless of religious tradition. This service is offered to all patients, family members, friends, and hospital visitors.

• Cancer support services
• Prayer
• Meditation
• Bereavement services 

Erlanger Pastoral Care
423-778-7177

Patient Resources
Spiritual Care for the Cancer Journey (PDF)

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Erlanger Cancer Support Group

This support group is designed for men and women impacted by cancer. Participants will not only have the opportunity to share about their cancer journey in a safe space but will also hear from specialists who will provide helpful education and resources. Sessions are offered free of charge, but we do ask that participants sign up if they plan to join.

Learn More

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Look Good Feel Better Workshops

Look Good Feel Better volunteer beauty professionals lead in-person workshops to provide you with tips and tools for:

• Skin and nail care and makeup application
• Wig selection and care
• Scarves, turbans, and hats

Workshops are free of charge and open to all women with cancer who are undergoing treatment.

Location: Erlanger Medical Mall – Oncology Conference Room
Date: Offered monthly
Time: 12-2 PM

 

Register Now

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National Resources

American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
24-hour support and patient information

Look Good Feel Better
LookGoodFeelBetter.org is a service provided by the American Cancer Society
 800-227-2345.

National Cancer Institute’s Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/cis/page1

Cancer Support Community
1-888-793-9355
24-hour online/telephone support
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

CancerCare (Smoking Cessation Services)
www.cancercare.org
1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)

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Local Resources

Mental Health Crisis Hotlines (24/7)
423-634-8995 or 423-499-2300