Overview of Oncology Services

The Cancer Center at Shore Memorial was designed and developed to bring the most advanced cancer care available to the people of southern New Jersey - in a quiet, private and attractive space, comfortable for both patients and their families.

In addition to a Varian 21EX linear accellerator and Philips CT Simulaor, the Radiation Therapy Department houses a family library, a conference room and social service and nutritional counseling areas.

The best treatment equipment available
An advanced linear accelerator is the centerpiece of treatment at the Cancer Center. Conformal radiation treatment planning accurately determines each patient's unique anatomy and customizes the treatment. This allows for treatments utilizing the smallest field size that can safely treat the cancer and avoid normal tissue. Targeting is further enhanced by the linear accelerator's IMRT capabilities - Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

Radiation treatments are painless and patients are typically in the treatment room for approximately 10 minutes. In most cases, daily treatments are given over the course of several weeks.

The center also has a specialized exam chair designed to maximize patient comfort.

Support services, conveniently located
The Cancer Center also houses a variety of additional services for cancer patients and families, including

• Continuing care programs
• Nutritional support
• Social services and psychological counseling
• Conference rooms for treatment counseling
• Workshops, seminars and special events
• Patient and family education programs
• Support groups for patients, survivors and families
• Professional continuing education for physicians, nurses, radiation therapists and support staff

Look Good … Feel Better®

Look Good… Feel Better® group programs are offered at the Shore Memorial Cancer Center. These programs are free, non-medical and product-neutral programs offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association, and the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation.

At Look Good… Feel Better® people with cancer are taught to cope with skin changes and hair loss by using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Patients learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves, and other accessories. A free cosmetic kit is provided to each patient.

Live, Laugh, Love Boutique
The Cancer Center hosts these free programs in the Live, Laugh, Love Boutique, a beautifully designed room where patients with cancer benefit from the supportive group environment.

Together the Boutique and the program help fulfill Shore Memorial's mission to provide compassionate care for the whole person. The Cancer Center is a place where high-tech treatment combines with high-touch care to aid patients and family members in the healing process.

The Shore Memorial cancer program mission includes a commitment to reducing stress and discomfort - allowing the patient to focus on healing and recovery.

The Boutique is open Monday to Friday. Call the Cancer Center at (609) 653-3585 to schedule an appointment for a wig-fitting session. Sessions take place on the second floor of the Cancer Center and last approximately one hour.

Building a healthier future through research
Research is the key to winning the battle against cancer. In the cancer fight, research provides answers as physicians and researchers discover better ways to effectively treat cancer - and ultimately - find the cure.

Shore Memorial's Cancer Program offers patients the opportunity to participate in the advancement of medicine through cancer-related clinical trials research – studies that evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments, including:

• Prevention trials - designed to keep cancer from developing in people who have not previously had cancer
• Prevention trials - designed to prevent a new type of cancer from developing in people who have had cancer
• Early detection trials - designed to find cancer in its early stages
• Treatment trials - designed to test new therapies
• Quality of life studies - designed to improve the comfort and quality of life for people with cancer.
• Studies are also designed to evaluate ways of modifying cancer-causing behaviors, such as tobacco use

Depending on what is being studied, a particular clinical trial may involve patients with cancer or people who are at risk of developing cancer. When a person takes part in a clinical trial, they may benefit from a new drug, procedure, or symptom-control method while helping scientists evaluate its effectiveness.

Participation may also contribute directly to finding better ways to prevent, detect, or treat the disease. Many of today’s most effective interventions are the direct result of knowledge gained through clinical trials.

Shore Memorial’s Cancer Program is committed to providing access to the most advanced clinical research. Through our affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), one of the largest clinical cancer research organizations in the United States.

Extra services that make a difference
The new facility is central to Shore Memorial’s commitment to providing a wide variety of supportive services, including

• Clinical nutrition
• Relaxation techniques
• Fatigue management
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Survivorship programs
• Referrals to home care and other services outside the Shore Memorial program

What makes the Cancer Center so unique?

Location/Directions/Parking

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