Comprehensive cancer care: Going beyond treatment for cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you want the care of a team of experts. You’ll find that through LCMC Health, with specialists who offer not only treatment for cancer but also a helping hand to guide you through the process.

Did you know that you’re considered a cancer survivor from the very moment you’re first diagnosed? It’s true! Cancer survivorship encompasses anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer. At LCMC Health, our goal is to lead you through your survivorship journey, providing you with effective treatment and supportive services.

Understanding treatment for cancer

Each year, nearly 2 million Americans are diagnosed with some type of cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that just shy of 2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2023 alone, including about 29,000 cases in Louisiana.

The good news: While cancer is relatively common, many types of cancer treatment have been proven effective. Cancer treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (also called targeted therapy) and clinical trials. Certain types of cancer may also be treated with specialized procedures, such as a stem cell transplant or a bone marrow transplant. We also provide specialized programs such as rare cancer. 

Often, a combination of treatments is used to relieve symptoms, effectively treat cancer, and prevent its recurrence. This can include not only the treatment options outlined above but also oral or injected medications and therapies to help with symptom relief.

The specific type of treatment recommended for you will depend on the type of cancer you have, as well as the stage of cancer, where it has spread and other factors. Your oncologist and the rest of your care team will develop a treatment plan based on your needs. This plan may evolve over time based on how the cancer responds.

How cancer care goes beyond treatment

There’s more to cancer care than simply providing you with treatment to eradicate the cancer. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you acquire a dedicated support team to help you navigate the diagnosis and treatment.

Undergoing cancer treatment can wreak havoc on your health, physically, emotionally and mentally. Your daily life and habits may need to change for a while, in many ways, including some you may not have imagined.

At LCMC Health, we’re committed to helping you through those changes, which can include the side effects of treatment and the cancer itself. When needed, we will provide you with:

• Educational resources about cancer and cancer treatment
• Nutritional counseling
• Pain management
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Smoking cessation resources
• Support groups with others who are facing cancer

Specialized cancer care navigators are on hand to help you with the challenges of cancer treatment, including scheduling appointments and coordinating care. Social workers are also available to aid in obtaining support services, both within the healthcare system and the community.

Our services aren’t just for the patient, either. We understand that cancer affects the entire family—and even those surrounding the family. We offer support services for caregivers, too.

Once you’ve completed cancer treatment, we also offer continuing care and survivorship programs. After treatment ends, you’ll still see your oncologist and other providers at regular intervals for testing to ensure the cancer hasn’t recurred. These visits can help you regain your footing after treatment and make sure you take the best possible care of yourself in the future.

You’re a survivor from day one, and our cancer care team is here to make sure you stay that way.

When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, know that you aren’t alone. Our cancer care specialists are here to help you from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.