Cancer is a complex disease often requiring the cooperative efforts of many specialists to properly diagnose and treat. The Delnor Cancer Care Team practices a collaborative approach to care with weekly cancer conferences and interdisciplinary teamwork. At Delnor you are a critical part of the team. Your team may consist of some of the following team members:
Primary Care Physician – Your primary care physician will provide initial assessments and referrals to specialists when suspicious signs and symptoms present. Your primary care physician may be a family practitioner, an internal medicine physician or a gynecologist.
Radiologist – A physician who specializes in detecting and diagnosing disease through the interpretation of x-ray images and other imaging modalities.
Pathologist – A physician who specializes in evaluation of tissue and cells to determine the nature or cause of disease.
Medical Oncologist - A physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer and cancer-related illness. Your oncologist will serve as the coordinator of your cancer care, refer you to specialists as needed and administer chemotherapy. Medical oncologists complete a three-year internal medicine residency and a two-year fellowship in medical Cancer Care. This may be part of a three-year fellowship in hematology/ Cancer Care. Oncologists are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. There is also a subspecialty board certification in hematology and a board certification in medical Cancer Care.
Hematologist – A physician who specializes in diseases of the blood and bone marrow.
Radiation Oncologist – This subspecialty of radiology is a physician who specializes in the administration of radiation to treat cancer. Radiation oncologists complete a one-year preliminary residency and a four-year radiation Cancer Care residency. There is a board certification in radiation Cancer Care.
Surgeon – A physician who specializes in the treatment of diseases by operating on or manipulating the body. General surgeons complete a five- to six-year residency. There is a board certification in general surgery from the American Board of Surgery.
Cancer Care Certified Nurses. Nurses who have received advanced training and certification in the care of cancer patients.
Breast Health Nurse Navigator - A certified professional/ registered nurse specializing in Cancer Care who serves as a guide to patients and their families in their cancer journey. The nurse navigator will provide education, resources and emotional support to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. This free service is available to all breast cancer patients at Delnor. For more information, please call (630) 208-3476.
Pharmacist – A licensed professional who specializes in the reconstitution, and distribution of drugs. A pharmacist will make your chemotherapy drugs.
Pain Management – A team of skilled physicians and nurses who offer state-of-the-art interventional pain therapies and individualized pain treatment for patients suffering with cancer and other chronic conditions.
Infusion Specialist – A team of specialized nurses who administer chemotherapy, blood transfusions, hydration, medication infusions, injections and other treatments for both in and outpatients.
Social Workers – Licensed specialists who provide counsel, support and resources to you and your family during your journey with cancer.
Pastoral Care – Professionals who support by providing spiritual care for cancer patients and their family.
Registered Dieticians – Licensed, registered specialists who provide nutrition counseling and dietary support for cancer patients.
Rehabilitation – Specialists in physical therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and occupational therapy who can assist patients resumption of activities of daily life following/ during treatment for cancer.
Lymphedema Therapy – Certified therapists trained in the treatment of upper and lower extremity lymphedema who provide comprehensive physical therapy interventions for cancer patients.
Home Health Care - Professionals who specialize in assisting patients manage tasks at home during treatment, and may help with everyday chores, such as food preparation and bathing.
Genetic Counselor – A master’s prepared, board certified genetic counselor, who provides information on and cancer risk assessment and/or genetic counseling to individuals and/or families who have cancer, may be at the risk of developing cancer and/or have a personal or family history of cancer.
Clinical Trial Site Coordinator – A certified professional who specializes in coordinating clinical trial protocols for the Cancer Care Team.
Additional Sub-specialists who may be on your team include:
Urologist – Specialist in diseases of the urinary system.
Neurosurgeon – Specialist in diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
Otolaryngologist – Specialist in diseases of the mouth, neck and head.
Reconstructive Surgeon – Specialist in procedures aesthetically rebuild or replace tissue that has been removed.
300 Randall Road