Caring for people diagnosed with cancer takes a team of nurses, social workers, dietitians, statisticians, therapists, chaplains, and rehabilitation specialists — all led by board-certified oncologists. We work together to give you the highest quality care, and help you navigate this unfamiliar landscape.
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians play a significant role in cancer care, working with you to interpret signs and symptoms of your disease and ordering appropriate lab work to make the proper diagnosis.
Pathologists and Radiologists
Pathologists, experts in cells and tissues, and radiologists, those who interpret X-rays, utilize state-of-the-art methods to diagnose cancer.
Oncologists
Oncologists are board certified and specialize in type-specific cancer treatments. There are three major types of oncologists:
- Medical oncologists — specialize in the administration of chemotherapy, which is usually handled by specially trained nurses in an outpatient setting
- Radiation oncologists — administer different types of radiation therapy, such as internal or external therapy, depending on the treatment options available to you and recommended by your oncology team
- Oncology surgeons— join your oncology team if surgery is required and utilize the latest surgical methods to treat cancer
Oncology Nurses and Therapists
Oncology nurses and therapists work closely with physicians and are experts in the field of cancer care. They are available to answer your questions and provide physical, emotional, and educational support to you and your loved ones.
Oncology Patient Navigators
Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Oncology Patient Navigators are available to discuss your needs, including insurance and financial assistance, transportation, and patient and caregiver support. Our Oncology Patient Navigators can also help coordinate your care and treatment by communicating with members of your medical team.
Oncology Financial Navigator
Helps patients optimize insurance and is the go-to for any finance related questions.
Clinical Dietitians
Clinical dietitians understand the unique challenges a person with cancer faces when it comes to healthy eating. Often side effects of treatment can interfere with appetite or the ability to chew or taste. Our dietitians provide nutritional support to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need to support your recovery.
Chaplains
Chaplains are available to assist you, your family, your loved ones, and your caregivers with any spiritual needs during diagnosis and treatment.
Additional Resources
Your oncology team may suggest other resources to assist in your treatment and recovery, such as our Rehabilitation Services team to assist you with greater mobility, strength and endurance, or the outpatient Pain Management program to help you deal with pain associated with your specific health situation.
At the core of bringing the best in cancer care to each patient is the dedication of each team member to continuing medical education. From videoconferencing “Grand Rounds” led by leading cancer researchers to instant access to cancer registry data, each staff member keeps abreast of the latest in cancer diagnosis and treatment, bringing the world of cancer care knowledge to residents in central Pennsylvania.