Your Neighborhood Cancer Experts
You’ll appreciate how the Bliss Cancer Center team focuses not only on your medical care but also on your well-being as a person, treating you how we would be a close friend. Count on us to take the time to listen and answer questions during and in-between appointments. You deserve a high level of personalized attention, and we know it can make a big difference in your experience.
Cancer Case Conference
Get an inside look at the Cancer Case Conference, also known as Tumor Board, which is held weekly at Mary Greeley Medical Center. At the meeting, a multi-disciplinary team reviews individual cancer patient cases to share ideas and gain insights into treatment. It is an important component of personalized cancer care provided by the William R. Bliss Cancer Center.
Team Members
Depending on your type of cancer, you may receive care from a variety of specialists:
- Board-certified hematologist – Doctor who treats blood and bone marrow cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
- Medical oncologist – Physician who may serve as your main cancer care provider and is a specialist in using chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer
- Surgeon – Doctor who uses surgery for cancer diagnosis, staging, or treatment
Radiation Team
Expect coordinated care from radiation professionals, including board-certified doctors, who work together for your benefit:
- Radiation oncologist – Doctor who has extensive training in using radiation to treat cancer and prescribes your dose of therapy
- Medical physicist – Professional who checks the safety and accuracy of equipment and treatments, so you get the exact level of therapy prescribed
- Dosimetrist – Specialist in planning delivery of your radiation dose
- Radiation therapist – Professional who carries out the treatment plan by running the radiation machine
Specialized Cancer Nurses
During your diagnosis and treatment, you’ll meet warm, welcoming registered nurses. Many hold certification from the Oncology Nursing Society, which reflects their expertise in patient care. Nurses work directly with your cancer doctors to give you:
They understand your preferences for treatment and teach you and your family about your condition and care options.
Education & Support
Throughout your journey, turn to professionals who can help you take charge of your health and improve quality of life:
- Dietitian – Teaches you and your caregivers how to get the nutrition needed to reduce side effects and stay as strong as possible
- Genetic risk educator – Assesses your inherited risk of certain cancers—such as breast, ovarian, uterine, colon, and skin cancer—so you can take steps to prevent the disease
- Palliative care providers – Offer you and your loved ones relief from symptoms, pain, and stress
- Psychologist – Provides support and counseling for patients and families during their cancer journey
Cancer Care Navigators
You and your family will appreciate the support of a cancer care navigator, a specially trained nurse who advocates for you and guides you through cancer care. Lean on this professional for:
- Education about your condition and care options
- Guidance making treatment decisions
- Help communicating with your medical team
- Connections to community services and resources, such as transportation, support groups, and financial assistance
Take advantage of free cancer navigation services through the Cancer Resource Center.
