Community Cancer Program
Washington Hospital Cancer Program
Phone: (510) 745-6433
The mission of the community cancer program is to provide high quality, cost effective services to all patients. Our first responsibility is to our patients, for them to receive timely, appropriate medical care with consideration of their privacy, dignity and informed consent. To achieve this, we monitor, measure and continuously improve these services.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer accredits Washington Hospital's Community Cancer Program. Accreditation of hospital-based cancer programs has been the foundation for improving the quality of care of cancer patients.
The community cancer program treats over 500 new cancer patients every year. We have an experienced and dedicated staff, as well as exceptional education programs and support services.
Click here to see a list of active trials that are currently available at Washington Hospital.
Download a copy of the Cancer Program Annual Report for 2008. (PDF)
Download a copy of the Cancer Program Annual Report for 2007. (PDF)
Choose a link below to learn more about the cancer program or find additional research on cancer:
- Screening and early detection programs
- The medical team
- Surgical oncology
- Medical oncology
- Washington Radiation Oncology Center (ROC)
- Tumor board
- Clinical research
- Tumor registry
- Oncology nursing
- Social services
- Support groups
- Cancer Resource Center
Contact the cancer program
For more information about the cancer program at Washington Hospital, please call (510) 745-6433.
For more information about programs, classes or screenings, please call Health Connections at (800) 963-7070.
Screening and early detection programs
Washington Hospital has made great strides in promoting cancer awareness for the Community. Prevention and early detection are two of the most important and effective strategies for saving lives from cancer, reducing suffering due to cancer, and eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The best chance of a cure is to detect cancer as early as possible when it can be treated most effectively.
Screening
- Digital Mammography: Washington Hospital provides state of the art Digital Mammography Services. Digital mammography is different from a standard mammogram. With digital pictures, the physician can zoom in, magnify, and optimize different parts of the breast tissue in the picture without having to take an additional image.
Our highly skilled and compassionate medical staff specializes in all types of cancer and provides the latest diagnostic procedures and treatment available.
Surgical oncology is a specialty comprised of well-trained surgeons with broad and varied experience in the surgical management of cancer. Surgeons with specialized training and expertise provide a comprehensive approach to the management of solid tumor malignancies.
Medical oncologists work in partnership with referring physicians to facilitate the care of a cancer patient. Oncologists determine the proper choice of drugs, the dosage and schedule of drugs to be given.
Washington Radiation Oncology Center
The Washington Radiation Oncology Center allows local residents with a diagnosis of cancer who require radiation therapy to be treated near their homes. Patients are referred to the center by a physician, usually a surgeon or medical oncologist. A specific and unique treatment plan is outlined for each patient.
The tumor board functions as a multidisciplinary diagnostic and oncological team for case review. The tumor board provides a forum for physicians to present cases and optimize patient management from the onset of the patient's diagnosis.
Washington Hospital offers eligible patients the option of participating in clinical trials. Click here to see a list of active trials that are currently available at Washington Hospital.
As a research site for cancer patients, the hospital participates in offering clinical trial cancer protocols from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). These protocols offer cancer patients the latest investigational treatments in a community hospital setting.
The tumor registry is a data system designed for the collection, management and analysis of data on patients with cancer who are seen at Washington Hospital and Washington-Stanford Radiation Oncology Center. Data collected includes biographical information, medical information on stage of disease, treatment performed, current status and length of survival.
Inpatient and outpatient oncology services are provided to our patients from specially trained oncology nurses certified to administer chemotherapy. Many nurses are nationally certified through the Oncology Nursing Society, and their expertise is used in the care and management of the cancer patient and their family. The nursing staff is experienced in the management of symptoms associated with the treatment of cancer.
The social services department evaluates and addresses the psychosocial needs of oncology patients and their families on the hospital's medical/surgical units. Services include counseling to help patients and family members deal with the emotional impact associated with an initial cancer diagnosis, surgery and other psychologically stressful treatments and poor prognosis or recovery.
Support groups offer cancer patients and their loved ones opportunities to become acquainted with others who have experienced cancer diagnoses and treatment, and to share their own experiences in a highly supportive environment.
- Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
- Oncology Support Group meets every other Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
For more information about our support groups, please call (800) 963-7070 or go to Health Classes & Support Groups.
