Cancer Care Teams

 

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a complex response.

UVa is a pioneer in the most successful approach to treating cancer - team care that focuses on a specific cancer site and crosses medical disciplines.

In 1995 the Cancer Center began creating these teams - made up of researchers, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and other professionals - who meet regularly to provide comprehensive care.

Your team of healthcare professionals is knowledgeable about the many aspects of cancer:  medical, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.  They are available to you as much or as little as you need. Don't be afraid, embarrassed, or hesitant to ask questions, voice your opinion, or seek the care you feel you deserve.

CANCER CARE TEAMS 

 • Breast
 • Gastrointestinal
        Pancreas/Liver/Colorectal
 • Gynecologic
 • Head and Neck
 • Hematologic
        Leukemia/Lymphoma
 • Melanoma 
 • Neuro-Oncology 
        Brain/Neurologic
 • Pediatric Oncology 
 • Pituitary 
 • Sarcoma 
 • Thoracic
        Lung/Esophagus 
 • Urologic
        Prostate/Bladder/Kidney

Team Members

Your Role

You are the most important person on your team. Here are some tips that might help you during your visits:
    • Take someone with you to your doctor appointments.  They can help you hear
       what is said and think of questions to ask.
    • Write down your questions so you don't forget what to ask the doctor.
    • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are
       hearing.

Nurses 

Nurses can answer your questions about your care and give you valuable tips and advice. They know about the support services at the hospital and in the community and can give you information and educational materials about your disease and treatment.

Doctors 

Doctors at the University of Virginia Cancer Center provide specialized care in specific cancer disease sites.  It is possible that more than one doctor will be caring for you during your treatment, depending on your diagnosis and plan of care.  Here are the doctors you may see:

   • Surgical Oncologist - if your cancer can be removed through surgery, this
      specialist will provide expertise on the best way to have your cancer taken
      out.
   • Medical Oncologist - because cancer can spread to other parts of the body,
      it might be important to you to take medicine that reaches your whole body. 
      These medicines can be given by mouth or through the vein.  This specialist
      will provide expertise on the best medicine for you and will also recommend the
      best schedule to take these medicines.
   • Radiation Oncologist - sometimes radiation is used at the site of the cancer
      in order to make your overall cancer treatment more effective.  This specialist
      will provide expertise on whether you should receive radiation, and if so, how
      much and for how long.
   • Reconstructive Surgeon - this specialist will provide expertise on
      reconstructing areas of your body that have to be altered or removed due to
      cancer treatment.
   • Palliative Care Doctor - this specialist can help you in managing your side
      effects of treatment (pain, fatigue, etc) and can also be very helpful during
      the end of life.

Patient Navigator 

As you move through the diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship processes the patient navigator will help you connect with the network of support and education services at UVa, in the community, and through the American Cancer Society.  Feel free to contact our patient navigator, Faith Havran, by calling 434-243-6233.

Social Workers 

The University of Virginia has oncology social workers that specialize in cancer.  They are a good place to start if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are unsure of what to do next.  If you need help finding a social worker, talk to your doctor or nurse about a referral or call the Cancer Center's general number (434-924-9333 or 800-223-9173).

Psychologist 

Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and counseling, and the University of Virginia has a psychologist on staff who specializes in counseling.  You can also be referred to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication if needed.  For more information, you may contact the Cancer Center's psychologist, Dr. Lora Baum, at 434-243-6444.

Nutritionist 

A nutritionist can suggest ways to help you get enough calories, vitamins, and protein to help you feel better during treatment.  Carole Havrila is the Cancer Center's nutritionist and can be reached by calling 434-243-9627.

Clergy 

Prayer and spiritual counseling can be very important in coping with a serious illness such as cancer.  Many people find it useful to get help from clergy or other spiritual leaders.  The Cancer Center's chaplain is Gordon Putnam and he can be reached at 434-924-2477.

Patient Educator 

Educational information for you and your family can make a big difference in learning what to expect as well as providing hope for the future.  The University of Virginia has resource rooms and patient educators available.  For more information, contact Diane Cole at 434-243-6015 or Alison Gaucher at 434-982-0814.