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Why Community-Based Cancer Care?

While advances in medical technology enhance detection and improve survival rates, comprehensive community-based care models make the fight against cancer a little easier for those affected, from the patients to their loved one.

According to Jene Hansen, state director of managed care and marketing for Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN), comprehensive, community-based care benefits the patient on several levels.  For example, patients will save time and energy by traveling to one location for all of their care and support services.

“More than 83 percent of all cancer care is now delivered at the community level,” said Hansen.  “To meet the needs of patients, community-based clinics like CCN offer advanced, comprehensive cancer-care tht was previously offered only in larger metropolitan areas.  By not shuffling patients from one clinic to another, they will have more time for themselves and their families.”

Clinics like CCCN providing a comprehensive care model offer a full range of services including diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, pharmaceuticals, clinical trials and supportive services under one roof.

“There is enough stress and angst for patients dealing with cancer,” said Hansen.  “Patients in community-based care are treated in comfortable, intimate surrounding rather than sterile and impersonal settings.  They also benefit from having continuity and close collaboration with their physicians and the specialized oncology nursing teams treating them.”

Physicians also benefit in a community-based care model.  They can closely coordinate and monitor all patient services and treatments, adjust therapies and medications in a timely manner and provide the most advanced technologies and effective diagnostic tools, all of which benefit patient care and reinforce peace of mind.

Jene Hansen has worked in the health care industry in Nevada for more than 20years.