A cancer diagnosis can bring a flood of questions. Which treatments are available? Who should patients contact when new symptoms appear? Where can families turn for emotional or practical support? And how far will they need to travel for care?
For patients and their loved ones, choosing where to receive cancer care involves more than finding a physician. It can also mean looking for specialized expertise, coordinated support and a team trained to guide them through treatment, recovery and survivorship.
Karmanos Cancer Institute -- a network of 17 locations across the state, anchored by Michigan’s only freestanding cancer hospital -- is home to the only National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in metro Detroit.
Karmanos has maintained that designation since 1978. The designation recognizes cancer centers that meet rigorous standards involving research, prevention and patient care.
But Kathy Fedoronko, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at Karmanos, said the “Karmanos Advantage” extends beyond access to advanced treatments.
“It’s also about coordinated, compassionate care,” Fedoronko said. “Because we solely focus on cancer, we understand both the complexity of the disease and the daily realities patients and families face during cancer treatment.”
Specialists focused on specific types of cancer
Cancer is not a single disease, and the needs of someone with breast cancer may be very different from those of a person undergoing a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
At Karmanos, physicians, oncology nurses and other specialists work within 15 multidisciplinary teams focused on particular types of cancer. That structure allows team members to build extensive experience with the treatments, symptoms and concerns associated with those diagnoses.
“Our breast oncology nurses focus on breast cancer, and our nurses on the bone marrow and stem cell transplant team are trained to care for patients receiving this treatment,” Fedoronko said.
By bringing specialists together, multidisciplinary teams can review a patient’s diagnosis and develop a treatment recommendation based on the individual’s cancer and needs.
Oncology nurses help connect the pieces
Cancer treatment often involves appointments with multiple specialists, complicated medication schedules and side effects that can change over time. Patients and caregivers may not always know who to contact when they have a question or concern.
Fedoronko said oncology nurses serve as advocates, educators and trusted points of contact throughout that process. Many Karmanos nurses have also earned oncology nursing certification, reflecting advanced knowledge of cancer care.
“They are often the people patients turn to first with questions, symptoms, concerns or fears,” she said.
If a patient reports a problem, the nurse can communicate with the oncologist and other members of the care team so the concern is addressed promptly.
This coordination helps patients feel informed and supported while giving them a familiar point of contact during an otherwise unfamiliar experience.
Support continues beyond medical treatment
Cancer can affect nearly every part of a person’s life. In addition to physical symptoms, patients and caregivers may face emotional stress, fatigue and practical challenges.
Fedoronko said caring for the whole person means supporting those needs from diagnosis through treatment, recovery and survivorship.
Karmanos offers supportive services that include counseling, support groups for patients and caregivers, exercise programs and integrative therapies like yoga, art therapy and music therapy. These resources can help patients manage side effects, maintain energy and cope with the emotional effects of cancer.
“We want our patients to feel supported throughout the full cancer care journey,” Fedoronko said.
Specialized care closer to home
Traveling long distances for frequent appointments can create another burden for patients and caregivers. Karmanos has 17 locations across Michigan, including eight in metro Detroit.
According to Fedoronko, each location completes a certification process led by Karmanos experts and follows the same standards and patient-centered approach as the flagship hospital in Midtown Detroit.
“We know travel can be difficult for many patients, so we work very hard to bring the care to them,” she said.
Many patients are able to complete their cancer care at a Karmanos location near home. Some may travel to Detroit or another specialized location for services such as bone marrow and stem cell transplants, CAR T-cell therapy, phase I clinical trials, radiopharmaceuticals, proton therapy or Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
No two cancer experiences are identical. However, access to specialized professionals, coordinated nursing support and resources for patients and caregivers can make the path forward easier to understand.
To learn more about the Karmanos Advantage or request an appointment, call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit the Karmanos Advantage website.