Allegheny Health Network offers the following additional services:
Most cancer is spontaneous, without any link to family history or genes. But in some cases, cancer is caused by an abnormal gene passed along from a parent. Because these genes are defective from birth, they have the potential to mutate early in life, triggering the development of cancer at younger-than-average ages.
For those who may be affected in this way, we offer specialized expertise in genetic testing and counseling. Our genetic counselors conduct in-depth interviews with you and provide options for preventive care, including lifestyle changes; more frequent screening examinations at earlier ages; prophylactic surgery to remove at-risk organs, such as breasts, ovaries, or colon; or medications to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
If you have any of the following, you might consider genetic testing for yourself:
Talk with your family members about who has had cancer, where the cancer began in the body and what age the relative was when diagnosed. Also, complete a family history questionnaire and share it with a genetic counselor.
Contact our Cancer Genetics Program at (412) 359-8064.
Cancer registries are crucial in determining best practice treatment & guidelines. They are complex databases maintained by accredited cancer programs like those at the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. Our tumor registry collects demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data on all patients diagnosed with or treated for cancer throughout our system. This data is analyzed internally by members of the medical and administrative staffs and externally by researchers.
The registry electronically transmits cancer data to the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry and to the National Cancer Data Base for epidemiologic and research purposes. It also annually follows up on all registered patients and updates the database with current disease status, quality of life, recurrence information and any subsequent treatment the patient received during the year.
This follow-up process continues throughout each patient’s lifetime and is critical in determining trends. Our tumor registries are accredited by the American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer.
AHN has a team of Nurse Navigators who are specially trained to help guide you as your cancer treatments come to an end. Learn how the AHN Cancer Survivorship program offers one-on-one support, focusing on your ongoing physical health and emotional well-being as you face the uncertainties of life after cancer.
The expertise of our experienced radiologists combined with our state-of-the-art imaging systems allow us to give you a fast and accurate diagnosis. Our advanced technology and equipment provide extremely clear and precise images while ensuring your safety and health.
We utilize electronic medical records to seamlessly provide you with comprehensive care that is efficient and accurate. These records are digital versions of a doctor’s paper chart and contain your medical and treatment histories. They help us to navigate your care from any point in the Allegheny Health Network that you receive services.
When a cure for our patients is no longer possible, we provide hospice care for those nearing the end of life. We have a nurturing, compassionate, and caring team of professionals who give comfort to terminally ill patients by minimizing their pain and creating a peaceful environment around them as they live their final days. We also work closely with each patient’s family to offer caregiving support and emotional encouragement as they deal with the stress and sadness of losing their loved one.
Contact our Hospice Program at 1 (800) 381-8080.
Find out more about our Hospice locations and services.
We have nutritionists at each of our hospitals to help you develop dietary plans specifically suited for your situation and needs.
Allegheny Health Network offers oncology rehabilitation from specially trained therapists so that cancer patients can optimize their function and quality of life throughout treatment and recovery. Oncology rehabilitation is a specialized practice area at AHN with trained therapists and care focused on you and your functional concerns. We will collaborate with your physicians and keep them fully informed of your progress. Find out more about oncology rehabilitation.
We have a multidisciplinary palliative care team that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with cancer. Unlike hospice – which is end-of-life care – palliative care aims to improve your quality of life as you battle the disease. We treat symptoms of cancer, such as pain and nausea, and also help you to cope mentally with having the disease.
We provide palliative care on both an inpatient and outpatient basis and can help families coordinate various support services for their loved ones.
Our team can help you with:
Find out more about our Palliative care and services.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our social workers help you with any of your questions while you are under our care and following treatment. They also provide information about community programs and services and support groups.
Cancer takes a toll on both you and your family. Spending time with others who have a shared or similar experience can help with feelings of depression, frustration, anxiety, and the struggle of coming to terms with a whole new way of life. It can also help you significantly in your road to recovery. You can find this type of fellowship at many support groups throughout the area. These groups help to boost your spirits, validate your feelings, and encourage your determination to recover.
Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects.
