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Medical oncology (chemotherapy) services are provided by New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology, PA (NHOH) in the Eugene and Anne Slusser
Medical Oncology Suite, located on Floor 1 of the Payson Center for Cancer Care. The Suite includes 10 patient stations and one private
station located on the south side of the building, which offers the most pleasant views for patients.
Medical oncology is the medical specialty that deals with treating cancer using chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer
with medications that can destroy cancer cells. Because chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, healthy cells can also be harmed,
especially those that divide quickly such as skin and hair cells. Harm to healthy cells is what causes side effects; fortunately, these
cells often repair themselves after chemotherapy is stopped. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously, by mouth, through an injection, or
applied to the skin. The delivery method and type of chemotherapy medications depend on the type of cancer, the part of the body where
the cancer is found, its effect on normal bodily functions, and the patient’s general health. Chemotherapy is often administered in
cycles that include treatment periods alternated with rest periods to give the body a chance to build healthy new cells and regain its
strength. The medical oncologists at NHOH are also specialists in the field of hematology, which is the study of disorders of the blood
and blood-forming tissues.
Members of the medical oncology treatment team include:
- A medical oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating cancer with chemotherapy;
- A certified oncology nurse, a registered nurse who is specially trained and nationally-certified by the Oncology Nursing
Society to treat cancer patients;
- A nurse practitioner, a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area;
- A physician assistant, a formally trained individual who provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care under
the supervision of a physician.
Where Can I Find Out More?
Concord Hospital Cancer Information
Cancer Care Inc
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Innisfree Cancer Help
New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology
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