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What is cancer?

Cancer is not one disease, but a general term covering many distinct diseases. Each type of cancer has patterns that may differ from other types of cancer. And the same disease often affects one person differently from another.

Because there are so many variables, different types of treatments are required for each patient and no single treatment is right for everyone. That is why Carroll Regional Cancer Center medical teams customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s specific condition and requirements.

Do I need a referral to see an oncologist?

Although it is not required, many patients come to Carroll Regional Cancer Center for the first time through referrals from other doctors. Cancer is usually first suspected or detected by primary care physicians, gynecologists, internists, surgeons or others.

Another consideration is your insurance coverage. Some insurance companies require that you have a referral from your primary care (or other) physician before seeing a specialist. If this is a requirement of your insurance company, please make sure that your other doctor has provided a referral before scheduling your first appointment.

What will my insurance cover?

This varies greatly, depending on the type of insurance coverage you have. At Alliance Hematology Oncology, financial counselors are available to discuss your insurance benefits, and what your insurance company will or will not cover. They will verify your coverage and pre-authorize medical procedures on your behalf, if required by your insurance company.

When I arrive at my first appointment, what can I expect?

The physicians at Alliance Hematology Oncology see patients on an appointment basis. You will find your first visit to be comfortable and informative. When you arrive for your first appointment, please be sure to check in with the receptionist for helpful information and direction to the next area.

Where can I find additional resource information?

American Cancer Society provides information about specific kinds of cancers, treatments, symptoms and prevention.

American Hospice Foundation mission is to improve access to quality hospice care through public education, professional training, and consumer advocacy.

American Pain Foundation mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information, promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase access to effective pain management.

Association of Cancer Online Resources provides an A to Z list of cancer types, current treatment options, clinical trial information and much more.

Breastcancer.org is dedicated to providing reliable, complete and up-to-date medical and personal information about breast cancer.

Cancerandcareers.org is aimed at helping women with work-related issues while dealing with their cancer.

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.

CancerEducation.com mission is to improve cancer care through the dissemination of up-to-date and accurate educational programming and information for healthcare professionals, cancer patients and their family members.

Chemocare.com provides the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends.

Conversations! is a monthly newsletter written for ovarian cancer fighters that reports on treatment options, clinical trials, coping skills, and early detection strategies.

EyesOnThePrize.org is a support and information website for gynecologic cancer providing information and emotional support from the survivors’ perspective to women with gynecologic cancers, their families and friends and healthcare providers.

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered is a national nonprofit organization providing support, information, awareness and advocacy for individuals concerned about or affected by hereditary breast or ovarian cancer.

Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry is a registry tracking families with a history of ovarian cancer, providing education, information and peer support for women with high risk (family history) of ovarian cancer.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation supports ovarian cancer research, training of cancer specialists in laboratory research and a variety of programs for patient education and public awareness of gynecologic cancers.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a national information and education network.

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one.

People Living With Cancer, the patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), is designed to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions.

SHARE: Self-help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer provides information for breast and ovarian cancer survivors, peer-led support groups, education and advocacy programs.

The Wellness Community is dedicated to providing free support and education for people with cancer and their loved ones.