At the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, medical and radiation oncologists in collaboration with radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, and other members of expert care teams diagnose and treat a variety of cancers including prostate, breast, and thoracic (lung) cancers, as well as malignancies of the brain, head, and neck, and gastrointestinal system.
Understanding your specific diagnosis and tracking your progress is an essential part of cancer care. Throughout your treatment, your team may request cancer screening tests be completed and will explain the process to you.
Treatments & Services
Laboratory
Laboratory tests are done on a regular basis for most patients. Results of your lab tests provide important information throughout your treatment. It is important to follow your team’s instructions about the tests you need and when these tests need to take place. If you plan to have your blood test at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, please arrive at least one hour before your chemotherapy appointment.
Cancer Screening and Imaging Tests
Imaging tests (MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, PET scans) are an important part of cancer care. While diagnoses cannot be made based on imaging alone, imaging tests help determine a diagnosis and can give valuable information about your diagnosis and the right treatment. Imaging tests can be done at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and if necessary can be shared with specialists at the Mass General Cancer Center.
Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling helps determine whether or not genetic testing may help you to make informed medical decisions about your cancer treatment. If you have questions about meeting with a genetic counselor, contact the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital program office at 413-582-2900. While most genetic counseling consultations are booked up to six months in advance, appointments are available both through the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital as well as other MGH Cancer Center sites for individuals who may need genetic counseling and testing more urgently. To make a genetic counseling and testing appointment, call 413-582-2441.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials for cancer treatment are research studies that test new drugs and procedures not yet available as standard treatments. All new treatments start as clinical trials. Many of our patients, including those with the earliest stages of disease, choose to participate in clinical trials. Emerging fields of study include targeted therapies, biological therapy, cancer vaccines, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. To learn more about open clinical trials, talk with your care team or visit the Mass General Cancer Center website.
Infusion Bays
Patients receive chemotherapy within the infusion bays at the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. The spacious areas feature comfortable chairs, personal televisions and Wi-Fi, as well as room for a family member or friend. These spaces also offer views of a bucolic mural that covers the wall immediately outside the center, and a view of Childs Park in the distance. Individual infusion rooms are available for people requiring more privacy.
Integrative Services
There are physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs that often arise with a cancer diagnosis; addressing these need is vital to achieving a positive outcome. At the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, we are committed to treating you as a whole person and working with you to meet your needs. Learn more about integrative services by clicking on the links below.
Nutrition Support
Oncology dietitians at the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital specialize in one-on-one counseling for people who want to manage side effects from cancer treatment therapies, are having difficulty maintaining weight and eating, or would like to optimize their treatment through proper nutrition. For more information, speak with your medical oncologist or your nurse.
Physical, Occupational, Speech-Language Therapy
Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists can help with exercise and conditioning, and also help manage fatigue and lymphedema (swelling) that may develop from cancer treatments. Therapists at Cooley Dickinson are dedicated to providing you with exceptional services to optimize function and well-being in an environment of respect, compassion, and support. Speak with your medical oncologist or nurse about physical, occupational, and speech-language treatments related to a cancer diagnosis.