Cancer Services Program

We understand that a cancer diagnosis brings unique challenges for patients and their families. Our Cancer Services Program delivers compassionate hospice care for cancer patients, as well as comprehensive palliative care cancer services.

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Compassionate Hospice Care for Cancer Patients

Our interdisciplinary team of cancer care specialists works closely with patients and their loved ones to manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and enhance quality of life during this difficult journey. We focus on maintaining dignity and comfort while addressing the complex physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that arise with a cancer diagnosis.

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Comprehensive Palliative Care Cancer Services

Our palliative care cancer services focus on improving quality of life through expert symptom management, emotional support, and practical assistance. Unlike traditional treatment focused solely on curing disease, our palliative care cancer approach addresses the whole person — managing pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms that affect daily life.

We help patients and families navigate complex medical decisions, access resources, and find moments of peace and connection even during difficult times. Our goal is to help patients live as fully and comfortably as possible while receiving the support they deserve.

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Expert Cancer Care Specialists Providing Personalized Support

Our team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors. These cancer care specialists collaborate to create individualized care plans that address pain management, symptom control, and emotional well-being. We work alongside your existing oncology team to ensure seamless coordination of care. Our specialists are available 24/7 to respond to changing needs and provide guidance throughout your journey, ensuring you or your loved one never face these challenges alone.

FAQs - Cancer Services Program

Hospice care for cancer patients is typically considered when the focus of care shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life. Hospice care is typically recommended when:

  • The cancer is considered terminal, with a prognosis of approximately 6 months or less if the disease follows its expected course.
  • Curative treatments have been exhausted or the patient has chosen to discontinue aggressive treatments.
  • The patient and their family prefer care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of remaining life.

It’s important to note that the decision to begin hospice care is highly individualized. Some patients may start hospice care earlier in their journey when they decide the side effects of continued treatment outweigh potential benefits. Others may begin hospice when their oncologist recommends it based on disease progression. Learn more about how to discuss hospice with your doctor.

The length of time cancer patients spend on hospice varies widely depending on individual circumstances. While hospice eligibility typically requires a prognosis of 6 months or less, some patients live longer while others have shorter stays.

The median stay for cancer patients in hospice is approximately 3-4 weeks, though experiences range from days to months or occasionally beyond a year. Some patients are referred to hospice later than optimal, resulting in shorter stays.

Each person’s journey is unique, influenced by cancer type, stage, overall health, and response to comfort care measures.

No, hospice care is not only for cancer patients. While cancer patients do represent a significant portion of hospice recipients, hospice services are available to anyone with a terminal illness and a prognosis of approximately six months or less to live.

Other conditions commonly served by hospice include advanced heart disease, end-stage kidney disease, severe COPD, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, liver failure, and other progressive illnesses.

Hospice provides specialized care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life regardless of diagnosis.

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Ascend’s Cancer Care Specialists Provide Personalized Support

The Ascend team includes physicians and nurses who are Board Certified in palliative care and hospice care. These cancer care specialists collaborate to create individualized care plans that address pain management, symptom and treatment side effect control, and emotional wellbeing. We work alongside your existing oncology team to ensure seamless coordination of care. Our cancer care specialists are available 24/7 to respond to changing needs and provide guidance throughout your journey, ensuring you or your loved one never face these challenges alone.

The Ascend Cancer Services Program serves patients throughout their cancer journey, whether at home, in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospice. Contact Ascend Health today to learn how our compassionate team can support you and your loved ones during this challenging time.

Specialized Cancer Support in Hospice & Palliative Care

Contact us or call 866.821.1212 to learn more about how Ascend’s Cancer Services Program and dedicated cancer care specialists can support you or your loved one.