Patients who come to the clinic get all of their mammograms, additional views, ultrasounds and biopsies as necessary in one morning with navigation through the process by our team nurses and radiologists. Patients who need surgical follow-up are seen 24-48 hours later with fast-tracked biopsy results to start making a plan for treatment. The Rapid Diagnostic Clinic can help identify the reasons behind breast changes in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Some indicators of breast cancer may include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, any change in size or shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast. It is important to note that these symptoms can occur with other conditions that are not cancer. If signs or symptoms cause concern, individuals are encouraged to contact their physician right away.

Our licensed pharmacists at Grand Valley Oncology are the experts in managing medications for people with cancer. They work with your medical oncology team to provide safe, high quality patient care in an atmosphere of professionalism, respect and effective communication. Our pharmacists can screen your medications for drug allergies and drug interactions, provide education about cancer medications, monitor and evaluate your cancer drug therapy and provide information about side effects.

Click here for more information.

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About Cancer Genetic Counseling

Inherited Cancer

People with a family history of cancer have a higher risk of getting cancer. Genetic changes are called mutations. Mutations that cause higher cancer risk can pass through families.

Only 5-10 percent of all cancers are caused by inherited mutations.

Genetic Counseling Services

Grand Valley Oncology offers the following services based on your personal and family health history:

• Assess your cancer risk
• Find ways to reduce your cancer risk (your chance of getting cancer)
• Suggest a cancer screening schedule
• Interpret the results of genetic testing
• Provide information about research programs and studies at HCI

Risk Factors

Signs of Inherited Risk Factors

Here are some signs that a family may have inherited mutations:

• Several members on the same side of the family have the same kind of cancer
• Family members get cancer at an early age such as breast, colon, or uterine cancer before age 50
• Family members have more than one kind of cancer:
  • Melanoma and pancreatic cancer
  • Breast and ovarian cancer
  • Colon and uterine cancer
• There are rare cancers in the family, including the following:
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Male breast cancer

Genetic Testing for Cancer

Genetic testing looks for gene mutations that raise a person's chances of getting cancer.

How does the test work?

Genetic testing starts with a sample of your blood or saliva. We send your sample to a laboratory. The test looks for differences in your genes compared to the general population. These differences may be mutations that increase your odds of getting cancer.>

Results come back to Grand Valley Oncology in two to four weeks. You will meet with a genetic counselor to discuss what the results mean.>

Is genetic testing recommended for everyone?>

Genetic testing is not right for everyone. Genetic counselors and health care providers can talk to you about whether genetic testing could be helpful. If your family has any of the signs above, you should consider genetic testing. You always have the final decision about whether to be tested.>

How to schedule a genetic counseling appointment>

Talk to your health care provider about genetic counseling to see if it is right for you.

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They work with your medical oncology team to provide safe, high quality patient care in an atmosphere of professionalism, respect and effective communication. Our pharmacists can screen your medications for drug allergies and drug interactions, provide education about cancer medications, monitor and evaluate your cancer drug therapy and provide information about side effects.

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Physical Therapy

Cancer and treatment can cause physical problems including pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness. These may then interfere with life in a variety of ways including physically, emotionally and practically. While not all cancer survivors need rehabilitation services that are guided by health care professionals, most will need to at least work on improving strength and stamina.

Lymphedema Clinic

Lymphedema causes swelling in the arms and legs. Some cancer survivors may experience lymphedema as a side effect of surgical or radiation cancer treatment. Early identification and treatment may prevent the condition from progressing and this can improve quality of life.

Occupational Therapy

Cancer and its treatment can cause interruptions in daily routines affecting how individuals perform their self-care, work, leisure or social activities. Occupational therapy practitioners have the knowledge and expertise to modify activities and environments to allow individuals to do the things they want and need to do to maintain quality of life.

Speech Therapist

Therapists address problems you might experience, including dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of voice and cognitive changes that can result from cancer treatment.

Therapy Works

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Cancer research informs us that everyone with cancer has some level of distress at some point in time; it is normal to feel sad, fearful and helpless when facing cancer. This level of distress can be minor or become serious to the point you are so distressed you have difficulty coping in some or all areas of your life. Studies show managing stress positively affects your treatment outcome. Grand Valley Oncology offers social work services to our patients and their families throughout the course of treatment and beyond with survivorship support groups and resources.

1. We assist our patients and their loved ones deal with a cancer diagnosis.
2. We support our patients and their loved ones in making informed choices about their care. Including advocacy throughout treatment.
3. We teach stress reduction skills and other mind-body techniques to aid in the healing process, such as the use of guided imagery, visualization, cognitive reframing and breathing techniques.
4. We help you access community and national resources.
5. We help you navigate the healthcare system, including help with insurance.
6. We act as a bridge between patients and medical teams to ensure patients' needs are met.
7. We support patients with practical concerns such as transportation, housing, and work related issues.
8. We can help you understand and complete Advanced Directives.
9. We can help you with self-image and sexual health issues related to you cancer treatment.

Our psychosocial support team includes a Masters level clinical social worker and a Bachelors level social worker. They specialize in helping people whose lives have been impacted by cancer. This is a free service for our patients, family members and caregivers. (Individual, couples, family and group therapy offered by LCSW).

Meet our Team

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Psychiatric services

Professional counseling is available to patients who have concerns beyond the physical aspects of treatment. This is often done as a referral.

Visit Mind Springs Health

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Nutritional Services

Good nutrition is an important factor during cancer treatment and in the prevention of recurrence. Patients may receive a physician referral for nutrition consultation to help maintain or improve their nutritional status before, during, and after their cancer treatments. Community Hospital’s dietitians assist with developing nutritional plans for a variety of needs including enteral and parenteral nutrition. The dietitian also helps patients make decisions about the use of complementary therapies such as glutamine and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during treatment.

Community Hospital's dietitians are frequent participants and presenters of nutritional information at support groups for oncology patients and their families.

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Spiritual Care Service

Spirituality is our connection with what exists beyond our physical experience. It can provide a way to find hope and strength during difficult times. It can serve as a source of comfort as you and your family are impacted by a diagnosis of cancer.

Grand Valley Oncology's chaplains recognize the importance of faith when facing a health crisis such as a diagnosis of cancer. They are available to listen and offer spiritual support to you or your loved ones regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs.

Cancer Support groups

Women with Cancer Support Group- meets 3rd Thursday monthly.

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At Grand Valley Oncology we are pleased to offer the services of a Registered Dietitian (RD)

at no cost to our patients. Nutrition is a vital component of cancer prevention, treatment and healthy survivorship. Registered Dietitians are trusted nutrition professionals that work in the oncology setting as well as with conditions such as diabetes, food allergies/intolerances, cardiovascular health, weight management and many more.

At Grand Valley Oncology our Registered Dietitian will work with you to provide the education, materials and support you need to optimize your nutrition during your time with us and beyond.

Our Registered Dietitian is Ray Jensen. Ray holds a master's degree in nutrition and has over 25 years of experience in the field of nutrition. Ray is also a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and a member of the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. He understands and appreciates there is no "one size fits all" approach to oncology nutrition and treats each client with the understanding that the client is the expert on themselves.

Should you like to meet or speak to our dietitian please ask any member of your care team.

Meet our Nutritionist

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General Oncology Information:

American Cancer Society
Cancer Support Community
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Cancer Cares
AACR
AICR
Cancer
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
CDC
Livestrong
National Cancer Institute
NCCS
Medline Plus

Exercise & Nutrition Information:

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Cancer Nutrition Consortium
Oncology Nutrition
Cancer Supportive Survivorship Care
Silver Sneakers
Ideal Protein

Smoking Cessation:

Smoke Free

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