The Decatur General Oncology Center staff provides care for medical, radiation and hematology patients in an outpatient setting. The department provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, follow-up visits, lab work and X-rays. Staff members strive to provide for physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their family members on a daily basis.

The Center employs registered nurses who have certification in oncology nursing and the administration of chemotherapy drugs. Nurses receive annual updates to maintain certification. The Center also employs a licensed practical nurse specifically trained to assist in the care of our patients. The LPN attends continuing education classes pertinent to oncology issues, as well.

New research in the use of Tamoxifen in breast cancer prevention has encouraged the use of the "Gail Model." Decatur General Oncology nurses enter data obtained from patients or family members who could be at risk for breast cancer. The computer then tabulates the patientÕs specific risk factor as a percentage from now through the next five years and her lifetime risk. It also tabulates normal risk for the same age woman without any risk factors. This has proven to be a reliable test used by the physician and patient to make a decision about prophylactic breast cancer treatment.

The staff members are knowledgeable and show great compassion toward patients and their families by using many outside sources to care for them, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, home health and hospice. It is this team approach that enables us to provide quality care to our patients and their families.

Terry Jones, RN,
OCN Radiation Oncology