There are approximately 11 million cancer survivors in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those living in Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan now have a new program designed to meet their comprehensive medical needs after cancer treatment. On Oct. 20, the ProMedica Cancer Institute will open the Survivor Center on the campus of Flower Hospital, located at 5200 Harroun Road.

The center will connect patients to numerous community support services, including support groups. It will also offer a wide range of follow-up care services, including genetic testing and medication counseling.

“The treatment phase is just the first stop on the road to recovery for cancer patients,” says Manuel Valdivieso, MD, medical director, ProMedica Cancer Institute. “Approximately, one half of all cancer survivors suffer from a variety of physical and emotional problems that need attention. The Survivor Program at ProMedica Cancer Institute will provide that attention.”

During the first visit, patients will meet with an oncologist and a nurse practitioner who will review their medical history, complete an assessment and present a specialized treatment plan. The plan will include specific tests and/or procedures that will be part of the patient’s follow-up care. Patients will also receive information about other services available, including dietary education, speech therapy, social work support, psychological services and more.

“The goal of this new center is to help patients to better understand their medical needs and offer guidance by a team of specialized health care providers,” says Ann Kujawa, administrative director, ProMedica Cancer Institute.

To celebrate the opening of the new Survivor Center, ProMedica Cancer Institute invites area cancer survivors, current patients and their loved ones to one of the following receptions this month:

• Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital, 5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

• The Toledo Hospital, 2142 North Cove Blvd., Toledo, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Survivor Center and/or to RSVP for a survivor celebration, call ProMedica Cancer Institute at 877-291-1441.

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