Guide to Resources

Cancer is one of the most feared words in the English language. But we do know that many patients with cancer can be cured or given years of comfortable, productive life after the disease is diagnosed. One way to help conquer fear and make the most of those years is to learn more about cancer.

At the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, we are dedicated to helping you find the information you need to make good decisions about your care, and to deal with the consequences of living with cancer.

This web page describes resources at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and in the community. We hope it will guide you to supportive programs and information, and stimulate questions to help you understand your situation.

The list of questions below may help you identify issues you wish to discuss with your health team:

Your Health Care Providers

Your doctors and nurses are your primary sources of information. Other members of your cancer team - social worker, dietitian, rehabilitation specialists, and other staff members - also are committed to meeting your needs. If one of these people cannot answer your question, another member of the team can. We hope you will ask questions until you have answers you understand.

Haelan Classes and Programs

The Haelan Program for Supportive Services at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center was created for our patients and their family caregivers as part of our goal of addressing the needs of the whole person. Through classes, support groups, and other programs, the Haelan Program seeks to improve the comfort level and quality of life of individuals going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Patient and Family Library

The main Norris Cotton Cancer Center Patient and Family Library is located by the Hematology/Oncology Reception Desk on Level 3 at the Cancer Center. The Library contains a collection of reliable and understandable information about cancer. Reading and audiovisual materials can be borrowed to use at home. Computers in the Llbrary are linked to the Internet and can be used to find information from the National Cancer Institute and OncoLink. Information can be printed immediately and taken home.

A second, smaller book collection is shelved in the Radiation Oncology waiting room on Level 2.

A third collection is located on 1 West in the Betty C. Flatow Resource Room. Videos, a television, computer, and CDs are also available in this room for inpatients and their family members.

Cancer Help Line

The Norris Cotton Cancer Center Help Line gives information about cancer treatment, prevention, support groups, programs and events, and other resources related to cancer. The Help Line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. At other times, you may leave a voice mail message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. To reach a live assistant 24 hours a day, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. To reach the Norris Cotton Cancer Center Help Line, call 1-800-639-6918.

Consumer Health Collection

A Consumer Health Collection is available in an alcove of the Matthews-Fuller Health Sciences Library on the top floor at DHMC, overlooking the DHMC information desk in the rotunda. The collection contains books, journals, newsletters, and videotapes on a wide variety of health subjects, including cancer. You can use computer and print indexes to find information on specific subjects. Helpful librarians can find what you need in the Library's extensive collection of books and journals written for health care professionals. Call (603) 650-7660. Another cancer information resource is Dana Biomedical Library on the Dartmouth Medical School campus in Hanover; call: (603) 650-1660.

Women's Health Resource Center

The Women's Health Resource Center supports women in making informed, efficient decisions about health care. It offers books, videos and audio tapes, and interactive programs on decisions about breast cancer, and publishes a quarterly newsletter. The WHRC coordinates public health programs and events for women with cancer. The WHRC is located on the mall in Lebanon, NH. For more information, to make an appointment, or to be placed on the WHRC mailing list, call (603) 650-HERS.

Familial Cancer Program

The Familial Cancer Program at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center is a service for people with a strong family history of cancer. Anyone concerned about the possibility that there is an inherited risk of cancer in his or her family can receive counseling. The program's physicians and staff help patients understand their risks of cancer, and recommend appropriate screening measures. For some people, genetic tests will be recommended to help determine whether they have inherited a tendency to develop cancer. Participation in this program is optional and confidential. For more information, please call (800) 251-0097 or (603) 653-3541.

Office of Care Management

In the Office of Care Management at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, social workers who specialize in cancer care can provide assistance and information about financial and legal assistance, advance directives, support groups, transportation, and other resources. Short-term counseling for patients and families is offered. Call: (603) 650-5789.

NCI Cancer Information Service

The NCI Cancer Information Service is a free service of the National Cancer Institute that helps callers with questions about symptoms, treatment, and other topics related to cancer. Call (800) 4-CANCER.

The National Cancer Institute can answer questions about cancer treatment, how to manage symptoms, diet, finances, family issues, sexuality, cancer prevention, alternative treatments, and many other topics.

Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of VT and NH

The focus of Hospice care is to help a patient live as fully and comfortably as possible until he or she dies as peacefully as possible. The Hospice Medical Benefit can be used by all Medicare-enrolled individuals facing an incurable illness. Hospice staff can provide physical, emotional, social, and spiritual care for those faced with a life-limiting illness. Hospice also offers compassionate care for those feeling loss and grief. Visit the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont & New Hampshire website for more information.

Palliative Care

The Palliative Care team is available to assist patients and families with the most difficult aspects of living with cancer. Specially trained doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains focus on improving the patient's comfort and quality of life. Throughout the course of cancer treatment the palliative care specialists aid the cancer doctors and nurses in treating symptoms, such as pain, nausea, or shortness of breath. They can also help patients adapt to changes in their ability to maintain daily routines.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society delivers cancer information, treatment options, and services to cancer patients, especially the newly diagnosed, and their families and caregivers. Through programs such as Reach to Recovery, Look Good...Feel Better, and Road to Recovery, the American Cancer Society can improve the lives of cancer survivors. For cancer information or support services 24 hours a day, call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.