Cancer Committee News

Cancer care touches almost every aspect of our patient services, from education and prevention, to detection and treatment. Check these pages for the latest information from our doctors and a host of other resources.

New Foundation Hematology/Oncology Practice Opens as Key Component of the Cancer Center at SNHMC

(reviewed 12/09)

In 2009, many hours and much hard work were spent developing a “comprehensive” cancer program at the Medical Center. As part of this work, in late 2009, Foundation Hematology/Oncology at 10 Prospect Street was completely renovated to accommodate growth in hematology/oncology, expansion of services, and new multi-disciplinary patient clinics.

Our staff

Foundation Hematology/Oncology remains an integral part of the Cancer Center with three oncologists and a nurse practitioner — Marcia Browne, MD; Roger Hakimian, MD; Gautami Rao, MD; and Dorothy Doran, APRN. Dr. Hakimian serves as the Medical Director of the Cancer Center and Chair of the SNHMC Cancer Committee, providing leadership and seamless coordination of services within the health system.

Our close relationship with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center provides our patients with seamless access to second opinions, clinical trials, or specialized treatment from MGH surgeons and oncologists. Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center specialty physicians travel to Nashua to participate in tumor board meetings, as well as to confer on complex cases.

Foundation Hematology/Oncology physician Marcia Browne, MD, is currently on active staff at both Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, and at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. She sees patients in Boston one day a week, which keeps her in close touch with new developments and expert colleagues in the field. Similar arrangements are also in development for Drs. Hakimian and Rao.

In addition to the professional nursing staff, patients and their family members can receive guidance and support from cancer care coordinator, Maryanne Mercier, and social worker, Julie Coyne. A genetic counselor from the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is also available on a monthly basis for our patients.

Work is also underway on the development of a multidisciplinary clinic for new breast cancer patients which will begin in early 2010. From diagnosis to follow-up care, staff are available to assist patients and their families with the coordination of their cancer care.

For our Community

For the community, this close relationship with MGH Cancer Center provides the convenience of being able to stay close to family during cancer treatments, but with the knowledge that they have easy access to world renowned cancer expertise if needed.

Cancer Committee Welcomes S. Gautami Rao, MD

(reviewed 12/09)

The Cancer Committee would like to welcome S. Gautami Rao, MD, to Foudation Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Rao is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine and a wonderful addition to the Cancer Center staff. To learn more about Dr. Rao and Foundation Hematology/Oncology, click here.

Cancer Program Earns Approval with Commendation

(reviewed 11/09)

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center's cancer program has earned a three-year Approval Award with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer. The Award included a comprehensive on-site survey in November 2008, with the surveyor noting, "This is an exemplary program."

The Medical Center received an overall rating of "1" in the category of Community Hospital Cancer programs. Only one in four hospitals nationwide receive approval from the Commission.

Commendations were received in seven areas and no deficiencies were noted. Among the areas cited for commendation were:

A very active outreach program which promotes early detection and prevention.
The timely and accurate collection of cancer-related information which enhances treatment and outcomes for our patients.
Timely access to cancer staging guidelines and pathology protocols for physicians.
Ongoing education to enhance cancer registry staff knowledge and skills.
Many quality improvements implemented in the past year.

Speaking with Surgeon Helen Corbett, MD, FACS, about Breast Cancer

(reviewed 5/09)

"Ultimately, our objective with breast cancer patients is to provide them with the care they need here or elsewhere, and to treat the whole patient — body, mind and spirit."

To learn more about breast health, click on the questions below.

How many women are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Hampshire and at The Medical Center?

How can we reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Why is early diagnosis important?

The deNicola Breast Health Center has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. What does this mean?

How does the timeliness of care at The Medical Center, from screening to biopsy, compare nationally?

What treatment options are available today?

What about second opinions?

What do we know about survivors?