Cancer Resource Center
Overview
Cancer Resource Center
Cancer care involves more than simply treating the disease and that's why we encourage our patients and their families to take advantage of our Cancer Resource Center. The center offers a comfortable, relaxed environment where you can stop by to use the extensive resource library, meet with an oncology social worker and learn about support groups. We also have a wealth of information to help with understanding a cancer diagnosis, the treatment types available and what to expect in managing the disease.
The Cancer Resource Center is staffed with caring and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, many of whom have a personal experience with cancer and can offer understanding and inspiration. If you’d like to arrange a private consultation, a full-time social worker is available by appointment.
Committed to patients and families as equal partners
Managing your health is a team effort between you, your family members, physicians, and other staff, all working together to attend to your emotional and social needs along with your physical well-being. The team approach allows you to concentrate on healing.
The Cancer Resource Center is funded in part by the Cancer Center Auxiliary at Overlake, an organization whose members are dedicated to raising funds and awareness about this vital support service.
Oncology Social Workers/Patient Navigators
We are pleased to offer two, trained oncology social workers/patient navigators, to help guide patients, families and caregivers through the healthcare system. They help coordinate services and referrals within the multidisciplinary team here at Overlake. Patients benefit from improved coordination of care and access to services. The oncology social workers/patient navigators are available to work with patients and their families throughout the entire treatment process.
Contact Information
For additional assistance from our oncology social workers/patient navigators, contact: oncologysocialworker@overlakehospital.org
Cancer Education Services
Cancer Education Services
Cancer education at Overlake is available to inpatients and outpatients, as well as their families and caregivers. Education covers a wide spectrum from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and treatment and coping with the realities of the disease.
The Cancer Resource Center provides information in a number of formats: written information, videos, classes, screenings, support groups and community referrals. For information, please call 425-688-5986.
Look Good... Feel Better
This is a free class on skin and hair care, cosmetics, hair loss and nutrition. Samples and makeovers are offered to help patients adjust to the changes they may be experiencing during their treatments.
Education Outreach
Members of our staff frequently speak in the community and can be requested to present to various groups. The staff can cover a range of topics including prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship.
Skin Cancer Screening
Once a year, in the spring, Overlake has a skin cancer screening day at the hospital. You can come and be examined for signs of skin cancer by a health care professional. You can also learn prevention and warning signs.
How to Talk to Your Doctor
How to Talk to Your Doctor
When you have cancer, you depend on your doctor for many things — diagnosis, treatment, information and support. You may be seeing him or her on a regular basis. The best relationship would be one of a mutual exchange of information. Learning new communication skills can help you become a partner with your doctor in shaping your own cancer care. We have collected some ideas for making that relationship work.
Choose One Doctor as Your Primary Source of Information
Cancer patients often have several doctors guiding their care. The American Cancer Society advises you to choose one doctor to be your central source of information and advice. You might also make it clear to your doctor just who you want to share this information with. Does anyone else — your spouse, friend or relative — help you make medical decisions? If so, be sure to authorize your physician to make information available to them.
Understand Doctors
Some people have difficulty thinking about a doctor as someone to "share things" with, but remember:
Doctors are people too. If you tend to hold your doctor in awe, as many people do, you may feel you are "bothering" him or her when you ask questions. Remember that your doctor's job is to provide you with good medical care and to explain your care. It helps you take care of yourself if you understand your treatment.
Your doctor needs your help to give you the best care. What is right for another patient may not be right for you. Be specific when sharing with your doctor how you feel and what you think.
Choose a Doctor that Fits Your Style
Think about how your doctor talks and how you like people to talk to you. Do you want someone who is direct? Do you find that you are more comfortable dealing with difficult subjects in a businesslike manner? Do you find it easier to talk with someone who develops a more personal manner? Finding someone whose communication style works well with your own will make it easier to develop a two-way relationship.
Think About How Much You Want to Know
Some people want to know only enough to get them to the next appointment. Others want a brief overview of what they can expect, and no more. Still others want detailed explanations of all aspects of their diagnosis and treatment. What is your style? Let your doctor know what you need so that you won't receive less — or more — information than you need.
Getting the Most Out of Your Appointments
- Prepare. Write down your questions ahead of time. If you have a lot of questions, ask for a longer appointment.
- Answer your doctor's questions and report your progress. Be honest about how treatment is affecting you. Be as specific as you can when describing things. Report any unusual symptoms.
- Take notes. If you have trouble taking notes and listening at the same time, take a friend or a family member. Sometimes two sets of ears are better than one.
- Let your doctor know about any fears or complaints. If your doctor doesn't know about your fears or complaints, he or she can't do anything about them. Remind your doctor of what you want. Share important events in your personal and social life as these can affect your health, your treatment and your outlook.
- Ask for explanations. If you don't understand something, ask again. Part of a doctor's job is to be an educator. It's all right if this means going over the same point several times.
Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients
Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients
At the Overlake Outpatient Nutrition Clinic you can learn what good nutrition can do for you before, during and after cancer treatment.
The nutritionists at the outpatient nutrition clinic are dietitians registered by the American Dietetic Association, so you can count on sound, practical and accurate nutritional guidance to help you cope with cancer side effects and maintain a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.
A nutritionist with special training in cancer and nutrition is available in the Outpatient Center located at 1135 116th Avenue NE, Suite 160. To schedule an appointment,call 425-688-5700. Ask your doctor for a nutrition consultation referral if you need further information and assistance managing your nutrition needs.
Nutrition Tips for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment:
- Eat small, frequent meals and snacks. Keep ready-to-eat snacks on hand.
- Sip fluids throughout the day. A minimum of eight cups of fluids per day are recommended, some patients may require more.
- Take advantage of times when you have more of an appetite. If you typically feel better in the morning you may want to have your main meal earlier in the day.
- Don’t forget protein–include foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, eggs, nuts and nut butters, meat and fish, tofu, beans and legumes.
- If these foods do not appeal to you, ask about protein powder supplementation.
- Eat healthy fats–nuts, seeds, nut butters, olive oil, wild salmon and avocados.
- Include brightly colored vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables–aim for a minimum of five servings per day.
- Incorporate whole grains and legumes in your diet.
- When family and friends offer help, have them prepare meals and snacks to keep on hand.
Printable version (pdf) of the information above.
Read more on the benefits of organic produce and a list of the 12 most consistently pesticide contaminated fruits and vegetables.
The November 2007 report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)and its affiliate, the World Cancer Research Fund explains how the choices you make about food, physical activity and weight management can reduce your chances of developing cancer.
Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
- Choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat.
- Be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more.
- Aim to be a healthy weight throughout life.
Recommendations for Reducing Cancer Risk
- Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in sugar or low in fiber or high in fat).
- Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, such as beans.
- Limit consumption of red meats, such as beef, pork and lamb, and avoid processed meats.
- If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.
- Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
- Do not use supplements to protect against cancer.
Special population recommendations
- It’s best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months, then add other liquids and foods.
- After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Overlake have cancer support groups?
Yes, we do. Learn more about support groups at Overlake.
Where is the Cancer Resource Center located?
The Cancer Resource Center is located on the first floor of the Overlake Medical Tower on the Overlake campus in Bellevue. You contact the Cancer Resource Center at cancer@overlakehospital.org.
Can you send me information on...?
The Cancer Resource Center has an array of information that can be sent to you.
How can I schedule a mammogram?
Schedule a mammogram at Overlake
Can you recommend an oncologist?
See our Find a Doctor + Provider directory, or call our physician referral line at 425-688-5211.
How can I volunteer at the Cancer Center?
There are many opportunities for special volunteers in the Cancer Resource Center. Call the Volunteer Office at 425-688-5552 for more information and to interview for a volunteer position.