The Cancer Center
at SOCH
The Cancer Center at SOCH features a multi-disciplinary
team of experienced, board-certified physician
specialists and oncology-certified nurses; sophisticated diagnostic
imaging technology; education and support services; nutritional
counseling; prevention and early detection screening programs.
In addition, the Center is affiliated with the Cancer Institute
of New Jersey, bringing the promise of exciting research to the
residents of southern Ocean County.
The goal of the Cancer Center is to diagnose cancer in its earliest,
most curable stages; to encourage lifestyle changes that can prevent
the disease and to diagnose and treat each patient using the latest
technologies in an environment filled with dignity and compassion.
Sophisticated Treatment Options
When cancer is diagnosed, patients benefit from a multi-disciplinary
approach to treatment that includes the expertise of skilled
surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, specialists and
the primary care physician.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy deposits energy that results in injury to the
cancer cell’s DNA, making it impossible for the cells to
grow. SOCH offers cancer patients access to board-certified radiation
oncologists and the most advanced radiation therapy technology,
including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which
targets the tumor with precision accuracy while sparing normal
tissue. At the Cancer Center at SOCH, this is achievable
with state-of-the-art technology that includes a simulator, a
three dimensional conformal treatment planning system and a computer-controlled
dual energy linear accelerator. Radiation therapy usually requires
five to seven weeks of daily treatments, Monday through Friday. Click
here to learn more about Radiation Oncology.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer using powerful drugs, with
the hope of slowing the growth of cancer cells or, in some cases
destroying them. The Cancer Center at SOCH features board-certified
medical oncologists as well as specially trained and certified
oncology nurses who provide full service chemotherapy services
with medical excellence, compassion and care. In fact, SOCH received
recognition from the Oncology Nurses Certification Corporation
for having 100% of their nurses certified in oncology.
The Cancer Program at SOCH is accredited by the American College
of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a distinction shared by less
than 25% of hospitals with cancer programs.
Surgical Services
At SOCH, our highly skilled and experienced surgical team features
board-certified surgical specialists. SOCH’s surgical
services also features specially trained nurses, and inpatient
and same day operating room facilities featuring the most up
to date, sophisticated technology.
Cancer Prevention And Early Detection
Cancer screenings can detect disease in its earliest stage, when
there is the best chance for successful treatment and possibly
a cure. In addition, research has shown that lifestyle changes
can actually prevent certain types of cancer.
Through the SOCH Family Resource Center, free or low-cost early
detection screening programs and educational events on cancer prevention
are held throughout the year. In addition to class offerings at
the Hospital and the Family Resource Center, events are held at
community centers, churches, schools and businesses. The programs
are presented by board-certified physicians specialists and specially
trained nurses.
The Family Resource Center offers cancer screenings throughout
the year, as well as seminars on cancer prevention , the latest
research, treatment options, diagnostic imaging technology and
surgical techniques. The Family Resource Center also sponsors stop-smoking
programs, healthy eating and nutrition classes and a host of fitness
programs. In addition, a free lending library offers an extensive
selection of books and videos on cancer-related topics.
 The Cancer Institute Of New Jersey
The Cancer Center at SOCH is affiliated with the prestigious Cancer
Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), the only National Cancer Institute-designated
Cancer Center in the state. Through this affiliation, our patients
have access to a large network of internationally renowned oncologists
for consultations and educational symposiums.
Thanks to exciting research, there is
hope on the horizon for new treatments, and perhaps, a cure for
many types of the disease. SOCH’s affiliation with CINJ
brings the promise of clinical research protocols, close to home.
Support Services
Cancer treatment can sometimes come with unwanted side effects,
such as loss of appetite, fatigue or hair loss. Thanks to the
generosity of local hair salons and
wig donations from the community, cancer patients have access
to dozens of wigs representing a myriad of fashionable shapes
and styles.
In addition, regularly scheduled support groups offer patients
and their loved ones a caring environment to share and learn. In
addition, the groups help patients cope with their diagnosis and
treatment, and access community resources.
At SOCH, patients and their loved ones can also benefit from nutritional
counseling, pastoral care services and home health and hospice
services.
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