Cancer Program
Exceptional care, state-of-the-art technology
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you need to make the right decisions right away – and, one of the best places to turn for help is close to home.
From advanced technology, access to promising clinical breakthroughs, to experienced and compassionate specialists who will put the most current and effective treatment options to work for you, the best cancer care can be found right in your own community.
The Mountainside Medical Center Cancer Program has been approved by the Commission on Cancer for excellence in cancer care since 1956. That is over 60 years of experience, compassion and commitment to providing superior care including but not limited to:
- Collaborative case review - Our comprehensive cancer team meets weekly for a collaborative conference to determine the best course of action for every patient. Individualized plans of care are developed utilizing all diagnostic testing along with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cancer care.
- Sophisticated diagnostic resources - The first step in treating and beating cancer is diagnosis. Using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, physicians who are experts in diagnostic radiology and pathology work in coordination with oncologists and surgeons to thoroughly investigate and understand each patient’s condition.
- Comprehensive care by distinguished specialists and opinion leaders - Our medical, surgical and radiation oncology team includes physicians who are regionally and nationally recognized in their respective fields.
- Counseling and Psychosocial Services - From the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, we help are here to help you and your families cope with all of the implications of cancer related to your diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization. In addition to counseling, our staff can assist you and your family with other services such as making transportation arrangements, financial aid resources and accessing community resources.
- Infusion services - Our center is staffed with experienced nurses in chemotherapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy and supportive treatments and other non-chemo related treatments. The center contains its own pharmacy staffed by highly trained and experienced oncology pharmacists. The entire team emphasizes safety, comfort, compassion and convenience.
- Radiation Oncology – Our radiation team works to deliver the highest levels of accuracy and safety, from treatment planning to delivery. Radiation oncology is easily accessed with its own parking area and separate entrance.
- Genetic counseling - Compassionate experts, in collaboration with Hackensack University Medical Center, provide you and your family with the most current and up-to-date information required to make informed decisions.
- Access to promising treatments and clinical trials – We are on top of cutting-edge treatments and we ensure that you get access to any and all that apply.
- Palliative support – An additional layer of support for you and your doctor provided by an Advance Practice Nurse experienced in symptom management, pain management and the development of goals of care.
- Rehabilitation Services – Our rehabilitation therapy department is an integral part of our cancer team and are experts in providing support and recovery from the physical impacts of the disease, surgery and treatment side effects. An important part of our comprehensive program is to get you from diagnosis to wellness
- Nutrition Services - Cancer and cancer treatment can change how the body feels and what nutrients the body needs. A Registered Dietitian is available to help patients navigate nutrition related side effects and answer diet related questions.
- Pastoral Care Support – Our pastoral care team is diverse and strives to meet all of your spiritual needs
- Community outreach programs – We are getting the word out to promote and educate on cancer prevention and to provide screenings to detect cancers at an early stage to help fight and beat cancer.
Our Commitment to Our Patients: Expert care “personalized” for each patient
Traditional medicine uses cancer site location (i.e. lung, breast, etc.). Precision or “personalized” medicine is an approach that allows doctors to select treatments most likely to help based on a genetic understanding of your specific cancer. This testing is not yet available for all types of cancer, but the Mountainside Medical Center Cancer Program is currently utilizing all available testing to create the best treatment plan for YOUR cancer.
A Customized Recovery Plan
We will be at your side from the moment of your cancer diagnosis. The treatment we provide is just one aspect of our commitment to your well-being. From day one, we’ll work with you to create and implement your personal Cancer Recovery Plan.
Clinical research has demonstrated that it is important to view yourself as a cancer survivor from the day you are diagnosed. We will encourage that kind of thinking. As your active treatment winds down, you will meet with your doctor to establish a long-term plan to monitor your recovery, manage any remaining side effects and periodically make sure the cancer has not returned. This plan will likely include a schedule of physician visits and tests.
When your treatment is finished, you will continue to have access to the Cancer Program’s full range of support services which can include connecting you with resources to deal with any financial or practical issues that may have arisen due to your illness.
Commended by the Commission on Cancer, highly ranked in NJ
We have a successful track record treating a variety of cancers including lymphomas, breast, GYN, liver, lung, melanoma, and prostate. The Mountainside Medical Center Cancer Program has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer with commendation, a designation awarded to only about one quarter of all cancer care hospitals nationwide. We also rank among the top third of 51 licensed cancer programs in New Jersey.
That means you can count on us for:
- Quality care close to home
- State-of-the-art services and technology
- A multispecialty, coordinated approach
- The best available treatment options
- Compassionate support
- Information about clinical trials and recent breakthroughs
- All of the services and skills needed for healing
Every aspect of our cancer care is top-notch
Our team includes:
- Board-certified medical, surgical and radiation oncologists as well as radiology and pathology
- Compassionate, experienced and certified oncology Professional Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists with board certifications in oncology and pharmacotherapy
- Registered, certified radiology technicians and laboratory professionals
- Knowledgeable registered dietitians
- Licensed clinical social workers experienced in working with cancer patients and their families
- Chaplains to provide spiritual support and guidance
- Dedicated volunteers, including many who have personally battled and survived cancer
- Oncology Nurse Navigator
- Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse
- Rehabilitative Medicine specialists, some with doctoral degrees
Take control and beat cancer
We empower you to take control of your treatment and recovery. We will carefully evaluate your condition; clearly and compassionately explain our findings and your treatment options; and, support you and your family throughout your journey to wellness.
Click here to read about a patient’s experience with the Mountainside Medical Center Cancer Center in her own words.
“Your name should be the Angel Hospital.”
Ilene Drohan
Despite initially feeling hopeless when she got a diagnosis of breast cancer, one local woman received multidisciplinary care, support and a new lease on life when she turned to Mountainside Medical Center.
“It was like getting hit by a Mack truck.”
I knew something was terribly wrong when Dr. Alli called to schedule an appointment to discuss the results of my biopsy just two days after I had a lump removed from my breast at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center. When I first heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” my mind was racing with stories I’d heard and many questions: How debilitating will the chemo be? Will I need surgery? Will I lose my hair? Will I be able to work to support myself? Is it too late?
“I chose the smaller, more patient-focused hospital.”
Lucky, I chose Mountainside Medical Center to help save my life. It was the hospital right in my community, and I thought I’d have a better chance in a smaller, patient-focused setting rather than one of those big, uncaring facilities where you get treated like a number. It was the best decision of my life. I had a terrific group of doctors, all of whom watched over me.
“I was treated like family.”
From the day of my diagnosis through every chemo treatment and appointment, everyone treated me with the utmost compassion and respect - from the receptionist at the front desk who made sure I always had a ride home after a treatment, to the nurses, technicians and doctors with whom I was on a first-name basis. Some of the treatments were tough to get through, and I did wind up losing my hair, but my team at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center never let me lose hope. I even threw a party for the staff after my last chemo treatment! They truly became my family. I can’t imagine how I could have gotten through it all without them.
“The hospital staff has earned their wings.”
Today, I am cancer-free and live every day to the fullest. I think Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center should change its name to the Angel Hospital, because everyone there has certainly earned their wings in my eyes.