Cancer (Oncology)

Diagnostic imaging covers a broad range of radiologic tests that help doctors make a diagnosis. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers patients and doctors access to the most current and accurate methods for diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about diagnostic imaging at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

The Smilow Screening and Prevention Program brings together doctors and researchers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center who are focused on merging the best science with the best cancer prevention and screening programs. Our goal is to provide patients throughout Connecticut with the tools they need to stay healthy.

Learn more about cancer screening and prevention programs at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat diseases. Patients who take part in cancer clinical trials have an opportunity to contribute to knowledge of and progress against cancer. They also receive up-to-date care from experts.

Learn more about clinical trials at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Patients, family members and caregivers have access to education and events offered at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Waterford.

View the events calendar

The Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program is a team comprised of specialists including geneticists, genetic counselors, genetics clinical coordinators, physicians and nurse practitioners, who work together to provide genetics education, genetic test coordination, cancer risk assessment, and medical recommendations.

Learn more about Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Outpatient lab and infusion services are available onsite for the convenience of patients receiving treatment. Patients will receive care at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Waterford or Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

The Smilow Cancer Hospital Lung Cancer Screening Program includes a comprehensive multidisciplinary team of internationally recognized pulmonologists, chest radiologists, thoracic surgeons, thoracic oncologists, tobacco treatment specialists, and nurse practitioners. Our goals are to provide exemplary lung cancer screening to individuals at risk for lung cancer, and to offer individualized, state-of-the-art evaluation to patients with lung nodules.

Learn more about lung cancer screening at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Medical oncologists take care of patients using treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. This specialized field of medicine focuses on treating and preventing cancer.

The dietitians at Smilow Cancer Hospital can help you make healthy food choices during and after cancer treatment. They can also help with the side effects of treatment. Good nutrition is especially important when patients receive outpatient care, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Learn more about nutrition counseling at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Oncology pharmacists work collaboratively with doctors and other health care providers to ensure patients receive safe, effective, and timely cancer care. We are always available to provide you with personalized medication therapy and services to support all your medication needs. Our team consists of oncology pharmacists who are trained in the care of patients with cancer and cancer-related illnesses, as well as certified pharmacy technicians who serve as experts in compounding chemotherapy and other medications.

Learn more about oncology pharmacy at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Almost all cancer patients are able to have their pain controlled with medication, interventional pain procedures, or both. Our pain physicians understand that each person is unique in their ability to cope with pain and maintain their level of function. We work closely with patients to produce a plan that is flexible and efficient. Difficulties with fatigue, mood and sleep may also influence pain and the ability to tolerate it. Pain physicians provide evaluations on an outpatient basis and for those admitted to the hospital. A physician referral is required.

Learn more about pain management at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Palliative care focuses on symptoms and pain management and quality of life issues for adult patients with complex, chronic or terminal illnesses at any stage of the illness. Working to relieve symptoms, pain and stress, the palliative care team helps families understand the pros and cons of various procedures, medications and letting nature take its course.

Learn more about palliative care at Smilow Cancer Hospital

A diagnosis of cancer can be stressful to you and your family. Smilow Cancer Hospital has Licensed Clinical Social Workers available to help you to manage your feelings and concerns throughout your cancer care, especially during this challenging time. In addition, our social workers also facilitate many support groups available virtually for your participation. Support groups provide the opportunity to receive emotional and educational support and to talk with others who are undergoing similar treatment or who have successfully completed treatment.

Learn more about cancer support groups at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Physical therapists (PTs) teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. PTs provide personalized treatment utilizing a variety of techniques and procedures as well as comprehensive patient education to assist you in achieving your rehabilitation goals.

Learn more about physical therapy at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

At Smilow Cancer Hospital, patients have access to the most advanced radiation treatments in the region. Our radiation therapy staff support our nationally recognized oncology specialists to provide the best and safest care for our patients and to develop better cancer treatments for the future. The highly skilled Radiation Oncology Services team cares for adults and children of all ages with expertise and compassion. We understand that every patient and every cancer is unique, and we carefully customize a treatment plan for each patient to optimize benefits while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

Learn more about radiation oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Specialty Pharmacy Services at Yale New Haven Health provide patients with access to specialty medications used to treat conditions that can be complicated to manage and may require coordination of care. Our specialty pharmacy staff and clinical pharmacists have specialized training and years of experience. We work closely with care providers to create the safest, most effective treatment program and our staff is available for questions and concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Medications can be shipped directly to your home or another location of your choice.

Learn more about specialty pharmacy at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

A robust, multi-disciplinary team is available to each patient to assure support systems are in place to assist them in navigating their cancer treatment. A range of Supportive Care programs are available for oncology patients to utilize before, during, and after active treatment that go far beyond physical healing.

Learn more about supportive care access program at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Surgical oncology is a field of medicine that uses surgery to treat cancer. It focuses on diagnosing and removing cancerous tumors.

The survivorship clinic is comprised of a team of expert and compassionate clinicians who offer guidance to empower cancer survivors to take steps to maximize their health, quality of life, and longevity.

Learn more about the survivorship clinic at Smilow Cancer Hospital