Compassionate support for cancer patients and families
Making a decision about cancer treatment isn't always easy. The days and weeks after a cancer diagnosis can be a fearful and confusing time. Understanding the medical information can feel overwhelming. Yet, it’s important that you explore all your options. At MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, we're here to support you by providing the information you need to make an informed treatment choice.
We provide the services of a dedicated patient navigator for people diagnosed with the following cancers:
- Breast
- Skin: melanoma, squamous cell
- Gynecologic: ovarian, uterine, fallopian tubes, cervical, endometrial, vaginal, vulvar, primary peritoneal
- Genitourinary: bladder, kidney, testicular, penile, prostate
- Thoracic: lung, esophageal
- Upper gastrointestinal: biliary, liver, pancreas, stomach
- Lower gastrointestinal: colorectal, appendix
- Head and neck: larynx, tonsil, tongue, lip, nasopharynx, oropharynx
What is a cancer patient navigator?
A patient navigator is an oncology nurse or social worker who specializes in working with patients diagnosed with cancer. The patient navigator is here to make sure you and your family have all the information you need to make the most informed and timely decision about your treatment plan. At no cost to you or your family, our navigators:
- Ease your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
- Explain the different treatment options for your cancer based on nationally and locally endorsed treatment guidelines.
- Discuss any clinical trials which may be available to you.
- Schedule consultations for you and your family with appropriate specialists as needed.
- Provide information and literature relative to your specific diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
American Cancer Society (ACS) Patient Navigator
In addition to our patient navigators who guide people with cancer through the clinical decision-making process, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center offers an American Cancer Society (ACS) patient navigator who helps patients find and access community resources.
Trained in a special ACS program, the patient navigator helps patients with issues including language and cultural barriers; transportation; lack of financial resources; insurance difficulties; and access to support groups, home health, respite care, or hospice. For more information, or to make a referral, call 207-396-8335.
Helping patients and families cope with a cancer diagnosis is one of the most important services our oncology social workers can provide. MaineHealth Maine Medical Center clinical oncology social workers are specially-trained and licensed clinical social workers who specialize in working with people with cancer. We help patients and their families address issues such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Worries about the future
- Medical costs
- Job concerns
- How to talk with family, friends and co-workers
For more information, or to make a referral, call 207-396-8565 or 207-396-7294.
Inability to pay for care will never prevent you from receiving medically-necessary services. MaineHealth offers financial counseling and programs that can assist you with your health care bill.
Questions? Contact us.
We’re here to help with your billing and financial assistance questions. Contact Patient Financial Services by sending a message to Customer Service in MyChart, or call 1-866-804-2499 (toll-free) Monday through Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm.
When dealing with cancer, many patients prefer the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. MaineHealth offers comprehensive home health services such as skilled nursing, health aides, rehabilitation, infusions, pediatric care, palliative care, hospice care and more. Learn more about home health services at MaineHealth.
Maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment is essential to a positive outcome. A registered dietitian is a specially trained health care professional who provides counseling on achieving and maintaining optimal nutrition to better withstand the effects of cancer treatment. Learn more about nutrition services.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland
We partner with the Dempsey Center to offer programs and services designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by cancer. All services are offered at no cost to participants. For more information, call 207-774-2200 (South Portland), 207-795-8250 (Lewiston) or visit www.dempseycenter.org.
Brain Tumor Support
- When: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 3:00-4:30 PM
- Location: Meetings are online
- Phone: 207-662-1539
Gay Mens Prostate Cancer Support Group
- When: Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7:30 PM
- About: The group is open to gay and bisexual men and their partners and friends. For more information visit malecare.org
Gynecological & Breast Cancer Group
- When: 2nd & 4th Tuesday every month, 6:00-7:30 PM
- Location: Meetings are online
- Phone: 207-774-2200
Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support
- When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 PM
- Phone: 207-396-7781
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford
Cancer Peer Support Group - Biddeford
- When: Fourth Thursday of every month 4-5 pm
- Location: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, 1 Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, Classroom 1
- About: Pre-Registration not required. Contact Peggy Belanger, RN, BSN, OCN at 207-294-5839 or marguerite.belanger@mainehealth.org
Cancer Survivor Support Group - Sanford
- When: First and third Friday of each month 3:30 - 5 pm
- Location: MaineHealth Cancer Care and IV Therapy - 27 Industrial Avenue, Sanford, ME 04073
- About: For more information please contact Jessica Welch, LMSW-CC, at 207-459-1666 or jessica.welch@mainehealth.org
Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group
- When: Second and fourth Thursday of each month 5:30 - 7 pm
- Location: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, 1 Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, Webber Building, 2nd floor Conference Room
- About: For more information, please call 207-283-7805.
For more information about cancer support and resources at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford , please call Cancer Patient Navigator, Nicole Cantara, RN at 207-283-7320.
For some patients, getting to and from medical appointments poses a hardship. With the help of our American Cancer Society patient navigator, patients can access a variety of programs that provide rides. For more information, call 207-396-8335.
Patient Navigators
The patient navigator is here to make sure you and your family have all the information you need to make the most informed and timely decision about your treatment plan.
Life Beyond Cancer
There are physical, emotional, and practical concerns associated with a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. These issues and concerns can develop while receiving active treatment, immediately following treatment, or years later.