Cancer Resources

As part of Erlanger's core mission to compassionately care for people, we offer a range of resources to support patients, family members, and caregivers in all parts of the cancer journey.

 Download Cancer Support Services Flier

Oncology Nurse Navigators

Erlanger’s Oncology Nurse Navigators are here to guide and support our patients through cancer treatment. Viewing the healthcare system from the patient’s perspective, this integral member of our oncology care team:

• Understands all aspects of cancer care and the cancer care system
• Provides information about specific treatment(s); as well as, experiences that can be expected through the cancer journey
• Can direct patients and family to community resources that provide support during treatment and recovery
• Communicates with the entire healthcare team, collaborating on behalf of the patient to facilitate seamless, quality care

Wendy Firestone, RN, BSN, OCN - Breast and Lung Cancers
423-778-5281

Katie Viola, RN, BSN - Genetics and Breast Cancer
423-778-6357

Alison Moore, RN, BSN, OCN - 
Cervical, Ovarian, Endometrial, Vulvar, Vaginal Cancers
423-266-3636

Julie Mattison, MSN, BSN, LNC - Esophageal, Stomach, Gall Bladder, Liver, Pancreas, Small Intestine, Colon and Rectal Cancers
423-778-5592

Emily Waller - Gastroenterology

Nutrition Services

Erlanger’s oncology dietitian helps cancer patients and their caregivers develop a plan for healthy eating. By achieving good overall health, proper nutrition can help:

• Reduce cancer risk
• Help address nutritional difficulties experienced during the course of treatment
• Help patients stay healthy during treatment
• Minimize side effects and illness.

Patient Resources

• Cookbooks for Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, and Their Caregivers (PDF)
• Anemia Nutrition Flier (PDF)
• Fluid and Food Choices to Manage Diarrhea (PDF)
• High-Protein, High-Calorie Beverages (PDF)
• Fiber Content of Foods (PDF)
• Constipation Nutrition Therapy (PDF)

Betty Owens, RDN, LDN - 423-778-5280

Social Work

Erlanger’s oncology social workers are licensed professionals who counsel patients and family members impacted by cancer. Our social workers can:

• Provide emotional support through individual counseling
• Help patients find resources and financial assistance
• Offer assistance finding home care or transportation services
• Give guidance in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options
• Put patients in touch with local resources that offer support

Amanda Kindred, LMSW - 423-778-3638  

Spiritual Guidance and Chaplaincy Services

Erlanger offers pastoral care services to address spiritual and emotional needs, regardless of religious tradition. This service is offered to all patients, family members, friends, and hospital visitors.

• Cancer support services
• Prayer
• Meditation
• Bereavement services 

Erlanger Pastoral Care
423-778-7177

Patient Resources
Spiritual Care for the Cancer Journey (PDF)

Cancer Registry Team

Erlanger’s Cancer Registry team works to create an accurate database of cancer cases in our region. Physicians and researchers – local, regional, and international – use this database to:

• Evaluate patient outcomes and treatments
• Provide follow-up information
• Calculate survival rates
• Analyze referral patterns
• Allocate state and regional resources  
• Report cancer incidence
• Evaluate treatment modalities

Katie Brown, RHIT, CTR 

Erlanger Cancer Support Group

This support group is designed for men and women impacted by cancer. Participants will not only have the opportunity to share about their cancer journey in a safe space but will also hear from specialists who will provide helpful education and resources. Sessions are offered free of charge, but we do ask that participants sign up if they plan to join.

• Location: Erlanger Baroness Hospital - Oncology Conference Room
• Time: 4:30-5:30 PM

2024 Dates:

January 16
February 20
March 19
April 16
May 21
June 18

National Resources

American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
24-hour support and patient information

Look Good Feel Better
LookGoodFeelBetter.org is a service provided by the American Cancer Society
 800-227-2345.

National Cancer Institute’s Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/cis/page1

Cancer Support Community
1-888-793-9355
24-hour online/telephone support
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

CancerCare (Smoking Cessation Services)
www.cancercare.org
1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)

Local Resources

Mental Health Crisis Hotlines (24/7)
423-634-8995 or 423-499-2300