Treatment and support under one roof

By Taylor Smith 

The Edward & Marie Matthews Center for Cancer Care at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center specializes in clinical services and rehabilitative care and support for a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment that encompasses the whole person. 

In addition to cutting-edge care, the Center offers complementary holistic programming such as yoga, massage therapy, and mindfulness training. All patients are assigned a certified oncology nurse navigator, an oncology certified dietician, a social worker, a clinical research nurse, and a survivorship nurse to help them more smoothly move through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

Joanita Miranda, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, oncology social worker, and oncology financial navigator at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center says, “One of the latest support services we offer our patients is help through the Cancer Center Financial Counseling Program. 

“Whether it’s help with unexpected medical bills or assistance with transportation costs for treatment, we want to be proactive with patients so they and their families can focus on regaining their health.” 

Miranda continues, “Through the program, we pursue grants, research money, and private industry funding to help patients avoid financial disaster. We can also assist with pharmaceutical co-pay cards that lower patients’ out-of-pocket costs.”

“A cancer diagnosis can send your entire world into a tailspin,” she said. “First you struggle to come to terms with the news, and then you find yourself bombarded by medical information and decisions, waves of emotion, and well-meaning, but sometimes overwhelming, offers of support from family and friends.” 

Significantly, as part of Penn Medicine, Princeton Medical Center’s team of experts work cooperatively with the Abramson Cancer Center, a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education, to provide access to advanced diagnosis and treatment. 

To learn more about the Cancer Center Financial Counseling Program, call (609) 853-6793. For more information on the Edward & Marie Matthews Center for Cancer Care at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, call (888) 742-7496 or visit princetonhcs.org/cancer.