Overview

We are here to help.

You may be frightened and unsure about your future, but at Penn State Cancer Institute, we are here to partner with you on your health care journey.

Your journey begins with your first appointment with a Cancer Institute physician or admission to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Our staff will greet you and gather information needed to register you as a patient. Your primary physician, also called the attending physician, will coordinate with colleagues to determine the best possible treatment plan for your specific case. This personalized treatment plan may require additional testing before treatment can begin, as well as consultation with other specialists.

At the Cancer Institute, we take a multidisciplinary team approach to the care of our patients, which means you will be treated by a team of specialists. Our team works together to guide each patient through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This team approach helps ensure your treatment plan reflects the combined expertise of many professionals. Your dedicated team may include a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologists, other specialty physicians and nurses providing various levels of care.

We are partners in your care. We need to know what is happening in your life so we can make accurate assessments and refine treatments as needed. You and your loved ones are encouraged to ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment options all along the way.

Being an active participant in your care by reporting symptoms and asking questions will empower you during this potentially overwhelming time. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of cancer care available.