Presbyterian Cancer Care

Presbyterian Cancer Care has a wide range of diagnostic, treatment and support services for our cancer patients and their families. We also provide many different types of support including:

Nurse navigators
Pastoral care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Financial counseling
Quality of life support
Family support groups
Oncology medical social workers
Pharmacist services on site
Hospice
Nutrition planning
Home healthcare and paramedicine in partnership with Albuquerque Ambulance Service

Our support services start with our nurse navigators who assist patients with various types of cancer diagnoses coordinate care. Our team can also provide physical therapy for patients who have undergone surgery or may be debilitated by their treatments, social work assistance to understand community resources available to them, as well as help with meal planning for nutritional support. We also provide support for family members to assist them in coping with the unique challenges of supporting a cancer patient. For more information on these services, please see below.

Nurse Navigators

Cancer patients are often faced with decisions that include more than just treatment choices. Our Presbyterian Cancer Patient Navigation Program specializes in supporting patients and their families through the emotional decisions and conversations that may need to occur as patients move through their journey after a cancer diagnosis. The program's nurse navigators are trusted health system specialists and community ambassadors on a mission to improve the cancer experience for each patient.

Nurse navigators are at the heart of our patient-centered care and are available to work with oncology patients being seen by a Presbyterian Medical Group medical oncologist or a radiation oncologist. Our nurse navigators are available at all Presbyterian facilities at no additional cost and work closely with our physicians and other Cancer Care team members to meet your needs.

Patients are introduced to a nurse navigator as early as possible after their diagnosis to explain what to expect from your treatment, provide help with scheduling appointments, help you find information about support resources, and much more. Your nurse navigator is your advocate and educator, and they are dedicated to helping you understand your diagnosis and care path.

Nurse navigators help connect you to the many services that Presbyterian offers including:

Clinical trials
Family support groups
Financial counseling
Home healthcare or hospice services
Oncology dietician services
Oncology medical social worker services
Pharmacist services
Quality-of-life navigation
Transportation assistance
Specialized cancer patient physical therapy/rehabilitation
Chaplain services

For more information about nurse navigators, call 505-559-6100 or contact us online.

Patient Support Resources

Cancer Care Resource Centers

Our Cancer Care Resource Centers (CCRCs) are a community project of the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation. Through the generosity of donors, we provide services and resources to all cancer patients, and family and friends who support them, at no charge.

Staffed by CCRC volunteers, we assist women who have had a mastectomy to schedule special bra and prosthetic fittings. We also offer comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and hats.

Our volunteers provide helpful and trustworthy information about cancer and community services such as transportation, workshops, and support groups.

HOURS

Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours may vary based on volunteer schedules. Please call before your visit to confirm our current schedule.

LOCATIONS

Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital

Physician Office Building 8300 Constitution Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87110

Phone: 505-559-6147

Located in the lobby of the oncology clinic on the second floor

Presbyterian Rust Medical Center

Ted and Margaret Jorgensen Cancer Center 2400 Unser Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Phone: 505-253-1274

Located in the lobby of the cancer center on the west side of the hospital

If you would like to volunteer for the CCRC, please contact Presbyterian Volunteer Services at 505-841-1501.

Educational Resources for Cancer Patients

It's important to know what cancer is and what to expect during treatment, whether for yourself or a loved one. Below are several educational resources on cancer that will help you be better informed.

Cancer Basics

We understand that being diagnosed with cancer is very difficult and overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can make it easier.

Learn more about cancer Información básica sobre el cáncer

Chemotherapy and Biotherapy

Chemotherapy and biotherapy are both treatments used to fight cancer. Chemotherapy treatments use chemical medications to destroy cancer cells. Biotherapy (also called biological therapy) treats cancers by changing your body’s immune response to slow down tumor growth and to prevent the spread of cancer. Your provider can help decide which treatment plan is right for you.

Learn more about how chemotherapy and biotherapy work Quimioterapia y bioterapia Outpatient Chemotherapy Treatment Guide Guía de tratamiento para quimioterapia

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is also known as radiotherapy or x-ray therapy, and is the use of high-energy x-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.

Learn more about radiation therapy Radioterapia

Radiation Therapy

Having a cancer diagnosis, as well as the treatments for cancer can cause you to feel sick. It’s important to monitor your symptoms and if you have concerns, be sure to contact your oncologist. We’ve provided a list of important symptoms below. If you are having any of these, get in touch with your oncologist immediately for help.

Important Symptoms Esté al tanto de estos síntomas importantes

Advance Healthcare Directives

An advance directive is a legal document about your healthcare decisions that provides direction to healthcare providers if you become unable to make choices for yourself by making your wishes known. It is only used when you are not able to speak for yourself or make your own decisions. This will make sure your loved ones and healthcare providers know what details about your care are important to you. Learn more information about Advance Directives

Clinical Research Trials

Clinical trials are part of clinical research and help find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat cancer. Treatments might be new drugs, new combinations of drugs, or new ways to use existing treatments. Clinical trials can also look at other parts of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. The goal of clinical research trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Presbyterian Cancer Care is committed to providing cancer patients across New Mexico with improved treatment options offered through clinical research studies.

We are a member of the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, which was formed in 2002 to increase access for New Mexicans to clinical trials. We have a dedicated clinical research staff to assure the safety and care of patients participating in clinical trials.

Participation in a clinical trial is a personal decision you make with your doctor. If you have questions about clinical trials, please ask your doctor.

Services & Centers

Presbyterian Cancer Care

Nurse Navigators

Patient Support Resources

Cancer Care Resource Centers

HOURS

LOCATIONS

Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital

Presbyterian Rust Medical Center

Educational Resources for Cancer Patients

Cancer Basics

Chemotherapy and Biotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Advance Healthcare Directives

Clinical Research Trials

Message Your Care Team

Classes and Events

Recommended Resources