Look Who it Was Random video

Addressing the Needs of Cancer Patients

284 views · Published 18 July 2015 · 1:43 · Indexed 25 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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In the same way science is constantly evolving to meet the medical needs of cancer patients, health care is adapting to meet their social needs.

“Anytime during the course of their treatment I’ll meet with them. If they’ve got questions, if their insurance status changes and they need medical supplies or equipment, I can help,” says Kathy Dunne. 

Kathy Dunne is a member of the growing field of cancer navigators. She meets with patients at the Regional Cancer Center and helps them stay on-track with their care, working through obstacles that may become a hindrance.

“You have to look at what their quality of life is, what their fatigue level is, what things are they able to do and not do,” says Dunne. 

Treating cancer is very specialized; patients have not one, but a handful of doctors. It can add layers of stress at a time when people need to focus on healing. Studies show the more support a patient has, the better their outlook and oftentimes their outcome.

“It’s so important to keep them nourished and hydrated because they do so much better with treatment,” says Valerie Butram. 

Valerie Butram is an oncology dietitian. She keeps patients fueled for the fight.

“It’s not unusual for many of our patients to have taste alterations because if they’re getting treatment systemically or they’re taking oral medications, it would affect their taste,” says Butram. 

Once overlooked, side issues can be barriers to care. Now they are the sole focus of trained professionals.

“We all have to work as a village as far as making sure that the patients know about the support services,” says Butram. 

So no cancer patient will have to shoulder the load alone.


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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