Who We Are

In 2009, FMH initiated a navigation program to assist patients with barriers to their cancer care. We are a complementary service available through professional or self-referral. We work closely with the J. Michael Carroll Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and with the local community to provide you with the most comprehensive and up to date care available. We are your professional advocates available to support you and your caregivers. Our team is made up of an Advanced Practice Provider, a social worker and a cancer care liaison, who provide guidance to patients with a cancer diagnosis. We can assist with easing the barriers of your treatment and navigating the complex health care system so you can focus on your healing.

What We Do

We are able to connect you to local and national resources, assist with coordinating appointments, identify financial barriers, support spiritual needs, orient you to the facility and be a liaison between your needs and your health care team. Our goal is to empower you and be respectful of the decisions you make for your quality of life.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is the use of medical tests to look for certain mutations in a person’s genes. Many types of genetic tests are used today and more are being developed. The patient’s providers and JMCCC staff work together to counsel and support individuals at risk. Referral to a licensed genetic counselor is available if indicated. This may include:

  • Identifying your risk of developing specific types of cancer using a detailed family history.

  • Providing counseling to you and your family members about specific genetic syndromes and each family member’s risk.

  • Helping you derive meaning from your testing and counseling and empower you to make educated, informed decisions about:
    • genetic testing
    • cancer screening and
    • cancer prevention, including medical and or surgical prophylaxis

Cancer Tumor Registry

The Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Tumor Registry is a hospital-based registry aimed at the improvement of cancer therapies and treatments. According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer is the second leading cause of death among Americans. 

Doctors, researchers, and public health officials are working to change this fact by improving cancer prevention and treatment, and ultimately finding a cure. The starting point for this important work is the cancer registrar.

What is a Cancer Registry?

Cancer registrars are data information specialists that capture a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. The data provides essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs.

Cancer registry education plays an important role in the gathering and reporting of high-quality cancer registry data. Successful operation of an ACOS COC accredited cancer program requires credentialed staff that is specifically trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of oncology data collection and case abstracting. Through formal education and work experience, certified tumor registrars are able to correctly interpret and code cancer diagnosis, stage, treatment, and outcomes information.

What Information is maintained in the Cancer Registry?

Cancer Registries maintain a complete picture of the patient’s care such as:

  • Demographic information includes age, gender, race/ethnicity, birthplace, and residence.
  • Medical history includes physical findings, screening information, occupation, and any history of previous cancer.
  • Diagnostic findings include types, dates, and results of procedures used to diagnose cancer.
  • Cancer therapy, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone, or immunotherapy.
  • Follow-up, including annual information about treatment, recurrence, and patient status.

How do cancer registries ensure confidentiality?

All information gathered by the FMH Tumor Registry is treated with the same confidentiality as other medical records. Confidentiality of patient identifying information and related medical data is strictly maintained at each cancer registry.

At times, data from the registry may be used to perform certain quality improvement studies. When information is requested for these special studies extreme care is taken by the tumor registrars to de-identify the data in order to protect the patient’s privacy.

Follow-Up

Lifetime follow-up information collected by the Tumor Registry enables researchers, physicians, and others to asses’ clinical standards and quality of care.

Social Work

J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center has social workers on staff to help you and your family navigate all aspects of your cancer journey. Our team of professional advocates provide guidance through your treatment and ease the barriers of navigating the complex health care system so you can focus on your healing.

Financial and Insurance Information

  • Medicare/Medicaid information
  • Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Financial Assistance Program
  • Disability benefits
  • Local and national financial assistance programs

Legal Documents

  • Advance Directives
  • Attorney Referrals
  • Power of Attorney

Support Services

  • Support group information
  • Relaxation techniques and stress management
  • General cancer and treatment information
  • Nutrition resources
  • Independent living resources
  • Caregiver resources
  • Senior resources
  • Transportation/Lodging resources
  • Palliative care and hospice resources

Emotional Support

  • Coping with treatment
  • Counseling referrals
  • Communication assistance with multidisciplinary team
  • Caregiver and family support

Mind + Body + Spirit

Dietitian services are available to patients at the J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center. Patients have the option to meet with a dietitian to seek counseling for weight loss, weight gain or nutritional support.  During or after treatment please request a referral from your care provider or ask your navigation team for assistance. 

American Cancer Society (ACS) Guidelines on Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity

  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life. 
    • Be as lean as possible without being underweight
    • Avoid excess weight gain at all ages
    • For those who are currently overweight or obese, even a small amount of weight loss has health benefit
  • Adopt a physically active lifestyle. Doing some sort of physical activity above usual activities, no matter what one’s level of activity, can have many health benefits.
    • Practice 150 minutes of moderate* intensity activity each week
    • Practice 75 minutes of vigorous* intensity activity each week
    • Practice an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week
    • Limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or other forms of screen-based entertainment
  • Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant foods.
    • Be mindful of your portions of foods and beverages
    • Limit consumption of processed meat and red meat
    • Eat at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day
    • Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products
  • If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption.
    • No more than 1 alcoholic drink per day for Women
    • No more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day for Men

*Moderate activity is anything that gets your heart beating a bit faster and makes you breathe more deeply, like brisk walking.

*Vigorous activity means raising your heart rate so that you warm up, start to sweat, and feel out of breath.

Spiritual Support

The J Michael Cancer Center staff may work with spiritual support services offered through Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. A chaplain is available to assist clinical staff and provide spiritual support for patients as they navigate through their cancer journey. The navigation team may work with the patient to reach out to community spiritual leaders that may be helpful during this challenging time.

J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center Entrance
First Floor
1650 Cowles Street Suite 2

To contact a navigator call:
(907) 458-6985 
or email 

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Resources + Contacts: https://www.foundationhealth.org/services/clinics_centers/specialty_care/jmccc/support/contacts

American Cancer Society: https://www.foundationhealth.org/services/clinics_centers/specialty_care/jmccc/support/american_cancer_society

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