Cancer Services & Tumor Care | Albany Med Health System

Compassionate Care, Leading Expertise

With accredited cancer care centers within an academic medical system, the Albany Med Health System offers patients numerous benefits that include a team approach to care, state-of-the-art services and equipment, and clinical trials and new treatment options.

We offer services such as interventional radiology for cancer detection, biologic therapies, immunology and newer forms of radiation oncology for cancer treatment, non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery, pediatric oncology, advanced surgical oncology, genetic counseling, and laser ablation.

Care Throughout the Capital Region

As an academic medical center, many cancer services are offered at Albany Medical Center that are not offered elsewhere in our region. Please scroll down for more information. For childhood cancer care, visit the Melodies Center. Learn more about the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, and about cancer care services available at Saratoga Hospital.

We maintain a partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH). This includes care, treatment, and access to clinical trials. NYOH is available at Albany Medical Center and has an office adjacent to Columbia Memorial Health.

In addition to the expertise of a leading academic medical system, patients receive compassionate care.

Your Support Team

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Having a strong support system can help. Your provider can connect you with our programs and services that address your physical, emotional, and social needs during every step of treatment.

Oncology Social Workers
Provide emotional support to patients and families, refer to local support groups, help with transportation, health insurance, and financial issues, and link to community resources like food assistance and shelter.

Visiting Nurses
Visiting Nurses is a member of the Albany Med Health System and plays a role in home care for cancer patients.

Breast Nurse Navigators
Specialize in helping newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with follow-up appointments, breast imaging, physical therapy, genetic testing, and financial assistance.

Registered Dieticians
Provide dietary strategies for managing side effects and make diet and lifestyle recommendations for cancer prevention and survivorship.

Speech Pathologists
Help patients whose cancers involve the head and neck to maintain and improve their speech and swallowing abilities before, during, and after treatment.

Palliative and Supportive Care
Partner with oncologists to maximize quality of life by assisting with pain and symptom management, as well as navigating complex medical decisions.

Genetic Counselors
Evaluate patients with personal and family histories of cancer. Order and interpret genetic tests, and help patients make informed decisions about cancer prevention and management.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy and medication management for patients and loved ones experiencing anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Cancer research is an important component of biomedical research being conducted at Albany Medical College.

Cancer Research at Albany Medical College

In a quest to discover more about the basic mechanisms underlying cancer, exciting biomedical cancer research is conducted in the labs at Albany Medical College in the Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology.

Survivorship & Resources

After patients complete cancer treatment, they may be eligible to receive a personal Survivorship Care Plan. This plan includes a summary of all treatment provided for cancer and a schedule of follow-up visits with each doctor involved in their care.

Our patients have access to the following services during and after cancer treatment:

Survivorship care plans
Individual and family counseling support and referrals
Assistance with disability and family leave benefits
Financial assistance and counseling
Lymphedema physical therapy
Genetic counseling
Ostomy nursing care
Nutrition counseling
Plastic surgery care and follow-up
Speech and swallowing therapy
Cardio-oncology program for long-term cardiac follow-up
Coordinated transition of care from pediatric to adult oncology
Screening programs

Comprehensive screening helps patients identify emotional, social, and financial concerns that may impact them during or after treatment. An oncology social worker is available to assist with these concerns. Referrals can be made for services close to home.

Referral services include: