Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship

Available Services

A variety of affordable clinical services are available to the community through the CRCS.

• Rehabilitative Services
• Physical Fitness Assessment
• Supervised exercise programming
• Follow-up and maintenance programming
• Psychological support
• Education and lifestyle behavior modification
• Nutritional Counselling and weight management

CDC Report: Cancer deaths higher in rural America

First report to detail cancer differences and mortality gap between rural and urban areas

Death rates were higher in rural areas (180 deaths per 100,000 persons) compared with urban areas (158 deaths per 100,000 persons). Cancer deaths in rural areas decreased at a slower pace, increasing the differences between rural and urban areas.

• While overall cancer incidence rates were somewhat lower in rural areas (442 cases per 100,000 persons) than in urban areas (457 cases per 100,000 persons), incidence rates were higher in rural areas for several cancers, including those related to tobacco use such as lung cancer and those that can be prevented by cancer screening such as colorectal and cervical cancers.
• While rural areas have lower incidence of cancer than urban areas, they have higher cancer death rates. The differences in death rates between rural and urban areas are increasing over time.
  
  

Integrated Expertise

• The CRCS was founded on the principle that a patient centered approach to care requires a team of professionals from different disciplines. That patients experience physiological and psychological complications is central to our plan of care.
• The Center was created and directed by Saint Francis University faculty members, Dr. Stephen Baker (Psychology), Dr. Stephen LoRusso, (Exercise Physiology) and Dr. Ivan Mulligan (Physical Therapy).  Each discipline is equally represented in our approach to patient care.
• Dr. Baruch Vainshelboim serves as the director of Cancer Prevention and Rehabilitation Program (CPRP) who teaches and supervises students enrolled in the Master of Cancer Care Program to provide affordable, cancer prevention and rehabilitation programs to the community.
• Psychological Services and Nutritional Support Services are currently in development with roll out expected shortly.

Who Can Come Here

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to improve their physical and psychological health, or anyone who would like to educate themselves on healthy lifestyle behaviors. To find out more:

call 814-472-3249 
email CRCS@francis.edu

Do You Accept Health Insurance

We participate with most private insurances.

Accessibility

We make every effort to accommodate your schedule and will initiate treatment as early as possible to expedite the recovery process. We are handicapped accessible, offer free parking, and provide a convenient drop-off area just steps from our front door.

Communication

If you have been referred by a physician, we will keep your doctor informed with updates on your progress. We are committed to working with you and your physician to ensure that you receive the best care possible.