May 26, 2020

Mercy physician promotes website offering COVID-related resources for cancer survivors  

REGIONAL
Staff report

Dr. James Frank (iObserve photo/courtesy of Mercy Medical Center)

SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 pandemic may present additional difficulties for cancer patients undergoing active treatment or surveillance. To help address the situation, Dr. James Frank, medical director of surgical oncology at Mercy Medical Center, is promoting a new website by Boston Cancer Support and the Massachusetts Department of Public health (DPH). 

The website is designed to provide information about cancer support resources and community outreach programs throughout Massachusetts. Interested parties can log onto the website here:  https://www.bostoncancersupport.org/covid-19-cancer/.  It can also be accessed through the DPH website: https://www.mass.gov/comprehensive-cancer-prevention-and-control-network.

Dr. Frank serves as the Massachusetts chairman of the Commission on Cancer for the American College of Surgeons and is a member for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Network and its Survivorship Work Group. The work group is comprised of volunteers who are cancer experts, cancer survivors, and other allied professionals, including representation by the American Cancer Society, Livestrong, Boston Cancer Support and the Healing Garden 

“The DPH survivorship work group has partnered with Boston Cancer Support to create a ‘clearing house’ of resources for cancer patients, survivors and their families,” said Dr. Frank. “This provides them with access to information about local, state and national resources that may assist them as they cope with the myriad of challenges that result from a cancer diagnosis in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The website provides information about programs and services throughout the state, region, and cities and towns. Cancer patients, their family members, and health care providers can access information about a variety of topics, including treatment locations, emotional health, physical fitness, support groups, clinical trials, financial aid opportunities, free or subsidized lodging, and free transportation to treatments.