Julie Folsom, RT Certified Mammography Tech at Harbin Clinic

Identifying a disease by its characteristics, signs, symptoms, degree of spread and laboratory findings is the process of diagnosis. When identifying cancer, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of cure.

The physicians of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Services utilize the most advanced techniques to identify the nature and extent of the specific disease.

State-of-the-art technologies include:
• Mammography
• Ultrasound
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
• Bronchoscopy
• Computerized Tomography (CT)
• Endoscopy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Fiber Optics
• Radioactive Isotope Techniques
• Fluoroscopy

Together, the patient’s physician, radiologists (who interpret the test results), and the Cancer Team specialists, identify the patient’s specific disease and design a treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

THE IMPACT OF A CANCER DIAGNOSIS

When you are told you have cancer, the diagnosis not only affects you, but also your family and friends. You may feel uncertain about what changes will take place in your life and theirs. You may feel numb or confused. You may have difficulty listening to, understanding, or remembering what people tell you during this time.

Navigating a complex medical system during this stressful time may seem overwhelming. Harbin Clinic Cancer Services has staff people, including a Cancer Services Coordinator and Cancer Nurse Navigator, to assist cancer patients with their journey.