Survivorship Clinic at CaroMont and Novant Radiation Oncology Centers

Written By: Linda Coverdale

You may be seeing a new face around the radiation oncology office at Presbyterian Hospital and CaroMont Cancer Center. I am Linda Coverdale, PA-C, and I have been brought on board to focus on cancer survivorship! I am a Physician Assistant that completed my Masters Degree in Health Sciences through Duke University Physician Assistant program in 2011. I relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2013 to be closer to family and was most recently working in medical oncology from spring 2013 until I joined the SERO Group in June! Survivorship is a critical part of cancer care and we are very excited to introduce this piece of the care plan to the Gaston and Charlotte area.

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network an individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life. Oncology professionals have always recognized that cancer affects people on many levels- physically, mentally and financially- many of these effects continuing despite completing your cancer treatment. Continuing to follow in our survivorship clinic provides an opportunity to discuss these concerns and seek solutions to long term complications following treatment that may be keeping you from obtaining your personal post-treatment goals . Survivorship will focus on, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Prevention of new and recurrent cancer; surveillance for cancer spread, recurrence or second cancers
2. Assessment of late psychosocial and physical effects from treatment such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, cognitive or sexual dysfunction
3. Intervention for consequences of cancer treatment (eg, financial and social concerns, secondary medical problems)
4. Help in coordination of care between primary care and specialists to ensure that all of your health needs are met

I am a huge advocate in promoting a healthy lifestyle and will do my best to help encourage you to reduce your cancer risk through diet and exercise. Both locations offer great programs to help get you started. I look forward to working with you to help improve your quality of life and serve as your advocate on your road to recovery.