Oncology
New Jersey Cancer Care and Treatment
Our fellowship-trained, board-certified oncologists diagnose, treat, and manage your specific cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized oncologists, nurses, and oncology support professionals provide the most advanced treatment options for both adults and children, and ensure a compassionate, comprehensive and personalized approach to diagnosing and treating your cancer. We coordinate care with your primary care physician and/or specialist. As the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials, complex surgical procedures and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a term for many different types of diseases, all characterized by uncontrollable abnormal cell growth. The body has trillions of cells, all of which divide and grow daily. The DNA inside the body’s cells carry out separate functions and know based on the “instructions” of the cell type on how to multiply and divide. Not every cell grows and divides according to plan, though, because they are malfunctioning or have gene mutations during normal cell growth. Usually, the cells have a mechanism that can recognize and repair these mistakes, but when the errors are missed, the cells can become cancerous.
Healthy cells have a set life cycle and reproduce and die predictably as new cells take the place of old, dead cells. Cancer disrupts this process for reasons scientists, physicians, and researchers don’t fully understand. Because these cells start developing abnormally and grow and divide uncontrollably, it can be challenging to control. Medical treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery help to treat your type of cancer.
Additional Resources
To make an appointment with one of our world-class oncologists, please visit our Physician Locator to find a provider near you. Existing patients can call a provider's office or visit MyChart to schedule an appointment online, at their convenience. New patients, please call 844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376).