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Treatment of Cancer

cancer treatment, cancer treatment options, oncology

There are many ways to treat cancer. The treatment you get depends on the type of cancer you have and how serious it is. Some people only need one type of treatment, but most people need a combination. For example, they may have surgery along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

When you find out you need cancer treatment, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. This is normal. Talking with your doctor and learning about your options can help you feel more in control.

Our Cancer Care Team

We have a team of caring and experienced cancer doctors They use the latest treatments available. These include:

  • Chemotherapy – medicines that kill cancer cells
  • Biotherapy and immunotherapy – treatments that help your body fight cancer
  • Radiopharmaceuticals – special drugs that use radiation to treat cancer

Types of Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments fall into two main groups:

  • Local treatments – treat cancer in one area of the body (like surgery or radiation)
  • Systemic treatments – travel through the body to treat cancer (like chemotherapy)

Hormone therapy may also be used if the cancer is affected by hormones like estrogen or progesterone.

Medical oncology utilizes the most current standards of care available. The physicians use chemotherapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals in the treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxic (anti-cancer) medications to kill cancer cells.

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Treatments for cancer are grouped into two major categories—local and systemic. Local therapies include surgery and radiation therapy. Hormonal therapy is useful if a particular person's cancer makes one of the hormone receptors, estrogen or progesterone.

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Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Doctors have studied and improved this treatment over many years.

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Our surgical oncology team provides advanced and compassionate care. They work with other specialists to diagnose, plan, and treat cancer. Each patient gets a treatment plan designed just for them.

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Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center has a special hospital unit just for cancer patients. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients here may have weakened immune systems, so extra care is taken to prevent infections.

Patients admitted to this unit may need:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Specialized radiation treatments
  • Care for low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)
  • Treatment for complications from cancer

Support Team

Our cancer care team includes:

  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Dietitians
  • Social workers
  • Chaplains
  • Care guides
  • Financial counselors

Many nurses have special cancer training and certifications.

Patient Care and Services

Patients age 16 and older receive care at the Cancer Care Institute. Doctors and care teams meet regularly to review and discuss patient cases to provide the best care.

Inpatient and outpatient teams work together to make sure care is well coordinated.

Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute takes part in clinical trials. These studies help find better ways to treat cancer. Patients in trials may get access to newer treatments that are not widely available yet.

Learn more about Cancer Clinical Research here

After treatment, cancer survivors may still need care for physical and emotional health. Our STAR Program helps provide this ongoing support.

Learn More Here

FAQs

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Saint Alphonsus has five cancer centers in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. This makes it easier for patients to get care close to home.

It depends on your treatment plan. Some sessions last 30 minutes, while others can take several hours. Your doctor will explain what to expect.

Yes. Our team helps patients at every stage of cancer. Treatments for advanced cancer have improved a lot in recent years, including new therapies that target cancer more precisely.

This depends on your specific situation. Your care team will decide the best time to begin treatment.

A clinical trial is a study that tests new or different treatments. Talk to your doctor to see if one might be right for you.

If you are newly diagnosed, you may want to ask:

  • What type of cancer do I have?
  • Where is it located, and has it spread?
  • What stage is my cancer?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Which treatment do you recommend and why?
  • What side effects can I expect?
  • How long will treatment take?
  • Are clinical trials an option for me?
  • What support services are available?
  • Who can help me with treatment costs?
 

Awards and Accreditiations

Commission on Cancer

Saint Alphonsus is proud to be an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer. The Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to improving survival and quality of life for patients by providing the highest-quality, patient-centered cancer care.