Radiation therapy, close to home
Experienced radiation oncology care teams at Ascension sites of care deliver radiation therapy that targets your cancer.
When you choose cancer centers and radiation oncology clinics at Ascension sites of care, you get a care team that is part of a national network. Our experienced radiation oncologists share best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your radiation oncologist starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to home, family, life and self sooner.
Advanced radiation therapy options at Ascension sites of care
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. It is often part of the care plan before surgery to help shrink tumors. Your radiation oncologist and radiation therapists have advanced training using high-tech radiation delivery systems. Before your first radiation treatment, your care team will guide you through a simulation and meet with you to discuss how the technology is used to deliver a specific dose of radiation to target the tumor, helping to avoid exposing healthy tissue. Our goal is to use innovative, cutting-edge treatments to help eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors, including:
- Brachytherapy (a type of internal radiation using implanted radioactive “seeds”)
- External beam radiation
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) (multiple beams of different strengths are focused on the tumor) (also called TomoTherapy®)
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SRT) (positions the patient and the beam to help deliver a more targeted dose of radiation at a tumor)
Compassionate, personalized care from radiation oncology specialists
You’ll have face-to-face visits with your radiation oncologist, and you’ll have a care team, dedicated to your care – connecting the dots for you. Your radiation care team coordinates care closely with your medical oncologist and surgeon. Most patients need several sessions of radiation therapy. Each treatment is carefully planned to target your cancer and help reduce the impact on surrounding tissue. And every radiation session with our experienced and compassionate care team starts with a conversation to understand how you are feeling, and symptoms you may be experiencing. Your care team will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including rectum, liver and pancreas
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Chest and lung cancer
- Prostate cancer and urologic cancers
- Skin cancer
If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for your care.
Benefits of radiation therapy at Ascension sites of care
At Ascension sites of care, you’ll find a care team that focuses on the whole you – your physical and emotional health. From your first radiation therapy consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your radiation oncologist will stay connected. When you come in for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. Your care team also helps schedule your appointments. Your care plan may include several sessions over a period of weeks. Each radiation session typically takes less than an hour. And we’re here to help make your experience as comfortable as possible. Talk with your care team if you need help finding transportation.
Cancer centers and clinics at Ascension sites of care provide many types of services to support your care plan and recovery after having radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or other targeted therapies, including nutrition counseling, medication management, genetic testing and counseling, supportive palliative care, social services and spiritual care. Find a location near you.
Get a second opinion on your radiation therapy care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a radiation treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support is available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.