Cancer surgeons at Independence Health System use minimally invasive techniques
for cancer care, which, for cancer patients, means less pain, less blood
loss and quicker recovery.
Radiation Oncology
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) targets the tumor, using computer-generated
images to plan and focus a highly precise dose of radiation to individually-targeted
sections of the tumor, so higher doses of radiation can be delivered to
more irregular tumor volumes.
Prior to treatment, the PET/CT may be used to detect small cancers even
before visible structural changes become evident, providing more data
in less time and leading to faster, more accurate diagnosis, treatment
planning, and treatment monitoring.
Chemotherapy and Medical Treatment
Our nurses are oncology certified and work in collaboration with your team
of doctors to provide chemotherapy, iron infusions, growth factors to
support red and white blood cell count, interferon, monoclonal antibodies,
and others.
Cancer Care in the Butler Area
Compassionate, personalized cancer care is our promise to you. Our team
of experts provide each patient with an individualized treatment approach
that recognizes his or her unique needs. Best of all, advanced treatment
options are available at locations close to home, in Butler and Clarion counties.
Butler County Cancer Care
Independence Health System (legacy Butler Health System), in partnership
with the world-renowned
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, provides state-of-the-art cancer care services in Butler County. Our
comprehensive team has been delivering world-class care to our community
as part of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center network since 2013. Patients
have access to renowned cancer specialists and the latest advances in
cancer prevention, diagnosis, medical and radiation treatments, and breakthrough
clinical trials that others travel from all over the country for…
right in their backyard.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, in partnership with legacy Butler Health System,
offers comprehensive treatment and support services, including:
Chemotherapy administration
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
X-ray volumetric imaging (XVI)
Brachytherapy
State-of-the-art surgical services
Access to clinical trials
Advanced diagnostic and interventional oncology imaging
Individual and family therapy
Cancer and caregiver support groups
Clarion County Cancer Care
As members of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute team, Independence
Health System Clarion Hospital has been delivering cancer care services
to our community since 2003. The nursing staff working with cancer patients
have specialized training and are certified in the administration of chemotherapy.
They provide care from the beginning stages through completion of your
treatment and follow-up care. In addition to providing the highest quality
of medical care, the professional support staff is prepared to deal with
the physical, psychological and social consequences that may arise as
the result of cancer or treatment.
Independence Health System Clarion Hospital offers comprehensive treatment
and support services, including:
Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy
Hematology
Infusion Therapy – Including but not limited to Medicine for Multiple
Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma, and Osteoporosis
Community Center Screenings in collaboration with other specialty physicians
Radiation Therapy
Linear Accelerator with Multi-Leaf Collimation
IMRT- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
SBRT-Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
CT Simulation
3D Conformal Isodose Treatment Planning with fully computerized treatment
planning for delivering the highest level of precision radiation therapy
with very minimal side effects to surrounding normal tissue
In the Westmoreland Area
In partnership with Independence Health System (legacy Excela Health),
the world-renowned UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute
designated Comprehensive Cancer Center delivers cutting-edge cancer treatment
close to home. Our expert team provides patients with personalized cancer
treatments. Our team works in the areas of breast, lung and prostate and
other diagnosis to collaborate and create individualized treatment plans
for every patient.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in partnership with Independence Health System,
Westmoreland Area offers comprehensive treatment and support services,
including:
Chemotherapy administration
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)*
Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)*
X-ray volumetric imaging (XVI)
Brachytherapy (HDR for prostate cancer)*
State-of-the-art surgical services
Access to clinical trials
Advanced diagnostic and interventional oncology imaging
Individual and family therapy
Cancer and caregiver support groups
Talking to a Friend or Relative with Cancer
Reaching out to a loved one with cancer is important, but it can be difficult.
One key thing to remember is the importance of being genuine. Remember
that your loved one is the same person, cancer or no, and they will appreciate
having real discussions with you. Make it clear you still see them as
the person they always have been. Do not worry about having all the right
things to say, no one expects you to. Just listening can be a major source
of support. It may benefit you to do some research on the disease, and
familiarize yourself with their situation. Focus on the positive, and
know that just by being there, you play an important role in your loved
one’s support system.
Know the Warning Signs
Spotting cancer symptoms early can greatly improve your ability to fight
the disease. If you are curious or anxious about cancer, research the
warning signs. By familiarizing yourself with the early symptoms, you
will have a better idea of when to visit a doctor for concerning conditions.
General cancer symptoms include weight loss, increased fatigue, unexplained
pains, indigestion, odd lumps or skin discolorations, change in bowel
habits, and sores that do not heal. Do not panic if you have these symptoms,
they can be the result of many conditions. Visit a doctor for an informed
diagnosis and a cancer screening.
Coping with Physical Effects of Cancer
Both cancer and its treatment can take a heavy physical toll. It’s
not always possible to avoid these conditions, but there are ways to fight
them and take some control over your situation. For instance, you can
defend against nausea by changing your diet to 6 or 8 small meals a day,
and sticking to dry, simple foods for snacks. Do not be afraid to indulge
in some of your preferred, healthier foods as a means to fight a reduced
appetite. If you are experiencing heavy fatigue or pain, speak with your
doctor about medications that can ward off these symptoms.
Radiation Therapy
More than half of patients diagnosed with cancer receive some form of radiation
therapy. Effective use of this treatment can shrink tumors, or even destroy
cancer cells. Depending on where the radiation is being applied, and the
patient’s overall health, side effects of this treatment can be
mild to exhausting. You can ease the burden of radiation therapy by getting
plenty of rest and maintaining a healthy diet. It’s best to interfere
with the affected area as little as possible: wash with warm water instead
of hot, avoid tight clothing, and do not put cold packs or warm compresses
on the area.
Understanding Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a medication designed specifically to kill cancer cells.
It is a powerful treatment, but must be carefully administered to avoid
severe side effects, which is why it is mostly performed at a doctor’s
office or hospital. Chemotherapy may be your sole cancer treatment, or
used in conjunction with other methods. When used effectively, it can
shrink tumors, prevent the spread of cancer, and help with the pain of
the disease. The frequency at which it is administered can be anywhere
from every day to every few months. Side effects include hair loss, nausea,
fatigue, and weakness.
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