| Cancer occurs when the cells of the body begin to divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Given time, malignant cancerous cells can metastasize, or spread from the original cancer site to other parts of the body. Roper St. Francis Cancer Center offers the latest techniques and treatments to remove tumors, kill cancer cells and reduce the chance of their return.
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy agents and dosage schedules vary according to the type of cancer involved, whether or not it has metastasized from its original site, the extent of its growth and the patient's general health. Medical oncologists at Roper St. Francis Cancer Center are on the cutting edge of new chemotherapy regimens and all of our oncology nurses are specially certified in managing the administration and side effects of chemotherapy. Many of our nurses are certified by the National Oncology Nursing Society.
Surgery
Surgical removal of cancer can be either a first-line treatment or a strategy after chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy have reduced the size of tumors. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the tumor with curative intent or to stage the cancer. Our board certified surgeons bring a wealth of experience and expertise to cancer-related operations, using the most advanced techniques available. With breast cancer, for example, this means patients are more likely than ever to have cancer surgically removed without a mastectomy. Roper St. Francis Cancer Center boasts one of the highest rates of breast conservation surgery in the country.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology involves the use of high energy x-ray that kills tumor cells and prevents them from growing. Roper St. Francis Cancer Center uses the best and the latest technology including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the fight against cancer. IMRT allows the doctors to change the shape and intensity of radiation beams so they are focused more effectively on cancer cells and away from the surrounding tissue and organs, thereby reducing side effects. The radiation therapy department at Roper St. Francis Cancer Center has been credentialed by the NCI to perform IMRT on prostate, head and neck, brain and other cancers. No other radiation treatment center in the state holds that honor. The department also acquired the first CT Simulator in the Tri-County.
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