Cancer

We want you to expect more from you health care providers. Our Cancer Center in Belpre, Ohio provides our patients with the best opportunity for healing. With a focus on prevention, personalized treatment, the latest treatment options and our patients’ health care experience, we have designed a space that enables greater collaboration and communication between our specialists, so our patients can gain more from their collective minds and expertise.

Our services are designed to help reduce wait times, improve patient flow, create easier access, offer multidisciplinary clinces, and create a healing environment while delivering the best possible care and support for our patients, including the newest and most advanced treatment options, such as CyberKnife® and TomoTherapy®. Our patients also have access to the latest clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

We are proud to say that our team is one of Ohio’s most comprehensive oncology programs. Service lines including a resource center, women’s center, and medical, radiation and surgical oncology departments are under one roof for the patient-centered care our community expects.

Want to learn more about cancer? We caution patients against self-diagnosing as there are often subtle differences that can lead to significantly different outcomes. However, for patients looking to learn more, we offer a medical library resource, that can be accessed by clicking here.

 

Patient Resources

A diagnosis of cancer is a very stressful and emotional time. The diagnosis can impact many areas of your life from your family dynamics to financial stress. At times, a cancer patient may not know who to contact to get questions answered, where to begin or what to expect. Our collaborative approach to cancer care focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, and support. We want to be there every step of the way on your journey to recovery.

Caregiver Support

The patient is not the only one fighting the battle against cancer. Their family, friends, and caregivers are also affected. There are many challenges to being a caregiver for a cancer patient including managing the patient’s medicines, taking care of the patient, communicating with their medical team, and the legal and financial issues that sometimes come with battling cancer.

Feel free to attend any of the appointments or programs we offer with your loved one and ask questions to help you get through this difficult time so you can be a strong support system while taking care of yourself at the same time. Be sure to check out our calendar page for Cancer Center specific events or speak with one of our nurses by calling (740) 376-5000.

Financial Services

One thing that we do not want our patients or families to worry about during cancer treatment is how they are going to pay for it. Memorial Health System has different financial options for patients. Please click here to find out more about financial assistance. Please call one of our friendly and caring patient financial advocates if you have any questions.

Patient Financial Advocates

For questions or help with hospital or clinic bills, insurance, payment plans, assistance programs available, please contact our patient financial advocates. They can be contacted by calling (740) 568-5263.

Oncology Rehab Program/Lymphedema Management

If need be, we provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs of the highest quality as a part of your treatment plan to improve your mobility and mental outcomes. Our Outpatient Therapy Services Department works directly with your provider and care team so that you get the rehabilitation that you need.

Social Worker Support

Our social workers will assist you with psychosocial needs which may include emotional issues such as anxiety or depression, family relationships, changes in lifestyle, employment/financial stressors, linkage with available local resources, and more. To contact a Cancer Center social worker, please call:

Kim Cooper, LSW
(740) 401-0257

Susan Bhati, LSW
(740) 423-3617

Jane Skeen, LSW
(740) 568-5632

Cancer Support Groups

You, your family, and caregivers are welcome to participate at any time during this journey-at diagnosis, during treatment, and throughout survivorship. You don’t have to go through this alone. Cancer support groups provide a setting in which cancer patients, former patients, caregivers, family or friends can talk about what it is like to live with cancer with others who may be having similar experiences. Please contact one of our social workers (listed above) for details.

Resource Center & Wig Boutique

Our Resource Center & Wig Boutique is available Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 1st floor of our Cancer Center at 807 Farson St., Suite A.

Our Resource Center is supplied with books available on several cancer topics as well as computer access for patients to search for additional cancer related topics. Wigs are offered free of charge to patients undergoing cancer treatment. These wigs are made possible by donations from our local community and the Memorial Health Foundation. We also have a limited supply of free breast prosthesis and hats.

More Than a Makeover

The Cancer Center presents a class designed for our patients diagnosed with cancer who would like to know how to overcome the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. This experience will be more than a makeover. You will have the opportunity to meet other patients that understand firsthand what you are going through, speak with our social worker if you have any questions or concerns, and have a professional skin and makeup consultant help you.

This class is free to cancer patients that have undergone or are undergoing treatment. Participants will receive a beauty bag full of Merle Norman cosmetic products (valued over $200) that will keep you glowing during and after your treatments. The two hour class will cover skin care, makeup applications, wigs, and head coverings. This class will be facilitated by Sharon Shaner, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Marietta, Ohio. She brings 25 years of experience to this class.

To register, contact our social workers at (740) 401-0257 or (740) 568-5632.

Cancer Nutrition Services

Kayleigh Ticknor, our oncology dietitian, plays the role of providing guidance with your diet to keep you at your healthiest. Complementary nutritional services are offered to you throughout your treatment and include:

  • A thorough assessment on your diet and nutrition state and developing a unique nutritional plan just for you.
  • Educating you on healthy eating through treatment and beyond.
  • Hosting monthly group nutrition classes.
  • Providing educational materials specific to your nutritional needs.

Kayleigh Ticknor, MS, RD, LD
(740) 376-5011

Additional Online Resources

Genetic Testing

According to the National Cancer Institute, genetic testing is used to identify specific inherited changes (mutations) in a person’s chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Genetic mutations can have harmful, beneficial, neutral (no effect), or uncertain effects on health. Mutations that are harmful may increase a person’s chance or risk of developing a disease such as cancer.

Is Genetic Testing Right for You?

Genetic testing is available at the Cancer Center and should be considered if you have a two to three generation involvement or diagnosis at a young age for certain types of cancer, for example:

  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Uterine cancer

Cancer Registry

Every patient who is diagnosed or receives cancer treatment is abstracted into a cancer registry database. This database includes information specific to your cancer: demographics, cancer specifics, treatment information, and lifetime follow-up. This information is submitted to the Ohio Cancer Surveillance System of the Ohio Department of Health and to the National Cancer Data Base of the Commission on Cancer. National and state published statistics and cancer reports are compiled with data for all facilities submitting information to these organizations. All information submitted follows reporting requirements of the Ohio Revised Code regulations, accreditation requirements, and HIPAA compliance.

Cancer Patient Navigation Program

Navigating Your Journey Toward Wellness

At the heart of our cancer program is our sincere commitment to making a difference in the life of each patient we serve. We guide patients through every step of their treatment plan with comprehensive educational, emotional, and spiritual support. We believe this is so important to the healing process that we offer a dedicated team of care navigators to help guide you on your journey towards wellness. These compassionate healthcare providers deliver care in a logical, connected, and timely manner, so that your medical and personal needs are met.

Services provided by our oncology team include:

  • Assisting with timely oncology provider and treatment appointments.
  • Identifying hurdles to care and make appropriate referrals for assistance, whether it is transportation to treatment, billing/financial issues, social service issues, nutritional needs, and any other needs we can help you with.
  • Offering education in understanding your cancer care and supportive services within Memorial Health System.
  • Offering education on your individual cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Providing emotional support.
  • Providing ongoing communication between our cancer program, referring physicians, surgeons, and you.

Your Treatments

Fighting Cancer with the Latest Medical Breakthroughs

Memorial Health System is one of the most active clinical trial sites in Ohio. Through ongoing nationally recognized cancer research and trials, we are able to offer treatments that won’t be available to the general public for months or even years from now. These clinical trials are conducted by our expert team of surgeons, specialists, and providers who are dedicated to improving the detection, treatment, and outcome of cancer related diseases. We are proud of our role in finding new ways to treat and beat cancer on all fronts. Currently, there are over 100 clinical trials available through The Cancer Center. These trials include cancer treatment and cancer prevention studies.

The Cancer Center provides access to clinical cancer trials to our community through an affiliation with National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). NCORP is a program of the National Cancer Institute that provides benefits including designing and conducting cancer prevention, supportive care and symptom management, screening, and surveillance clinical trials.

For more information about cancer clinical trials, please contact Lori Parker, RN, clinical research coordinator, at (740) 568-5386.

Our wide range of treatments include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that kills or limits the reproduction of cancer cells. It may be prescribed in an attempt to cure cancers, to control the spread of cancer when a cure is not possible, to decrease the size of tumors prior to surgical removal, or to relieve pain or other symptoms caused by the cancer.

Chemotherapy may be administered by intravenous route, by injection, or in pill form depending upon the type of cancer being treated. Some chemotherapy may be injected directly into the tumor under surgical or radiology guidance.

Targeted Therapies

Some types of chemotherapy target certain antibodies specific to the cancer cells; these are called monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, there are specialized medications which stop the formation of blood vessels to the cancerous tissue. These block oxygen and nutrients from reaching the tumor causing it to die.

Plastic, Reconstructive &; Hand Surgery

Our Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery is here to make our cancer patients feel more like their old selves. With our plastic surgery team’s expertise, we are able to provide expansive reconstructive surgery to help repair the changes to your body from your cancer surgery. Services for cancer patients can include breast augmentation implants (silicone and saline implants), tissue and/or nerve removal, and more. Plastic surgeon, Dr. Vidas Dumasius works hand in hand with your oncology team to create a care plan that meets your goals.

Immunotherapy

Another type of medication used to treat cancer is immunotherapy which stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Certain cancers develop protective proteins that disguise the abnormal cells from our immune system. Immunotherapy exposes the tumor cells so that a healthy immune system can identify and attack the cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is the practice of stopping the production of certain hormones within the body that fuel the cancer cells. By doing this, the cancer cells cannot grow as they normally would. This treatment is commonly used with breast and prostate cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy treats cancer by using x-rays or similar forms of radiation. The following is a list of our equipment and different forms of radiation therapy.

Surgical Oncology

Our surgical oncologist, Dr. Rajendra Bhati focuses on using surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer in collaboration with the rest of your oncology care team. He also performs palliative surgeries to help control pain, increase a patient’s comfort level, and manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects. Our surgical oncology team’s areas of expertise include:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cutaneous Malignancies (Melanoma)
  • Endocrine Surgery (Thyroidectomies Adrenalectomies)
  • Gastrointestinal Malignancies (Esophageal, Gastric, Liver, Pancreas, Colorectal Surgery)
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Soft Tissue Malignancies (Sarcomas)

Our Advanced Equipment:

CyberKnife

A fully robotic radiation delivery system that treats cancerous tumors precisely and accurately anywhere in the body. The CyberKnife is a non-invasive treatment option for patients who have inoperable or sugically complex tumors. Treatments are typically completed in 1-5 sessions using real-time image guidance to deliver radiation from thousands of beam angles, enabling SBRT and SRS treatment options.

Elekta Versa HD

Equipped with sophisticated conformal beam shaping technology and high dose rate mode delivery, the Versa HD is designed to provide the precision and speed necessary to deliver advanced stereotactic radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery techniques that demand the maximum accuracy in tumor targeting and protection of critical structures.

Intrabeam

An intraoperative form of radiation therapy that allows the radiation treatment to be delivered simultaneously with surgery. This treatment approach can reduce or eliminate the need for several weeks of external radiation therapy following surgery in some patients.

Tomotherapy

A versatile, efficient system enabling delivery of highly effective radiation therapy to a wide range of disease types. The Tomotherapy system utilizes daily imaging while enabling treatment delivery from 360 degrees around the patient allowing a precise dose delivery to the tumor while sparing normal tissue.

Our Radiation Treatment Delivery Options:

  • External Beam Delivery – Delivers closely conformed beams of radiation to the tumor or tumor bed.
  • Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) – Imaging method used with daily treatment delivery to allow more precise positioning of the radiation beam.
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – Radiation therapy that allows tighter restriction of dose to normal tissue while allowing us to deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumor or tumor bed.
  • Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) – High dose of radiation that is given during surgery directly to the area where the cancer was removed allowing minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Radioisotope Therapy – Internal radiation therapy using a radioactive material that can be administered orally or injected into the body. The material travels through the blood reaching and killing tumor cells.
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) – Precise image guided treatment fields involving the delivery of 1-5 high dose radiation treatments.
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) – A precise image guided, single dose of radiation that is delivered directly to the tumor.

Our Outpatient Infusion Therapy Services

Memorial Health System’s Outpatient Infusion Therapy team offer a wide variety of services to you including:

  • Anticoagulation therapy
  • Blood product transfusions – packed red blood cells, platelets, plasma, albumin
  • Central venous line care – routine flushing and site care for implanted subcutaneous ports, PICC lines, Hickman catheters
  • Colony stimulating factors for neutropenia
  • Epogen for end stage renal disease, chemotherapy induced anemia
  • Intravenous infusions for autoimmune disorders – Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, hypogammaglobulinemia
  • Intravenous antibiotic therapy including ambulatory pumps for home infusions
  • Iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia
  • IV hydration
  • Osteoporosis therapy
  • PICC line insertions at our Marietta, Selby, and Belpre facilities
  • Serum gastrin testing and cortisol challenge testing
  • Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections and patient education for self-injections
  • Therapeutic phlebotomy
  • Surgical Oncology & Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery

Treatment Side Effects

Nearly every type of treatment, whether it be medication or chemotherapy, will have side effects. These side effects are specific to the type of medication being administered and can be short or long term in duration. All side effects should be promptly reported to your healthcare team so that supportive measures can be initiated or potential adjustments can be made to your chemotherapy regimen.

Physician Direct Phone Numbers

Each of our Cancer Center physicians have a direct lines to their offices. Call these numbers for prescription refills, questions on chemotherapy/radiation treatment, lab/imaging results, questions on side effects, or questions on symptoms.

Medical Oncology/Hematology

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Radiation Oncology

Surgical Oncology

After Hours

  • If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
  • If you are experiencing an urgent issue that cannot wait until the next business day, please call our 24 Hour Nurse Line at (844) 474-6522.

Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic

One of the benefits of the services offered within the walls of our cancer center is the team on our Multidisciplinary Breast Tumor Board. This board meets on a regular basis and discusses current patient cases and treatment plans. It brings staff together from many different areas to give you the best possible care. Staff that take part in these meetings include:

  • Ancillary Health Personnel
  • Navigators
  • Pathologists Medical & Radiation Oncologists
  • Radiologists
  • Surgical Oncologists

The cancer center’s Breast Clinic reduces the time between our patients’ diagnosis and their treatment, by providing a collaborative, multidisciplinary care plan for each patient all in one day.

Every Wednesday, our newly diagnosed breast cancer patients will meet individually with our physicians, who will then collaborate to develop their care plan. Our specialists will then meet again with the patient later that day to share with them their unique treatment plan and to answer any questions that they may have.

As surgical oncologist, Dr. Bhati, says to every one of his patients, “The Breast Clinic was designed to bring the doctors to the patient, instead of the patient to the doctors.”

Meet the Team