Cancer
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Welcome to our new classes & support programs through CancerLifeline. View our latest schedule |
Knowledge and compassion
Valley Medical Center is your partner in fighting cancer. Building relationships is a priority for us. With the latest treatment available in your backyard, living with cancer doesn’t have to mean living in a hospital or traveling long distances for care. We are proud to have the right doctors and treatment options close to home so our patients and their loved ones can make the most of every single day.
Here, our cancer care combines the latest technology and protocols with the warmth of understanding. Our expert clinicians are fighting cancer with a comprehensive array of services, including early detection, diagnostic testing, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, support groups, nutritional information and other patient education.
Valley Medical Center is proudly accredited by the Commission on Cancer as a Comprehensive Cancer Program. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists include: medical oncologists and hematologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, spiritual care and other support staff who provide hope and care to both inpatients and outpatients.
Our healing environment enhances the feeling of comfort and warmth for patients and the use of natural sunlight is a vitally important feature. Valley Medical Center is also proud to offer a Healing Garden and Serenity Garden to provide peace and respite for patients and their families.
Thanks to contemporary medical treatments, many cancers are highly treatable. In fact, nearly half of the cancers treated today are cured through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Although there are more than 100 different types of cancer, they do share one thing in common—the physical and emotional effect on the patients, their families, and friends that it touches.
Wellness Testing & Screening
The earlier cancer is detected, often the easier it can be to treat and cure. Therefore, early detection is key to improving survival. We are proud to offer many options that help detect cancer and save lives:
- Digital Mammography
- General Diagnostic Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging (MRI, CT, PET Scan, Nuclear Medicine)
- Ultrasound
- Laboratory Testing
- Biopsy & Needle Localization
- Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
- Surgical Assessment & Staging
Patient & Support Services
Valley Medical Center offers patients and their families vital support to provide HOPE and needed guidance and information:
- Dedicated Nurse Navigator helps guide patients and their families through the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Cancer Resource Center provided in partnership by Valley Medical Center and the American Cancer Society, the CRC provides important programs and services free of charge, such as: Making Strides Against Cancer; Wig, Hat and Turban Bank; Look Good, Feel Better; Reach to Recovery; Road to Recovery; and a free 24-hour Resource Hotline
- Cancer Lifeline provides patients and their families with free classes, seminars, support groups, social activities, Lebed Method, Yoga, artistic expression, and more
- CaringBridge.org uses the power of the internet to help keep loved ones from around the world informed during difficult times. It's free and is a meaningful way to help friends and family during life-changing events. In return, family and friends give patient and caregiver support through guestbook messages and a photo gallery.
- Oncology Social Worker and Financial Counselors assist with answering important questions and providing valuable support
- Valley Medical Center houses a Lymphedema Clinic, as well as a fully-equipped Fitness Center
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Cancer develops by influence from both external (chemicals, radiation, and viruses) and internal (hormones, immune conditions, and inherited mutations) factors. These factors may act together to initiate or promote the abnormal growth of cells. Cancer is treated with a variety of options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormones and immunotherapy.
Cancer Treatment
Physicians specializing in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology as well as specially trained nurses and technicians work with cancer patients through all phases of treatment. A multidisciplinary Cancer Conference consisting of primary care physicians, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, and other supportive specialists reviews every cancer case at the hospital and provides recommendations on patient care and treatments.
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy is provided in Valley Medical Center's Infusion Center, located on the 3rd floor of the main hospital. Medical oncology and hematology specialists and staff provide:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Biotherapy
- Access to investigational protocols
Radiation Oncology
A team including a radiation oncologist, physicist, radiation therapists, dosimetrist and nurses provide the care needed to treat a variety of cancers, from skin lesions to deep tumors.
- IGRT, IMRT and SRS Linear Accelerator Treatments
- 3-D planning system including virtual simulation to help physicians determine treatment fields and proper positioning
- PET-CT scan image fusion for detection of abnormal cells and radiation treatment planning
- Tumor Registry
- Nurse Navigation and Survivorship Education
Cancer Support and Education Services
Valley Medical Center provides wonderful support and important resources for patients and their families who have been touched by cancer. Some important links include:
Caringbridge.org
Cancer Lifeline
Gilda's Club, Seattle
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Contact Us
For more information about any of the services and programs listed, please contact Valley Medical Center's Cancer Resource Center at 425.656.4002. We can also refer you to additional community resources.
Important Contact Numbers:
Cancer Resource Info Line: 425.656.4002
Imaging Central Scheduling: 425.251.5255 x5194
Nurse Navigator: 425.228.3440 x3162
Social Work Services: 425.228.3440 x5949
Infusion Center: 425.656.4037
Breast Center: 425.656.5588
Lymphedema Management Program: 425.251.5165
American Cancer Society: 800.ACS.2345 or cancer.org
Cancer Lifeline: 800.255.5505 or cancerlifeline.org
Free Physician Referral: 425.656.4636
