When cancer is the diagnosis ...

… confidence and hope come from knowing that sophisticated medical treatment is being provided by highly skilled and compassionate professionals. That’s why so many people choose Hillcrest Hospital’s Cancer Program, one of the most modern and best-equipped cancer programs in the nation.

Our longstanding commitment to excellence has been proven and recognized nationwide. Hillcrest has been named one of America’s 100 Top Hospitals eight times. The Cancer Program provides powerful and effective treatments utilizing state-of-the-art technologies.

The Hillcrest team of medical specialists, certified oncology nurses, pharmacists, radiation therapists and others work together in every aspect of cancer care, from diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation. Special attention is also given to the psychological and emotional needs of both patients and their loved ones through one-on-one and group counseling.

With expertise and advanced technology, the Hillcrest Hospital Cancer Program emphasizes prevention; early detection; personalized, aggressive treatment and customized support. 

PREVENTION 

Cancer results from unrestrained cell growth in a certain part of the body, and the abnormal cells may then travel to other organs. A healthy diet and lifestyle can greatly reduce the chance of developing most forms of the disease, and Hillcrest Hospital sponsors a series of programs that can help: 

 

• Wellness Seminars – Featured topics cover a range of controllable risk factors, such as nutrition, age-appropriate exercise and environment.
• Screening Programs – Basic testing for various cancers including skin and prostate, to produce an individualized cancer risk profile.

EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
The best weapon against cancer will always be to identify it as early as possible and begin treatment to stop the disease from spreading. Hillcrest Hospital features the leading technologies needed for accurate diagnosis of where and how much cancer exists.

CT Scan – Computerized Tomography scanners produce cross-sectional images at high resolution in less than a second. Hillcrest recently upgraded its equipment to include a 40-slice CT scanner that provides extensive anatomical detail.

PET/CT Scan – Positron Emission Tomography scanners use color-coded imagery to map data about malignant tumors. The anatomical imaging of a CT Scan is combined with the molecular and cellular information provided by a PET Scan for early diagnosis and more accurate detection and precise localization of tumors. This test also offers improved biopsy sampling and better assessment of how patients respond to treatment.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive procedure that generates specific images of internal organs, tumors, blood vessels and soft tissue near bones and joints.

Nuclear or Isotope Scan – A gamma camera or scintillation scanner pinpoints the physiologic function, location and diagnosis of abnormal organs or tissues.

Mammography – A type of imaging specifically designed to detect breast cancer. Hillcrest was the first Northeast Ohio hospital to install ImageChecker® technology that digitally examines test images and marks regions of concern for further examination.

Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment – Special testing for individuals concerned about their family or personal history.

SURGERY 

Traditional laparoscopic, or laser surgery may be performed to remove a malignant tumor or extract tissue for further examination. Surgeons renowned for their proficiency and skill are available for cancer patients at Hillcrest.

Chemotherapy

Infusion and chemotherapy services are provided under the direct supervision of board-certified oncology physicians. Because the application of injections or pills to kill cancer cells may take several weeks to complete, our outpatient program is focused on comfort and convenience. The William B. Hirsch Family Cancer Center offers individual chemotherapy stations for the privacy and comfort of its patients and their families.

Radiation Therapy
With minimal damage to healthy cells, small doses of high-level radiation can kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. More than half of all cancer patients require radiation therapy during their course of treatment. Hillcrest’s radiation oncology team includes Cleveland Clinic physicians, physicists and dosimetrists who carefully calculate the appropriate dose of radiation needed for effective results.

Specialized Treatment

Brachytherapy, the injection of low-dose radioactive seeds directly into the diseased area, is an alternative to surgery or daily radiation. High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a safe, effective option for treating breast, prostate, cervical and uterine cancers. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a method of giving concentrated radiation treatment with the goal of directing radiation to the tumor while sparing normal tissue and reducing side effects.

For breast cancer patients considering lumpectomy, the Mammosite™ applicator delivers radiation directly to the area surrounding the tumor with minimal exposure to healthy tissue. The Mammosite™ procedure requires considerably less time to complete than traditional radiation therapy.

Clinical Studies

Most current treatment plans include a clinical trial option for patients to assist in the development of new medications and/or treatments. Hillcrest frequently participates in local and national research efforts designed to answer scientific questions and determine if promising new therapies are safe and effective. As a result, Hillcrest Hospital makes available therapies that specifically target cancer cells with minimal negative affect to normal cells and tissues. Our patients also gain access to treatments usually available only at major medical educational institutions, as well as up-to-the-minute research in medical, radiation and gynecological oncology.

 

 

Hillcrest Hospital currently has trials for many disease sites, in Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Gynecology Oncology.  For further information, please contact the research department at 440.312.4293 or e-mail hugneyc@cchseast.org.  

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

• Pain Management
  Medications and non-drug methods such as relaxation, music and pet therapy are used by highly-trained specialists to control the acute, chronic and incidental pain cancer patients may experience.
  
  
• Dietary Consultation
  Nutritional counseling by an oncology-registered dietician is provided to teach patients how to keep the body functioning at its best while it fights disease and reacts to medications that affect appetite or digestion.
  
  
• Rehabilitation
  For patients undergoing various physical challenges, rehabilitation services include physical, occupational and speech therapy and audiology services.
  
  
• Social Services
  Hillcrest-sponsored support groups and community resources are used by the Cancer Program social worker to create a support system for each patient.
  
  
• Insurance
  Hillcrest offers pre-certification for chemotherapy, gynecological surgeries and radiation treatments.  A discharge planner is also available to coordinate home health care.
   
• Special Conveniences
  Complimentary services include valet parking.  For visitors, there are sample visiting times and family accommodations.