The Benefits of Visiting a Cancer Center for Treatment

Our cancer center aims to alleviate the stress and burden often associated with cancer care. Unlike traditional oncology offices, we offer comprehensive care under one roof. This means you and your loved ones can access all your care needs without the added stress of moving around the city or state to consult multiple professionals. We aim to provide peace of mind by working with you and your family and providing the services, education, and resources to help increase your chances of remission.

What to Expect When Visiting a Cancer Center

The role of a cancer center

At a cancer center, patients can expect a different approach to care. Maintaining relationships with multiple professionals can be distressing, especially when communication barriers between offices lead to lengthy wait times. That is why our cancer center has a multi-specialist team of medical professionals, including scientists, various specialty oncologists (cancer doctors), and researchers. We also have mental health professionals and nutritionists on board. The benefit for patients is having all these professionals in one convenient location, working in unison to craft a plan that maximizes remission odds.

First visit to a cancer center

Patients will have access to round-the-clock care. However, to determine their needs, we must review their medical history, perform biomarker and lab testing, and perform physical examinations. We encourage patients to make a list of medications, herbs, and vitamins they are taking or have taken, including the frequency and duration of use. Patients will be able to meet their new care team, who will support them throughout their time with us.

Additionally, we want to get to know each patient beyond lab tests and paperwork. Therefore, we will review their familial history of cancer, regardless of the type. We will also review symptoms (type, duration, and frequency), when they were first informed of their diagnosis, lifestyle habits (eating habits, activity levels, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, etc.), and who can provide support to the patient at home.

We ask patients to arrive at least 15 minutes before their appointment. Please plan accordingly, as patients will likely spend an hour or two at our center for this visit.

Treatments available at a cancer center

Once we determine the exact type and stage (severity) of cancer, we can begin crafting their treatment plan. Treatment plans may include one or multiple of the following:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of medications that kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. It can be delivered through injections, infusions (intravenously), creams, and pills or capsules. We can use it as an independent treatment plan or in combination with other options. However, it is good to note that sometimes, we employ chemotherapy to alleviate cancer symptoms and not necessarily to cure it.

Hormone therapy

Some cancers use hormones to grow or expand. We will use hormone therapy or endocrine therapy to interrupt their process or completely stop the growth. Like chemotherapy, hormone therapy can be delivered in various ways, including orally, injections, and surgical methods.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy targets the immune system, which comprises the white blood cells, organs, and tissues of the lymph system, to help fight cancer better. Some cancers weaken the immune system, allowing it to go undetected and develop progressively. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are various types of immunotherapy: T-cell transfer therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and immune system modulators. This treatment can be delivered topically, orally, intravenously, or intravesically.

Radiation therapy

Possibly, one of the most well-known forms of cancer treatment is radiation therapy. It uses high dosages of radiation to kill cancer cells while also shrinking tumors. Radiation is the same force used when taking X-rays and CT scans but with lower dosages when used in these scans. It is not for long-term plans but can be useful for kick-starting treatment plans or addressing more aggressive cancers.

Surgery

Certain types of cancers, especially those that manifest tumors, require surgical methods. While these are primarily split between open or invasive surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, there are at least five types. They include the removal of tumors and diseased structures, cryosurgery, laser surgery, hyperthermia, and photodynamic therapy.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a method that targets specific proteins that control the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells. We will use small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies to shrink or prevent tumors from growing.

Find your care team in the Marlton area

Our dynamic, multi-specialty team is dedicated to our patients. If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, have any questions, or would like to learn more about treatments at our cancer center, our team is here to help. 

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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