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Did you know?
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in the US men have slightly less than a 1 in 2 chance of contracting cancer during their lifetime. For women, odds are slightly more than 1 in 3.
- Cancer can be caused by lifestyle choices (sun exposure, smoking, diet, activity, viruses)
- The ACS estimates half of all new cancer cases could have been prevented or caught early by screening.
- Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary.
Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2005. Atlanta: ACS; 2005. |
Thanks to new, improved therapies, an increasing number of people are living beyond cancer and enjoying a full life after treatment. Getting the proper treatment early is key. Your first step should be to find the right cancer specialist and treatment facility. Deaconess is committed to offering up-to-date care to people with cancer, including diagnostic testing, various types of treatment including some unique to Deaconess in this region and outpatient services designed for convenience of those needing chemotherapy or blood.
Why Choose Us?
Top Ten Cancers in the Inland Northwest (new cases in 2003—published 8/2005)
Treatment Options
Diagnostic Testing
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- MRI
- Nuclear Medicine
- Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography
- X ray and Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
Our Experts
- Oncology-Certified nurses
- Medical Oncologists
- GYN Oncologists
- Surgical Oncologists
- Radiation Oncologists
- Pathologists
Mammosite Therapy for Breast Cancer
Mammosite therapy is a new treatment option for those with breast cancer. Recently performed in Spokane, this procedure uses our high-dose-rate HDR equipment. After surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, a balloon is placed in the space where the tumor sat and is filled with saline solution. A catheter (tube) is inserted into the fluid and a radioactive seed is sent down the tube to destroy any possible lingering cancer cells. After a few minutes, the seed is removed. This process is repeated twice a day for one week. Your oncologist can tell you if this is a good option for you.
Brachytherapy (Radioactive seed implantation)
Brachytherapy is the temporary or permanent implantation of radioactive seeds. The radioactivity destroys cancer cells. It is most often used in brain, prostate, lung, breast, esophageal, rectum and GYN procedures.
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
Deaconess has the only HDR technology in this area. It uses radioactive pellets or seeds to apply radiation to a very specific area. The HDR machine delivers a higher dose rate of radiation than routine brachytherapy. A catheter (tube) is placed in the cancerous area. A seed is sent down the catheter, left in a few minutes to achieve the radiation dose and then removed. The catheter may be left in place for up to a few days if more than one application is prescribed.
Gamma Knife
A Gamma knife for the treatment of brain cancer and disorders is on site. For more information see gkspokane.com.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. It freezes the prostate to kill the cancer cells. Patients only need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours, have less postoperative complications and experience a much quicker recovery.
Screening
Free skin cancer screening and education is offered through Community Health Education Resources (CHER).