Lancaster General Cancer Center
Although the word “cancer” frequently instills fear, the more you learn about cancer and its survivors, the more that fear will be replaced by hope. That’s because today, many cancers can be treated and cured at Lancaster General Cancer Center.
The team of professionals at Lancaster General Cancer Center, located at the Lancaster General Health Campus, provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of cancer in women, including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and rehabilitation. The cancer treatment alternatives available at the Lancaster General Cancer Center exceed those available at many university-based medical centers, assuring that you receive the care you need close to home. Our focus is to care for the whole woman—both physically and emotionally—and provide educational and support services for women and their families right here in Lancaster County. For specific program information, call (717) 544-3113.
Tools for Early Detection and Diagnosis
Cancer can be more successfully treated when it’s detected early. The Lancaster General Cancer Center emphasizes early detection of many cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Annual physical check-ups and regular cancer screenings are also encouraged. To aid in cancer diagnosis, a number of highly advanced diagnostic tools are available at the Health Campus and other Lancaster General facilities:
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computerized Tomography (CT)
- Mammography
- Stereotactic Core Biopsy
- Laboratory Services
- Pathology
The Most Advanced Treatments & Most Sophisticated Equipment
The term “cancer” actually refers to more than 100 different diseases with diverse characteristics. Such a complex disease requires a variety of treatment methods. The exceptional teamwork of the specialists at the Cancer Center and the doctors from Hematology/Oncology Physicians of Lancaster ensures that you will get the best possible combination of treatments for your condition. Your cancer care team may include surgeons, radiation oncology physicians, medical oncologists, social workers, radiation therapists and rehabilitation specialists. Many cancers are treated with traditional or laser surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, immunotherapy or a combination of these. Many treatments are provided on an outpatient basis, depending on the type of cancer and the individual’s condition. For specific information, call (717) 544-3113.
Traditional & Laser Surgery
- Chemotherapy – treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy – the treatment of benign or cancerous tumors with high-energy X-rays, electrons and other types of radiation. The radiation can be delivered using machines outside the body, or by placing radioactive materials or needles directly into a tumor or organ containing a tumor.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery – focuses high doses of radiation at a tumor while limiting the exposure that normal tissue receives. It’s useful when a patient’s condition does not permit regular surgery or when a tumor is in a place where regular surgery would harm essential tissue in the brain or spinal cord.
Immunotherapy – treatments that promote or support the body’s immune system response to a disease such as cancer.
Clinical Trials
Lancaster General Cancer Center patients have the opportunity to participate in Phase II and Phase III national clinical trials. Phase II trials help to determine the appropriate dosages for new and promising treatments. When treatments progress to Phase III, they are thought to be at least as beneficial as standard treatment and may offer even more effective treatment. Clinical trials offer both benefits and risks, and you should work closely with your doctor to determine if there is a clinical trial that might be right for you. For specific information on current clinical trials, call (717) 544-3113.
Physical & Emotional Support
Emotional support is vital to the success of every cancer patient’s treatment and recovery. That’s why Lancaster General Cancer Center offers a variety of educational and support services. Classes include the “You and Your Chemotherapy” educational program, the American Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery” as well as resources from the Well Spring Humor Library. A number of cancer support groups meet regularly to help you stay healthy and share experiences with others. For cancer patients who prefer home care, we will coordinate a smooth transition from hospital to home, hospice or supplemental care, making sure that each individual’s health needs are being met. For more information, please call (717) 544-3113.