Patient Services

Radiation is a special kind of energy that is carried by a stream of particles or waves. We get low levels of radiation from the sun, chest x-rays and mammograms. High levels of radiation stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying. There are two types of radiation therapy services: external beam and internal radiation or brachytherapy.

External Beam Radiation:

External beam radiation means that radiation is delivered outside of the body. Some of the cancers that are treated with external beam radiation therapy include brain tumors, breast cancer, head and neck tumors, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer and uterine cancer. External radiation is also used for lymphomas and sarcomas. 

This type of radiation is delivered by a specialized piece of equipment that resembles a large x-ray machine. This piece of equipment is called an accelerator. 

External beam radiation is typically given to patients 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for a period of 1 to 9 weeks. Radiation therapy can be given to patients once, twice or three times per day, depending upon the type of cancer being treated

Brachytherapy:

Brachytherapy is the placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate. These prostate seed implants are placed into the prostate during an outpatient surgical procedure. The tiny seeds (they measure less than a third of an inch) are made of surgical metal (titanium) are left permanently in the prostate. The seeds emit radiation over several months and then become inert (inactive). Prostate brachytherapy is an alternative to a prostatectomy or removal of the prostate. The major advantage of brachytherapy use is its convenience for the patient and the fact that the radiation is localized to a particular area. Brachytherapy can be done in conjunction with external beam radiation. Patients who have aggressive cancers or large tumors are the best candidates for this combination therapy.

Hospice Services:

Hospice services are available to patients in their homes through our network of hospice providers. These services include respite, pastoral, family support and other support services for the terminal patient.

Support Groups:

Cancer patients and their families often find it helpful to join a support group to have an open forum to discuss their questions and concerns with people that understand first hand what they are experiencing. The Northern Ohio Regional Cancer Center understands this need and can put patients together with support groups in their area.

Social Services:

We can connect patients and their caregivers to licensed medical social workers who can assist with payment schedules and other issues or concerns.

Nutritional Services:

The Center can connect patients with registered dieticians who can counsel patients on proper nutritional therapy and prescribe personalized eating plans.

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