In recent years, the cancer death rate has been on the decline thanks to
fervent research and remarkable medical advances. At Salinas Valley Health,
we vigilantly observe new developments in this field so that we can provide
you with optimal cancer treatments. We are a leading provider in oncology
and hematology services. With our commitment and a focus on compassionate
care, we serve all cancer patients of the Central Coast and surrounding areas.
The study and treatment of cancer is primarily handled in the following fields:
Oncology –This field was created explicitly for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment
of cancers. Oncologists usually handle cancer surgeries and chemotherapy
treatments.
Hematology – The study of blood has revealed links between blood disorders and cancer,
resulting in a hematologist’s work often overlapping with oncology.
Oncologists typically have training in hematology, as treating cancer
affecting blood is often important in their work, but hematologists rarely
perform oncological services.
Cancer Care & Blood Disorder Treatment
Cancers that form in or spread to the blood are usually impossible to remove
through surgery. Once cancer has reached this point, a hematologist is
called in to assist with the patient’s treatment. Hematologists
specialize in treating blood disorders like leukemia, sickle cell disease
and anemia. Many oncologists receive additional training in hematology
so that they can continue to treat patients effectively if their cancer
spreads to the blood.
Our Cancer Care team includes experienced hematologists and oncologists
who specialize in treating cancers of the blood. We create customized
treatment plans designed to help our patients fight this disease while
living as comfortably as possible.
What Is Blood Cancer?
Cancer is a group of mutated cells that interfere with the body’s
functions. When these cells are concentrated in one area (known as a tumor),
they can often be removed through a surgical procedure. Blood cancers,
however, affect the cells in the bloodstream. As these cells are constantly
moving throughout the body, there is no way to remove them with a single
surgical procedure.
Cancers of the blood take many forms, and the treatment for each can vary.
In very general terms, the strategy for curing blood cancer is to remove
or overwhelm the cancer cells with medication and stimulate the production
of healthy blood cells.
Some blood cancer treatments include:
Chemotherapy – Powerful medication delivered through an IV to fight cancer cells
Radiation therapy – Applying radiation to cancerous areas to destroy the cancer cells
Stem cell transplantation – Creating and infusing healthy blood cells into the body to keep
the body functioning
Blood transfusion – Infusing healthy blood cells from compatible donors to fight cancer’s
side effects
Immunotherapy – Techniques that stimulate the body’s immune system to help
it fight cancer
A Facility Equipped for Fighting Blood Cancer
At Salinas Valley Health, we have numerous tools to help people fight leukemia
and other forms of blood cancer. In addition to our comprehensive cancer
care program, we also have a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory, a wide
array of cancer treatment options to fit every patient’s unique
needs, and a dedicated team of oncologists, hematologists, nurses, physicians
and support staff ready to do whatever is necessary to help our patients.
This is not a battle you need to fight alone. Our team will be with you
every step of the way.
Treatment Personalized for You
There are many forms of cancer, and they can affect people in many different
ways. There is no one definitive treatment plan for cancer because so
many people react to it differently. We want you to receive treatment
that keeps your lifestyle and goals in mind. Our foremost goal is keeping
you healthy and happy. Cancer Care patients are given a full evaluation
and discuss with a doctor the side effects and effectiveness of various
treatment methods.
Learn more about how your care could proceed in the following pages:
Though learning you have cancer is never easy, working with knowledgeable
medical professionals who design treatments specifically created for your
disease can be very reassuring. Visit our clinic today and start fighting back.
Knowing the stage and grade of a person's cancer helps doctors know what
treatment to use. It also helps predict how long the person will survive
or whether there is a good chance for a cure.
.jpg)
.jpg)
