Community MD Anderson Cancer Center - Anderson Medical Oncology

Our cancer team includes medical oncologists, a radiation oncologist, specialty nurses and others who are experts in delivering chemotherapy, infusion, and radiation therapy services. Together, they are all part of your cancer care team.

Community MD Anderson Physicians

Navigators: With you from the start

Community MD Anderson strives to help every patient navigate the cancer journey. It starts when you meet your navigator. She is with you from the beginning, making sure all your questions are answered and you get all the information you need to make informed choices about your treatment plan.

Meet the Oncology Navigators

In Anderson, we treat all cancer types, but see more cases of lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. The oncologists and staff work closely on a daily basis to deliver personalized cancer treatments and coordinate care with the surgeons and your primary care physician. Some patients travel to us from across the state to receive specialized treatment for prostate and breast cancer. 

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat the cancer cells before surgery, after surgery or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Chemo, as it is often called, is also used for cancers that have spread (or metastasized) to other parts of the body far from the original tumor site. Currently, there are more than 100 different chemo agents and many are used in combination. Our medical oncologists are highly trained in chemo guidelines and how they apply to the treatment of more than 100 different cancers.

Goal of Chemotherapy

Each patient's cancer journey is individual and that is why your cancer treatment plan is personalized for your needs. Depending on the cancer type, stage and other factors, chemo is used to:

• Kill the cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body
• Shrink the tumor, especially before surgery and/or radiation therapy
• Slow the cancer cell growth
• Keep the cancer from spreading
• Relieve symptoms caused by cancer

The cancer center works closely with Community Hospital Anderson's Imaging Center to coordinate mammograms and other imaging services for our patients. Know your risk for cancer, family history and symptoms. Ask your physician what cancer screening tests should be part of your annual health physical.

• Genetic testing and counseling.
• Counseling for distress provided by psychologist Jodi Nixon, PhD
• Local American Cancer Society volunteers provide "Look Good, Feel Good" services to our cancer patients undergoing chemo and radiation treatment.
• Smoking is a key risk factor for developing cancer. If you are interested in a smoking cessation class at Community Hospital Anderson, call 765-298-1660.
• Transportation service to and from appointments is available from the Hospital's Med Express as well as American Cancer Society Road to Recovery volunteers.
• The Comfort Shoppe is a specialty boutique that offers a certified fitter, mastectomy products, headwear and more for breast cancer patients.

Survivorship

A cancer survivor starts being a survivor the day of the very first treatment. And every day thereafter, our physicians and cancer care staff identify resources that support your recovery. Our palliative care team bridges the patient's needs from hospital care, outpatient treatment, to home care and daily life. This team includes a social worker, wound care specialists, oncology nurses, radiation nurse and dietitians. Each contributes to the patient's total care plan.

Survivorship Program