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Cancer treatment that's effective and compassionate.

Cancer treatment

We represent every specialty involved in cancer treatment

At Salem Health Cancer Center, we specialize in hope. Together, our team of multidisciplinary providers creates a treatment plan unique to each patient. And they use a wide variety of tools in the battle against cancer.

We want to prepare you for whatever treatment path you take. Part of that preparation is knowing the different types of available cancer treatment.

A happy elderly man sitting and holding hands with his doctor.

 

We collaborate with local and regional cancer specialists to provide the latest treatment options to our community.

 

Installation of the Edge Radiosurgery System.
Introducing the Edge Radiosurgery System: A revolutionary tool in the fight against cancer

With the Edge system, we can visualize the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue in real time, track patient movement and direct radiation with remarkable accuracy — often within a millimeter. This precise, noninvasive approach means fewer side effects, greater comfort and improved outcomes for our patients.

The introduction of the Edge Radiosurgery System underlines our commitment to offering state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible care to our patients.


Cancers we treat

The team at Salem Health Cancer Center is made up of board-certified physicians, oncology-certified nurses, and other clinical specialists from every discipline involved in cancer care.

Bone cancer

Breast cancer

Blood

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma — Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s
  • Myeloma

Brain tumor

  • Astrocytoma
  • Glioblastoma
  • Meningioma
  • Brain metastases

Carcinoid tumor

 

Gastrointestinal

  • Anal
  • Colorectal
  • Esophageal
  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Pancreatic

Gynecologic

  • Cervical
  • Endometrial
  • Ovarian
  • Uterine
  • Vaginal
  • Vulvar

Head and neck

  • Laryngeal
  • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus
  • Nasopharyngeal
  • Oral
  • Salivary gland
  • Thyroid

Thoracic cancer

  • Chest wall tumors
  • Lung
  • Mediastinal tumors
  • Mesothelioma
  • Non-small cell
  • Pulmonary metastasis
  • Small cell

Skin Cancer

  • Melanoma
  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Sarcoma

Urological

  • Bladder
  • Kidney
  • Prostate
  • Testicular

 

 

For the most up-to-date information about each type of cancer, its treatment and its outlook, visit these national resources.




Logo for the American Cancer Society

 

 

Cancer Center patients sitting in a circle discussing their cancer stories.

Treatment for the mind and body

Medical treatment of cancer is only part of your overall treatment. We offer a variety of support groups aimed at treating the emotional and spiritual parts of a cancer diagnosis.

Our support groups are filled with others facing similar concerns and challenges — you are not alone.

Join us as we discuss the many kinds of hardships that come along with a cancer diagnosis.


Learn more

 

 

 

Preparing for cancer treatment

Soon after a cancer diagnosis, a doctor will discuss treatment options with you. It is very easy to become overwhelmed during this time — you may feel like you’ve lost control of your body. One way to feel more in control is to take an active approach to preparing for treatment. Below are four ways to feel more in control.

Ask your doctor questions

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any question. If something is troubling you, it's worth discussing. We have a support team to help you navigate your care.

Before appointments, you may find it useful to write down your questions so you won't forget what you want to ask. Take notes or ask whether you may use a voice recorder. You may also want to ask a family member or friend to join you.

 

Learn more

Doctor standing in lobby

 

Patient receiving radiology treatment
Anticipate symptoms & side effects

You won't know exactly what side effects you’ll have until treatment begins. Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, fever and infection.

Planning for side effects — before they happen — with your doctor and family can help. You may need loved ones to take over household chores and responsibilities for a while. The good news is that most side effects are controllable and will go away after treatment ends.

 

Learn about managing symptoms

 

Commit to eating right

Normally, a healthy diet includes eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting fat and sugar. But nutrition is often different during cancer treatment.

To strengthen your body, you may need to increase calories and protein in your diet. Our dietitian can advise you on ways to avoid some side effects of treatment, such as nausea and constipation.

 

Learn about cancer wellness

Woman talking about food that help prevent cancer.

 

Man and woman talking in an office
Talk to your employer

Whether you can work during cancer treatment will depend on your health status and how you feel. Some employers offer flexible work hours or other options.

You won't know how you will feel until treatment starts, but it doesn't hurt to have a conversation about it ahead of time.

Our resource coordinator can help you assess your health insurance, address any financial concerns and find community resources to help you during this time. Talk to your employer about your Oregon Family Leave Act and Family Medical Leave Act options.

 

Learn more

 

 

Clinical trials

Woman working in medial lab

Cancer clinical trials often compare the most accepted cancer treatment with a new type of treatment. The hope is that the new treatment will be better.

We work closely with researchers to provide high-quality cancer care. We tailor the clinical trials to the needs of the community — including quality of life trials.

Talk with your doctor or call the Salem Health clinical research department at 503-814-1435 to see if clinical trials are an option for you.


Learn more