Report to the Community

Leading the Cancer Fight in West Michigan

Saint Mary's is home to West Michigan's premier cancer center, the only dedicated facility of its kind in the region. At the forefront of cancer treatment, The Cancer Center at Saint Mary's uses advanced research, the latest technology, and the newest cancer-fighting therapies, all offered under one roof. Attracting top oncology and radiation specialists from around the country, we're fighting cancer with more confidence, strength, and determination than ever.

We're leading the way with new technology and treatment options that were once only available at distant universities and clinics. We're the only local cancer center to advance Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to its dynamic applications. Now, patients with brain tumors and other cancers once considered difficult, if not impossible to treat, are being treated with outpatient radiation therapy. We're the only center performing B-mode Acquisition Targeting. For many prostate cancer patients, it's a safe, non-invasive treatment option, delivering high dose radiation with unmatched precision. We're improving the comfort and quality of life for liver cancer patients with a new cancer-fighting weapon called radiofrequency ablation. Many patients who were once facing exploratory surgery for stomach and other cancers are now being diagnosed, and in some cases treated, with outpatient endoscopic ultrasound.

We pioneered the concept of coordinated care clinics, including our Breast Cancer Clinic. For breast cancer patients, we bring all of your specialists together in one day, at one time, to meet and discuss your treatment options. It's the only center in the area with the resources to get you from testing to treatment in as little as three days.

Naturally, a diagnosis of cancer evokes fear and concern for patients and their families. Here, taking care of all of you, body, mind, and spirit, and all of you, patient, family, and community, takes on an even greater role. Our Cancer Resource Specialist is a friend and advisor, helping guide patients and family through decisions and addressing emotional, financial, and other needs. Our Spiritual Care Coordinator transcends the role of hospital chaplain, becoming an active member of the coordinated care team. Our complementary care integrates with traditional medicine and pain management for a more complete approach to comfort and healing. We believe this holistic approach is not only a better way of care, it's a better way to fight cancer, too.

The success of The Cancer Center at Saint Mary's has paved the way for the construction of the Richard J. Lacks Sr., Cancer Center at Saint Mary's. At completion, Saint Mary's inpatient cancer care unit will join The Cancer Center, moving in together in a new facility to become the area's only dedicated cancer hospital.

West Michigan's Premier Cancer Center, Offering the Newest Technology and Latest Therapies.

• Only Area Center Performing dynamic IMRT
• Only Area Center Performing BAT Prostate Procedure
• Only Area Center Performing Cancer Endoscopic Ultrasound
• Only True Coordinated Care Breast Cancer Clinic
• Member of the Michigan Cancer Consortium

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