COMBINING CANCER TREATMENTS:
No two patients are alike, and everyone has unique needs when it comes to the treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are the two most frequently used cancer treatments available.

Radiation therapy shrinks tumors by damaging the cancer cell's chromosomes, so that they are not able to multiply. Radiation typically targets cancer cells in a specific area of the body. Chemotherapy, however, kills both cancerous and non-cancerous cells throughout the body.

Certain patients may require chemotherapy in addition to radiation treatments. These patients may also be interested in receiving alternative treatments. Most cancer treatment facilities treat either chemotherapy or radiation therapy patientswhich means that a patient has to go to different facilities for each procedure. More recently however, cancer centers have begun to take a more comprehensive, or integrated, approach by providing both types of treatments, as well as other methods of therapy, under one roof.
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH:
Fully integrated care ordinarily provides radiation therapy, surgical procedures and chemotherapy at one location. Many cancer centers also offer complementary therapies, which are alternative methods of treating cancer that are used in conjunction with mainstream medical treatments.Complementary therapies address all aspects of treatment, including the psychological and spiritual elements that are part of the healing process. When used in conjunction with traditional treatments, these therapies have been shown to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients, and promote healing.

ADVANTAGES OF A COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT APPROACH:
Many large-scale organizations as well as smaller oncologist groups are finding that taking an integrated approach to cancer treatment can benefit everyone involved. When a patient has access to each treatment within one facility, less precious time is lost traveling between locations. More time becomes available for treatment. Patients have less stress, which can aid with the totall healing process.

When multiple cancer physicians work as a team, under one roof, the risk of error drops significantly. Less red tape means that fewer mistakes are made in paperwork. The doctors are able to converse, and address a patient's needs much faster than if they were all based in different facilities. When doctors work together, they have the ability to come up with, and agree upon, a comprehensive treatment plan designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient.