WE CAN treat cancer close to home.
Oncology Center Services
Maria Parham Oncology Center partners with the experts from Duke Medicine to provide the best possible care for cancer patients. Our team offers a full range of services that blends state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment, with compassionate and knowledgeable care.
One of the biggest advantages of the Maria Parham/Duke partnership is the ability to provide world class research, technology and care to our patients in our community.
Medical and radiation oncology are both offered, along with related services such as counseling and nutrition. Education is available through an on-site Cancer Resource Center, a joint effort of The American Cancer Society and Maria Parham.
We offer several services to aid in treatment and recovery:
Medical Oncology
Our Medical Oncology services help patients needing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with medications that can destroy cancer cells. Because chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, healthy cells can also be harmed, especially those that divide quickly such as skin and hair cells. Harm to healthy cells is what causes side effects; fortunately, these cells often repair themselves after chemotherapy is stopped. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously, by mouth, through an injection, or applied to the skin. The delivery method and type of chemotherapy medications depend on the type of cancer, the part of the body where the cancer is found, its effect on normal bodily functions, and the patient’s general health. Chemotherapy is often administered in cycles that include treatment periods alternated with rest periods to give the body a chance to build healthy new cells and regain its strength.
Radiation Oncology
In 2007, Maria Parham’s Radiation Unit was upgraded to include a state- of-the-art linear accelerator. This $2 Million renovation allows for us to provide our community with the best cancer care available. Our linear accelerator machine is so advanced, it can treat within one millimeter of accuracy—about the size of a toothpick. This machine is also equipped with IRMT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) technology which allows for painless precise radiation does to malignant tumors.
Counseling & Support
It is important to treat the physical needs of our patients facing cancer, but also to provide support for the emotional, psychological and spiritual issues that you and your family face. We have created a variety of resources and support groups such as a women’s support group that includes breast cancer survivors and a newly formed caregiver’s support group. We strongly believe that participation in supports groups and other counseling can be beneficial allowing patients the opportunity share experience with other facing the same circumstances.
Nutrition
We offer a registered dietician to oncology center patients to help them with diet and nutrition during and after cancer treatment. The right nutritional program will provide benefits to your recovery.
Education
The Oncology Services Team provides educational programs for the community. We are a partner in education with the Susan G. Komen. To learn more about the Susan G. Komen foundation, click here.
The Oncology Services Team also organizes and hosts community lunch and learn events. These free lunch events have featured educational information on topics such as breast and colon cancer.
We work with several community groups and partners on education outside of the hospital and in the greater community. If you are interested in having our team come to your community group, please call the Oncology Center.