Cancer Care

At Murray-Calloway County Hospital, we keep care close to home. 

With the newly opened Regional Cancer Center, groundbreaking technology, including an advanced linear accelerator and state-of-the-art treatment simulator, meets compassionate care from a top-notch team of doctors, nurses, and staff.

Employing cutting-edge treatments and prioritizing early detection, our multidisciplinary team of experts provides continuous support throughout your journey.

Regional Cancer Center

The Regional Cancer Center, conveniently located on 8th Street, is open Monday – Friday.

Most insurance plans cover cancer treatments, and we assist patients who need alternative arrangements. Our office staff will answer any insurance questions during your first visit.

View the Regional Cancer Center Grand Opening

Commission on Cancer Accreditation

The Cancer Program at Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently was granted a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

A facility receives the accreditation following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor. During the visit, staff demonstrate compliance with standards, which include: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement.

Receiving care at a CoC-accredited cancer program ensures the patient will have access to comprehensive care, a multi-specialty team approach to coordinate best treatment options, information about ongoing clinic trials, access to cancer-related information and support, a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results with lifelong patient follow-up, ongoing monitoring and improvement of care and, most importantly, quality care close to home.

 

Cancer Technology

If cancer can be treated by radiation, it can be treated at the Regional Cancer Center.

The Regional Cancer Center employs state-of-the-art technology for the most effective cancer treatment. Our TrueBeam linear accelerator provides pinpoint data for targeting radiation beams, taking the size of the tumor, its position and proximity to vital organs into account. It then utilizes high-energy rays to reach deep-seated tumors with fewer and less severe side effects.

TrueBeam opens the door to new possibilities for the treatment of challenging cases such as cancers in the lung, breast, abdomen, and head and neck as well as other cancers that are treatable with radiotherapy.

TrueBeam was designed with many features that can improve the overall patient experience. With shorter treatment times and quieter operation, TrueBeam provides for a more comfortable environment for patients. Enhanced communication technology enables a constant interaction between the patient and the therapist who operates the equipment. Three closed-circuit television systems enable the therapist to monitor the patient at all times. Music can be played during treatment, helping to increase patient comfort.

Our expert oncology nurses, undr the direction of medical oncologists, administer chemotherapy treatments in a comforting environment. And when treatment is over, you’re only minutes from home.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials allow us to tackle even the rarest cancers with confidence. Thanks to our partnership with the National Cancer Institute, the Regional Cancer Center has access to some of the newest and most promising cancer-fighting treatments available.

Clinical trials provide patients at all stages of cancer with the most cutting-edge medical treatment and the highest levels of care. The goal of these studies is to find new, better ways to:

• Prevent diseases (vaccines, diet and exercise, or the use of a new, FDA-approved drug)
• Diagnose and treat diseases
• Manage diseases 

Taking part in clinical trials, among other benefits, means helping yourself today and helping others in the future. 

For more information on clinical trials, visit www.cancer.org and click ‘Clinical Trials.’

Nutrition Services

To support every aspect of your health as you maneuver treatment, our dedicated dietitians work with the Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology Departments, providing personalized nutrition guidance tailored to your cancer type and treatment.

Our Nutrition Department is Here to Help

MCCH’s Registered Dietitians will work to create an individualized plan during the cancer treatment journey based on the type of cancer and treatment plans.

Services include:

• Nutrition management of side effects from cancer treatment 
• Personalized, individual meal plans 
• Nutrition management of tube feedings 
• Education on diet and general wellness before, during and after cancer treatments 
• Education on nutrition supplements 
• Tolerable recipes during cancer treatment

Exercise and Cancer Recovery

While cancer weakens the immune system, exercise boosts the circulation of immune cells that attack cancer. Curated for cancer survivors, our exercise and recovery program offers:

• Supervised exercise sessions at the Center for Health and Wellness
• Supportive group workouts with fellow survivors
• Expert coaching 
• Full membership perks 
• No joining fee within 60 days of completing treatment*

*Requires Oncologist referral or healthcare provider approval

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is beneficial during and after cancer treatment, reducing pain, fatigue, anxiety and other mood disturbances. Please consult your physician before making an appointment. To schedule, call the Center for Health and Wellness at (270) 762-1348.

Cancer Support Group

The MCCH Cancer Support Group meets regularly. Contact Evelyn Wallis at (270) 978-0693 for information on joining the group.

Low Dose Computed Tomography

The lung cancer screening program at MCCH offers screenings for those with a high risk of developing lung cancer. The latest 3-dimensional Computed Tomography (CT) imaging allows patients to receive their diagnosis early, before symptoms develop. Early detection alone can save up to 20,000 lives each year, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

How to Schedule 

To get started, consult your doctor for a physician order. Your healthcare provider’s office will schedule the exam. 

For more information, contact Heidi Hordyk, R.T., CNMT, MBA, Director of Radiology, at (270) 762-2179.

Our Specialists