Edward Hospital Multi-Disciplinary Thoracic Oncology Clinic
If you are choosing a place to go for treatment of asbestos-related cancer, it is important to search for a well-regarded clinic where the newest treatment options are offered. One of the difficulties that face those who have mesothelioma is that even though the disease may sometimes take twenty years or more to manifest, once it does appear and has been positively diagnosed, it is almost always at an advanced stage. Consequently it is vital that patients find doctors and treatment centers that have experience in treating this serious form of cancer; this is definitely a time where it is a good idea to go to a specialist. It's also wise to find a clinic staffed by caring people who will explain the treatment alternatives and with whom you and your family feel comfortable. Sometimes, the right treatment facility might not be located close to your place of residence; if that is the case you may have to balance the difficulties of having to travel to obtain treatment (along with the related expenses for you and your loved ones) with the benefits of receiving care from experts in treating patients with mesothelioma.
Edward Cancer Center is a "Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Clinic" where patients can be seen by several experienced cancer specialists in a single location. This means faster, more efficient treatment. According to staff oncologist Dr. Maria Quejada, patients who are able to pay for the services typically begin treatment within two weeks of diagnosis.
The Edwards staff also includes experts in medical and radiation oncology, thoracic surgery and pulmonary medicine as well as a clinical trials coordinator and social work and smoking cessation counselors. These physicians and other health care professionals collaborate with the patient from day one in order to develop a plan of treatment. All new patients are seen within a week of referral from a primary care physician.
Edward Cancer Center services include:
- image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
- intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- respiratory gating
- stereotactic radiosurgery
- high dose rate brachytherapy.
In addition, the Edward Cancer Center also offers several active clinical trials as well as research studies for almost every type of cancer.
The goal of the Edward Cancer Center is to serve cancer patients so they are able to live as normally as possible during the treatment and recovery process. Patients have several options when it comes to treatment settings (including an outdoor veranda overlooking a duck pond).
For children of cancer patients, Edward Cancer Center offers Camp Hope. This is a week-long summer camp for children aged 5 Ð 12, and features education and counseling sessions.
Contact Information
801 S. Washington Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Sources
Edward Cancer Center Website
http://www.edward.org/body.cfm?id=1038