World-Class Cancer Care in Columbus
Our cancer and infusion center at AdventHealth Polk, formerly St. Luke’s Hospital, is advancing cancer care in Polk County and the surrounding region.
From the moment you walk in our front door, you are family. The therapies you receive are personalized to consider your unique environment, genetics and habits to deliver individualized medicine.
We’ll guide you through your cancer treatment, help you overcome obstacles and provide emotional support. Our whole-person care is designed to support you in body, mind and spirit for every moment to come.
We’re here to help you find the right oncologist or a location that’s convenient for you.
Early Detection Is the First Step to Overcoming Cancer
Detecting cancer early is key to positive outcomes, and cancer screenings are an essential component of preventive medicine. We recommend these screenings for individuals who are at an elevated risk of developing certain types of cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations or previous exposure to carcinogens.
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Colonoscopy
The second leading cause of cancer deaths in America is colon cancer. But if caught early, colon cancer is very treatable. The gold standard for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy, a medical procedure that looks for changes in the large intestine and rectum, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer.
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Lung Cancer Screening
Screening for lung cancer involves a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of your chest to find cancer before symptoms appear. Our lung cancer screening provides important details and helps guide treatment for those at moderate risk of developing lung cancer.
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Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is especially beneficial for women with dense breasts. A diagnostic mammogram technology, CEM provides significantly more detail and is used for high-risk patients.
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3D Mammography
3D mammography detects up to 65% more invasive breast cancers than traditional mammography. It reduces false positives by as much as 40% and is the only mammogram that is FDA-approved as superior for dense breast tissue.
Our Cancer Services and Treatments
- Molecular Profiling and Genetic Testing
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By analyzing genomic data, we can distinguish different mutational signatures that contribute to cancer. These mutations are like "fingerprints" that offer clues to the effectiveness of various therapies.
Genetic testing looks for single gene mutations and the effects that genes have on the body. It also looks for abnormalities you may have inherited from your parents. This test can confirm a diagnosis, predict future risk and identify if you are a carrier.
Genetic tests may help identify a person's cancer risk, but genomic testing helps identify the genetic markers on a malignant cell.
Genomic testing identifies the structure, function, mapping and evolution of the complete set of DNA for all of our genes. It shows how our body works on a molecular level and predicts the aggressiveness of the cancer. Genomic testing can determine how a tumor will likely behave regarding treatment options.
Genomic testing in cancer can identify the following:
- Tumor behavior
- The aggressiveness of the tumor
- The likelihood the cancer will metastasize
- Predictor of tumor response to drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
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Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to prevent, control and eradicate cancer, and it’s a pivotal component of cancer treatment at AdventHealth Polk. We integrate immunotherapy treatments with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapies, underscoring its importance in the comprehensive approach to cancer treatment.
Immunotherapy targets cancer cells and can dynamically adapt to cancer mutations. It has a memory to target and destroy cancer cells if it returns. As research advances, we know immunotherapy's precision will improve, and the treatment will become more personalized.
Every cancer type is unique, and immunotherapy impacts each cancer differently. We’re currently using immunotherapy to treat a range of cancers from the bladder and brain to the skin and stomach.
- Survivorship Counseling
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Cancer alters the course of our lives. Survivors face challenges because of surgery and treatments. Our survivorship program helps people navigate and live with those life changes. We provide a holistic approach to help you and your family navigate the cancer experience.
Your team will work with you to schedule follow-up appointments every three to four months for the first two or three years post-treatment. As your health progresses normally, follow-up treatments may extend to twice a year for a couple of years, then once a year for five years and out. However, should you notice a change in your body, please contact us immediately.
- Intravenous Infusions
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For five-day-per-week infusions, please call us at 828-894-0111.
We provide intravenous (IV) infusions for treatments including:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Antibiotics
- Iron
- Fluids for hydration
- IV immunoglobulin therapy
- Therapeutic phlebotomies
- Various monoclonal antibody therapies
Advanced Technology for Lifesaving Results
AdventHealth Polk is one of only two hospitals in the area with the GE Revolution Apex CT scanner, one of the world's fastest and most accurate computed tomography (CT) scanners.
Our best-in-class, low-dose CT machine unlocks images faster and in greater detail, allowing our doctors to see the earliest signs of lung cancer in a single low-dose scan.
With this advanced technology, we can scan patients experiencing signs or symptoms of cancer and get results back to providers in minutes. This translates into faster, more accurate diagnoses than ever before.
Comprehensive Cancer Care You Can Count On
You’ve got this because you’ve got us. Our cancer-fighting team is ready to provide the expert care and support you need to face cancer and reclaim your life.
A Care Network That Cares for All of You
We don't just fight cancer with breakthrough science, clinical trials and advanced diagnostics and treatments; we fight it by helping you stay brave, optimistic and spiritually cared for at every step. When you're our patient, you’ll never be alone in this journey.
Our multidisciplinary approach to care spans specialties and locations to give you the support you need to thrive. No matter what’s on your chart or in your mind, we’re here for you every step of the way.