Oncology and Cancer Care

Specialized Oncology Services With Your Whole Health in Mind

At AdventHealth, you have an elite group of cancer care experts supporting you when you need it most. Our oncology and cancer care services have helped more people with more types of cancer benefit from some of the highest possible treatment outcomes in the nation. Our world-class oncologists, surgeons, counselors and wellness experts are ready to make your cancer treatment as comfortable and successful as possible.

Comprehensive Oncology Treatments

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Find an Expert Oncology Specialist Near You

You can lean on our expert team of oncologists, radiologists, cancer surgeons and oncology nurses. With the latest technology, treatment programs and diagnostic imaging, we’re part of a nationwide network of cancer care programs and advanced cancer institutes. We’re with you all the way.

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Author name Rhett Perry

Author title Bladder Cancer Patient

We're in the Fight With You

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I'm still the same guy, still dynamic, still in love with life and still looking forward.

Author name Rhett Perry

Author title Bladder Cancer Patient

An Accurate Diagnosis Is the First Step Toward Better Outcomes

Early detection is one of the most important steps to beating cancer. That's why we offer advanced screenings and diagnostic testing. Accurate and timely diagnoses can confirm the presence of cancer and provide essential information about the type, stage and characteristics. The right diagnosis is the foundation for personalized cancer treatment plans.

We offer a variety of diagnostic methods to ensure we get the right information to build a care plan catered to your needs.

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  • Biopsy

    Excisional biopsy is the surgical removal of a suspicious area or tumor for examination to determine if cancer is present. A needle biopsy involves extracting a tissue sample using a needle to analyze for cancer cells.

  • Blood Tests

    Blood tests measure levels of certain substances in the blood, such as tumor markers, to aid in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

  • Bronchoscopy

    Bronchoscopy allows visualization of the airways and lungs using a flexible tube with a camera, which is useful for diagnosing lung cancer and other respiratory conditions.

  • Colonoscopy

    The primary diagnostic tool for identifying colon cancer, a colonoscopy, uses a flexible tube with a camera inserted into the colon to look for abnormalities or signs of cancer.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

    A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body, which are useful for detecting tumors and assessing their size and location.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    MRI utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and tissues. It’s particularly helpful in evaluating soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord and muscles.

  • Molecular Testing

    Molecular testing analyzes genetic mutations and molecular markers in tumor cells to guide treatment decisions and predict treatment response.

  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

    A PET scan involves injecting a radioactive tracer to detect metabolic activity in tissues, aiding in cancer staging and monitoring treatment response.

  • Ultrasound

    Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and tissues. It’s commonly used for examining the abdomen, pelvis and breasts.

  • Upper Endoscopy

    An upper endoscopy exam uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine.

  • X-rays

    X-rays produce images of internal body structures, which are often used to detect abnormalities in bones and soft tissues.

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Answering Your Cancer Questions

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  • Question: What is cancer?

    Answer:

    Cancer is a condition where some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that many advancements in cancer research and health care are helping us better understand and treat cancer, improving outcomes for many people every day.

  • Question: What causes cancer?

    Answer:

    Cancer arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key causes include:

    • Biological factors:
      • Age: Risk increases with age due to accumulated cellular damage.
      • Hormones: Hormonal changes can influence certain cancers.
      • Immune system dysfunction: A weakened immune system may not detect abnormal cells.
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    • Environmental factors:
      • Chemical Exposures: Long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos.
      • Radiation: UV rays and high radiation levels can damage DNA.
      • Tobacco smoke: A leading cause, including second-hand smoke.
    • Genetic factors:
      • Inherited mutations: Certain genes, like BRCA1/2, can increase cancer risk.
      • Spontaneous mutations: Random DNA changes during cell division.
    • Lifestyle factors:
      • Diet: Poor diet choices can increase cancer risk.
      • Physical Inactivity: Linked to higher cancer risks.
      • Obesity: Associated with several types of cancer.
    • Pathogens:
      • Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori can lead to stomach cancer.
      • Viruses: HPV and hepatitis B/C are linked to cervical and liver cancers.

    Understanding these causes can guide preventive measures and reduce cancer risk.

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  • Question: How many types of cancer are there?

    Answer:

    Cancer is not a single disease but a group of related diseases. There are over 100 different types of cancer, classified based on the type of cell or tissue they originate from. Here are some of the major types of cancer:

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    • Carcinomas: Originate in the skin or tissues that line or cover internal organs (breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc.)
    • Central nervous system (CNS) cancers: Begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord (glioblastoma and astrocytoma)
    • Germ cell tumors: Arise from the reproductive cells (testicular cancer and ovarian cancer)
    • Leukemias: Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow. These lead to large numbers of abnormal blood cells entering the bloodstream (acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), etc.)
    • Lymphomas: Begin in the cells of the immune system. They typically form in lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue (Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
    • Myelomas: Cancers that originate in the plasma cells of bone marrow (multiple myeloma, etc.)
    • Sarcomas: Originate in connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or blood vessels (bone cancer, fat tissue cancer, etc.)

    Each of these types can have various subtypes, further expanding the total number of cancers. The diverse nature of cancers allows for tailored treatment options, contributing to more effective and personalized care.

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  • Question: Does cancer show up in blood work?

    Answer:

    Yes, certain types of cancer can show up in blood work through markers that indicate the presence of cancer cells or other abnormalities. Early detection through blood tests and other screenings can lead to timely treatment, which significantly improves the chances of recovery.

  • Question: How can I prevent cancer?

    Answer:

    Many types of cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure. Regular check-ups and screenings are also powerful tools in catching potential issues early, making treatment more effective.

  • Question: Is cancer genetic?

    Answer:

    Some cancers have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families. However, having a genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee you'll develop cancer. With advances in genetic testing, people can now assess their risk and take preventive measures, leading to earlier detection and better management options.

  • Question: What are some common treatment options for cancer?

    Answer:

    Cancer treatment varies based on the type and stage of cancer, but the main options include:

    • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells; can be used alone or in combination with other treatments
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    • Hormone therapy: Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer
    • Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer (Includes checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy)
    • Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells; Can be external or internal (brachytherapy)
    • Surgery: Removes cancerous tissue from the body and is often used for localized cancers.
    • Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and is usually less harmful to normal cells compared to chemotherapy.
    • Stem cell transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells and is often used for blood-related cancers like leukemia.

    These treatments can be used alone or in combination, depending on the patient's condition, to maximize effectiveness and improve outcomes.

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