COMPREHENSIVE CANCER PROGRAM

Bay Area Hospital has treated thousands of cancer patients on the South Coast. And, every year our regional Comprehensive Cancer Program expands with new treatments and services that show significant promise in cancer care.

We’re dedicated to offering the best in cancer care. In fact, our oncology program has been recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons as offering the very best in cancer care. Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer receives this special approval. It is the recognition of the quality of our comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient care. We’re proud to have brought the very best in today’s cancer treatment close to home.

Cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy that are often used in combination. The Cancer Registry maintains a follow-up service of about 7,000 former cancer patients and has a database of 12,000 cancer patients treated at the hospital since 1995.

Radiation Therapy

The Radiation Therapy Center is staffed by an experienced radiation oncologist, skilled radiation therapists, a physicist, and oncology nurses who treat about 30 patients daily. In 2001, the Center installed the most technologically advanced linear accelerator in the industry for the treatment of cancer. The latest advancement is the addition of a CT simulator that adds 3-D treatment planning. One of the most significant benefits of the CT simulator is for breast cancer patients, which is the number one cancer treated on the South Coast. A free housing facility provides the comforts of home without the hardship of travel while patients undergo radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy/Outpatient Infusion

The cancer patient has benefited greatly by recent advances in chemotherapy, including improvements in cancer drugs, their administration, and side-effect management. Registered nurses providing direct cancer care have acquired national certification in oncology. Their expanded knowledge and experience are invaluable to patients and staff. Inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy services are also offered

Surgical Oncology

Hundreds of cancer surgeries are performed each year at Bay Area Hospital, including breast, bladder, colon, prostate, and lung. Surgeons have achieved expertise in the latest surgical advances, including laparoscopic surgery, breast lumpectomy, stereotactic breast biopsy, and nerve sparing rectal and prostate surgeries.

Patient Education

Patient and family education is an important element of our overall Comprehensive Cancer Program. Educating patients and caregivers about their cancer, treatment, and aftercare plays a vital role in healing. Our constant endeavor is that every cancer patient understands their disease with education and support provided by our health care professionals.

Support Services

Social Services offer support and referral to community resources. Home Health provides comprehensive quality health care and personal services to enhance independence and dignity for the homebound patient. Pharmacy, Quality Improvement, and Physical Therapy address other needs of cancer patients.

Medical and Community Education

Continuing medical education for physicians and staff is ongoing and a high priority. Bay Area Hospital also supports education and health screenings for the community every year.

Cancer Case Conference (Tumor Board)

A multidisciplinary team approach to identify and discuss the needs of the patient and family to assure a smooth transition along the continuum of care and to encourage and support the patient to achieve the best possible level of care.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Congestive Heart Failure Clinic

Critical Care

Emergency Department

Family Centered Maternity

Home Health

Laboratory

Mental Health

Radiology/Medical Imaging

Rehabilitation Services

Respiratory Care

Surgical Services

Return Home