The Regional Cancer Center at Mary Washington Healthcare boasts a world-class
radiation oncology program led by board-certified radiation oncologists.
In addition to
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) , the most advanced radiation treatment available, patients and physicians
throughout the region find the correct level of treatment at the MWHC
Regional Cancer Center.
Two Convenient Locations in Fredericksburg and Stafford
Mary Washington Hospital Radiation Oncology
1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 101
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540.741.0655
Mary Washington Hospital Radiation Oncology is located in a dedicated Cancer
Services building on the Mary Washington Hospital Medical Campus.
We offer the groundbreaking
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), a safe alternative to open surgery with little to no recovery time. One
of the most recent major medical advances in fighting cancer, SRS has
revolutionized brain and lung cancer treatments.
Regional Cancer Center at Stafford Hospital 125 Hospital Drive, Suite 125
Stafford, VA 22554
540.741.7955
Cancer patients in the Stafford area have convenient access to state-of-the-art
cancer services. The Mary Washington Regional Cancer Center at Stafford
Medical Pavilion offers the region’s most advanced radiation oncology
treatment supervised by highly specialized, board-certified physicians
and clinicians. Both convenient and close to home; in many cases, complete
cancer treatments can be administered in a little as 15 minutes.
RapidArc Technology
The Varian RapidArc linear accelerator is a powerful new linear accelerator
that is capable of delivering radiation at a faster dose rate with highly
precise targeting. Significant benefits to patients include:
Treatments delivered 2 – 8 times faster
An even greater degree of protection from radiation exposure for healthy
surrounding tissues
During treatment, a sculpted, tightly focused beam of radiation is directed
in a 360° rotation around the tumor within minutes
Enables more effective treatment of tumors in locations that were previously
difficult to treat
Individualized Services and Compassionate Care
We’re with you every step of your cancer care journey, from diagnosis,
through treatment and recovery, and into survivorship. With a variety
of services and treatment options available, we’re here for you:
Latest diagnostic and imaging technology
Nurse Navigators helping you to maneuver through the treatment process
Advanced treatment methods with the newest available surgical and therapeutic options
Novel and integrative therapies to assist with healing
Survivorship support through specialized cancer rehab program
Advanced Radiation Therapy
Like our locations in Fredericksburg and Stafford, the Regional Cancer
Center at Montross offers leading-edge technology and clinical expertise.
The newly–installed Varian 2100 iX linear accelerator includes on-board
imaging and cone beam CT, that allows for precise external beam radiation
therapy to treat many tumor types in various locations.
Radiation Therapy at the Regional Cancer Center
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells,
and to decrease their ability to divide. The MWHC Regional Cancer Center
uses various radiation treatments to find the best plan of care for the
patient. We provide:
There are generally two types of radiation therapy:
External radiation (external beam therapy) - a treatment that precisely
sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The machine
is controlled by the radiation therapist. Since radiation is used to kill
cancer cells, special shields may be used to protect the tissue surrounding
the treatment area. Radiation treatments are similar to getting X-rays
- they are painless and usually last a few minutes. This type of radiation
therapy may be given daily for several weeks.
Internal radiation (brachytherapy) - a procedure that uses small, radioactive
seeds (each about the size of a grain of rice) that are implanted directly
into the cancerous prostate tumor. The implanted seeds may be left in
permanently or may be only temporary. The seeds emit small amounts of
radiation for a period of weeks or months.
What to expect with radiation therapy:
A radiation oncologist will plan your radiation treatment based on your
medical history, a physical examination, pathology and laboratory reports,
and previous mammograms and surgeries. Your chest area will be marked
with ink that must stay on your skin for the course of your treatments.
These markings assure that the radiation will be given to the exact area
requiring treatment.
Radiation treatment is like having a standard x-ray, but the radiation
is stronger. The treatment lasts only a few minutes and is painless. A
typical course of radiation treatment of this type is treatment for five
days per week over a six-week period. If chemotherapy is also to be given,
radiation treatment may not be given until after chemotherapy has been
completed.
To speak to one our specially trained Cancer Nurse Navigators with questions
of for more information, please call
540.741.1211.
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