Cancer Treatment & Procedures

At SSM Health our team of cancer specialists will work closely with you to create a care plan that meets both your physical and emotional needs. From diagnostics to treatment, we offer the most advanced options for cancer treatment, so you can be sure you’re getting care and the support you deserve.

We're experts in advanced cancer care.

When you choose SSM Health for cancer care, you are choosing innovation and expertise in advanced cancer treatment. We're the forefront of advancing national quality standards in cancer care. Learn more about how we are exceeding national quality standards.

What is the first step in my cancer care journey?

Your cancer journey will start with diagnostic imaging scans and testing to determine the extent of your cancer. From there, your care team will create a treatment plan that may include options such as minimally invasive surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other interventions.

Diagnostic imaging may include:

• X-rays
• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans
• Positron-emission tomography (PET) scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
• Mammography

What are common side effects of cancer treatment?

While every cancer journey is different, understanding the common side effects of treatment can help you prepare for the road ahead. Supportive, or palliative care, helps you plan for those side effects, minimizing their impact. Learn more about palliative care.

Fatigue

Fatigue, or extreme exhaustion, is the most common problem experienced by cancer patients. More than half of our patients experience fatigue during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and up to 70% of patients with advanced cancer experience fatigue.

Anemia

Anemia is when your blood doesn't contain enough healthy red blood cells. If the level of health red blood cells is too low, parts of your body do not receive enough oxygen and cannot work properly. This can leave you feeling tired and weak.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up) may occur in patients receiving chemotherapy and in some patients receiving radiation therapy. Your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medication to minimize this side effect.

Lymphedema (fluid in the arms or legs)

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked and cannot drain properly. This lymph build up causes swelling.

The most common causes of lymphedema include:

• Surgery to remove the lymph nodes, especially for breast cancer, prostate cancer, or melanoma
• Radiation therapy to the lymph nodes
• Metastatic cancer
• Bacterial or fungal infection
• Injury to the lymph nodes
• Other diseases involving the lymph system

Lymphedema can develop immediately following treatment or may not appear until months or years later.

Alopecia (hair loss)

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause hair loss. Hair loss can occur all over the body, including your head, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. Hair loss due to treatment is usually temporary and often grows back once treatment has stopped.

Infection

Patients with cancer are more likely to develop infections because both cancer and its corresponding treatments - particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy - weaken the immune system.

Contracting an infection during treatment can be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of an infection.

Menopausal symptoms in women

Up to 40% of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer experience menopausal symptoms.

Premenopausal women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer may undergo menopause at an earlier age than traditionally expected.

Mucositis (mouth sores)

Mucositis is an inflammation of the inside of the mouth and throat, leading to painful ulcers and mouth sores. Radiation to your head and neck, high doses of chemotherapy and the reduced immunity brought on by treatment can all cause mucositis.

Weight gain

Although it is more common to lose weight during treatment, some patients with cancer do gain weight. Chemotherapy, steroid medications and hormone therapies can cause weight gain.