Cancer

Cancer may make you feel like you’ve lost control. We’ll put you back in charge of your life with proven therapies and the latest science and keep you close to home and the people who help you stay strong.

Cancer treatment and personal support

Our comprehensive services for cancer begin with prevention and screening and continue with personalized plans for treating cancer and returning you to health. Your treatment plan may include one or a combination of these approaches:

Supportive care, such as nutrition and naturopathic remedies, may be used in conjunction with treatments based on your preference.

Types of cancer

We treat all cancers regardless of type and stage. These are a few of the most common:

Advanced technology and expertise

At St. Vincent Healthcare, you have access to some of the most advanced technology and expertise in all of Montana. To detect and monitor cancer, we use:

Tomosynthesis (3-D mammography) – Provides a more complete picture of the breast and can better reveal early-stage or hard-to-find cancers
A 4-slice PET/CT scan – Enables radiologists to see a more accurate picture of abnormal cell growth

As part of treatment, we apply some of the latest tools available to attack tumors and malignancies with precision, while protecting nearby healthy tissue. These include:

Elekta linear accelerator
Cyberknife
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR)
4-D computed tomography
3-D conformal radiation (3D-CRT)
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)

What to expect

We understand that cancer carries an emotional and spiritual burden that goes beyond your physical diagnosis. Our goal is to anticipate your needs and consider even the little things so you can focus on healing.

This means you have access to modern, updated facilities designed for your comfort. Whether you’re staying in our hospital or receiving care at St. Vincent Healthcare Frontier Cancer Center, we work to create a warm environment with conveniences and amenities. Our specially trained patient navigators are here to answer your questions, coordinate appointments among your doctors and therapists, and connect you with others who can help, such as financial counselors, social workers and chaplains.

Our cancer team

We believe in the power that results when physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and other professionals come together with a single goal of quality patient care. When you choose St. Vincent Healthcare for your cancer care, you’ll benefit from the collaboration of many experts focused on you.

We hold weekly meetings called tumor conferences where doctors and staff from a variety of specialties discuss every patient’s case. Different experts will review your diagnosis, explore treatment possibilities and provide you with additional opinions without the need for separate appointments with each doctor.

Helping you through the process

From support groups to financial assistance, our teams are readily available to help you navigate your cancer care and makes sense of what can be overwhelming and complex.

Inspiring stories of hope

Sometimes the most comfort comes from fellow cancer survivors with whom you can relate. Hear from our patients who have experienced cancer and been touched by the care they received.

Nationally accredited for quality

St. Vincent Healthcare is accredited by many of the nation’s leading oncology organizations including Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) and the College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer. This accreditation is only granted to facilities that voluntarily commit to provide the best in cancer diagnosis and treatment and that comply with all the Commission on Cancer standards. We also achieved the organization’s National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancers. With this accreditation, you can be assured that we’re held to the highest standards of care for patients with diseases of the breast.

Survivorship

Throughout your cancer journey, we provide ongoing education and support. While you receive treatment, your nurse navigators ensure you have access to support groups, and once you beat your cancer, we celebrate survivors. In addition, we actively work with you to prevent your cancer from coming back.

Genetic testing and counseling

St. Vincent Healthcare has a full-time genetic counselor on staff. Patients are referred if a possibility of a genetic connection is detected. We work to expedite your results so you can get answers to important questions.

More about genetic counseling and testing.

Integrative healing therapies

Our healing therapies include naturopathic medicine, rehabilitative medicine, access to spiritual care and nutrition counseling. These services are designed with your healing in mind.

Palliative care

We aim to make patients as comfortable as possible, and while it is a part of end-of-life care, palliative care can be applied in any stage of cancer. Our services focus on improving quality of life, helping with decision-making and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

More about palliative care.

Support groups

St. Vincent Healthcare is proud to offer cancer support groups to those who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, those who have completed cancer treatment and to the family and friends that have been a constant source of support throughout the process.

Breast Cancer Support Group

This group offers support for those affected by breast cancer, from newly diagnosed to survivor. It is facilitated by a St. Vincent Healthcare Breast Health Navigator. This group meets the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8pm in the Mansfield Health Education Center, 2900 12th Avenue N. For more information, please call 237-3115.

FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered)

This group is open to individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Please contact the Billings FORCE outreach coordinator at 656-2031 for more information about the group, including meeting times and dates.

LiveStrong

Offered in partnership with the Billings Family YMCA, the 12-week LiveStrong program is designed to meet the needs of cancer patients who are making the shift to cancer survivor. Attending a minimum of two classes each week, participants strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve energy levels. For additional information, phone Kassia Lyman at (406) 294-1624 or Mistie Mims at (406) 294-1616.

Care after cancer

Once you’ve completed cancer treatment, you face a new set of challenges as a survivor. You may need support for emotional issues or new ways to relating to family, co-workers and loved ones. You’ll want to take extra care of your health and possibly make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of recurrence.

Our survivorship care planning program can help you meet these challenges. This program begins when treatment ends and can include your family, friends and caregivers. You’ll receive support through follow-up visits with cancer care experts, who will help you maintain and improve your health and wellness and work with oncologists and other team members to provide comprehensive care after treatment.

More about survivorship and support.

2016 Oncology Annual Report

To learn more about St. Vincent Healthcare's cancer services, clinical outcomes, and care providers, download a copy of the 2016 St. Vincent Healthcare Oncology Annual Report.