Cancer Services believes resources and support services are vital elements in the cancer treatment process.
During the next decade, 20,000 or more new cases of cancer will be diagnosed within the five-county Grand Traverse region. Munson Healthcare is advancing cancer services in northern Michigan with rapid adoption of new technology and increased coordination of a multidisciplinary care team focused on individualized care for each patient.
Technology innovations include:
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In 2012, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) will be offered at Munson Medical Center for patients diagnosed with inoperable tumors.
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Infusion Clinics associated with Munson Healthcare provide chemotherapy in Cadillac, Gaylord, and Traverse City.
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Minimally invasive daVinci robotic surgery is available at Munson Medical Center for prostate cancer.
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Digital mammography is available for early detection of breast cancer at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Mercy Hospital Cadillac, Mercy Hospital Grayling, Munson Healthcare Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, and West Shore Medical Center in Manistee.
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Munson Medical Center offers screening and diagnostic breast MRI as well as MRI guided breast biopsy for high risk breast cancer.
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Overlapping PET/CT technology is available in a mobile unit that travels to Alpena, Cadillac Petoskey, Traverse City, and Sault Ste. Marie for diagnostic testing. Because PET imaging can pinpoint the location of abnormal metabolic activity and identifies changes at the cellular level, it may detect the early onset of cancer before it is evident on other imaging tests, such as CT or MRI. The PET/CT unit is a joint venture between Munson Medical Center, Alpena Regional Medical Center, and Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.
“We have the best technology available out there, and the fact that it is in a patient’s own back yard should make it much easier for them.” - Munson Medical Center Radiologist David Phelps, MD.