Advanced Precision Technology and Compassionate Cancer Care in Great Falls
Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s greatest challenges, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center, our Radiation Oncology department combines world-class technology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Led by dedicated specialists, we provide targeted, effective radiation therapies designed to treat cancer while preserving your quality of life. Our mission is to deliver the highest standard of oncological care right here in Montana, ensuring you have access to advanced life-saving treatments close to home.
Comprehensive Radiation Therapy Services
We utilize a variety of advanced radiation delivery methods to treat a wide range of cancers. By targeting tumors with extreme precision, we minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
The most common form of radiation treatment, EBRT, uses a machine to direct high-energy beams from outside the body into the tumor. This is a non-invasive outpatient procedure.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT is an advanced form of high-precision radiotherapy that uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within the tumor.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
To account for natural organ movement and breathing, IGRT uses frequent imaging during course of treatment to ensure the radiation beam is perfectly aligned with the tumor every single time.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
SBRT delivers very high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors in fewer sessions than traditional therapy, often used for lung, liver, or spine cancers.
Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
SGRT is a non-invasive technology that uses 3D cameras to track patient position and movement in real time. By ensuring millimeter-level alignment throughout treatment, it enhances safety and precision while eliminating the need for permanent skin tattoos.
Conditions We Treat
Our multidisciplinary team specializes in treating various forms of cancer using customized radiation protocols.
- Breast Cancer: Post-lumpectomy or mastectomy radiation to reduce recurrence.
- Prostate Cancer: Targeted therapy designed to protect bladder and bowel function.
- Lung Cancer: Precision treatment for both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
- Head and Neck Cancers: Specialized care for tumors of the mouth, throat, and thyroid.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers: Including esophageal, pancreatic, and colorectal treatments.
Meet Our Radiation Oncology Specialists
Our physicians are at the forefront of cancer care, combining clinical excellence with a commitment to the Great Falls community.
Our specialized patient care staff do more than deliver radiation; they provide a compassionate, caring interaction based on an understanding of each individual’s journey. Our team of board-certified physicians, radiation therapists, and oncology nurses have come to know and treasure the uniquely close relationships that develop between themselves and those they serve.
A Collaborative Approach to Your Care
Our Radiation Oncology team works in close coordination with medical oncologists, surgeons, and primary care providers. This integrated approach ensures that your radiation plan is perfectly synchronized with your chemotherapy or surgical recovery, providing a seamless continuum of care.
What to Expect: Your Treatment Journey
We believe that informed patients are empowered patients. Here is what you can expect when you choose Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center for your care.
- Initial Consultation: You will meet with our board-certified Radiation Oncologist to review your history, scans, and pathology to determine if radiation is the right path for you.
- Simulation & Planning: Using CT imaging, we create a “map” of your body. This allows our physicists and dosimetrists to calculate the exact angles and doses for your treatment.
- Daily Treatments: Most treatments are scheduled daily (Monday–Friday) and last only 15–30 minutes. The radiation itself is painless, much like getting an X-ray.
- Follow-Up Care: After your treatment course is complete, we provide ongoing monitoring and survivorship support to manage side effects and track your progress.
Why Choose Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center for Radiation Oncology?
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We invest in the latest linear accelerators and software to provide university-level care in a community setting.
- Collaborative Care: Our radiation team works directly with your medical oncologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians for a seamless experience.
- Patient-First Philosophy: We focus on the person, not just the diagnosis. From scheduling to side-effect management, your comfort is our priority.
- Local Access: Avoid the stress of long-distance travel. Get the same advanced protocols found in major metro areas right here in Great Falls.
Beyond Treatment: Support & Survivorship
Healing involves more than just medical treatment. As part of the Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center, our radiation patients have access to our Survivorship Program and Cancer Support Groups. We provide emotional and physical support services, including access to dietitians and social workers, to help you navigate life during and after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does radiation therapy make me radioactive? No. For external beam radiation, the radiation does not remain in your body after the machine is turned off. It is safe to be around family and pets.
What are the side effects? Side effects are generally localized to the area being treated. Common effects include fatigue and skin redness (similar to a sunburn). Our team will provide a detailed management plan for your specific case.
How long does a typical course of radiation treatment last? The duration of treatment varies significantly based on the type and stage of cancer. A standard course may last anywhere from one to nine weeks, with treatments typically administered five days a week. However, some advanced techniques like SBRT can be completed in as few as one to five sessions. Your radiation oncologist will provide a specific timeline during your simulation appointment.
Will I see other doctors besides my radiation oncologist? Yes. At Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center, we utilize a “team-based” approach. Your radiation oncologist works closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure your treatment is synchronized. Additionally, you will be supported by radiation therapists, oncology nurses, and medical physicists who all play a vital role in your daily care and safety.
The Infusion/Chemotherapy department is an outpatient hospital department of the Great Falls Clinic Hospital.
