Those diagnosed with any type of cancer are faced with many questions and looking for hope. That’s why AL Gold, named his best race horse Cyberknife, after the prostate cancer treatment he received. Diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 65, Al Gold asked himself the questions many people faced with a cancer diagnosis ask. What…
St. Louis CyberKnife announced that board-certified radiation oncologist Joseph Waller, MD, MPH has joined their cancer care treatment team. Dr. Waller received his medical doctorate from The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa, and he completed his residency from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, where he served…
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. While the disease is prevalent across the country, the screening guidelines are not. Prostate cancer screenings have always been somewhat controversial because the tests often alert physicians to the presence of cancer, but there is no precise way to determine, definitively, whether the cancer…
Radiation therapy can be classified according to the types of radiation particles or waves that are used to deliver the treatment. The three major types of radiation therapy are photons, electrons, or protons. While all three types have similar effects on tumor tissue and damage cancer cells, photons and electrons are the most readily available,…
May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Driven by advancement in research, surgical techniques, genetic discoveries, and much more, it has never been a better time to take action on brain tumors. The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), an organization whose mission is to unrelentingly invest in, mobilize, and unite our community to discover a…
With February being recognized as National Cancer Prevention Month, now is a good time to discuss cancer, and most importantly, how to prevent it. According to the recent 2021 Facts and Figures released by the American Cancer Society (ACS), a substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented, including all cancers caused by tobacco use and…
Safe care: What to expect from your visit Guidelines for patients and visitors October 23, 2020 Written by SSM Health. St. Louis CyberKnife is…
Cancer Screen Week 2021 According to the American Cancer Society, more than 608,000 people are expected to die from cancer in 2021. Regular screening can help find certain cancers early when they are most likely to be treated successfully. This Cancer Screen Week (Dec 6-10), help us raise awareness and learn more of the potentially…
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many cancer patients are having to make the difficult decision to continue with their current cancer regimen or delay treatments. Cancer patients and physicians must carefully weigh the potential benefit of routine cancer care versus the risk of COVID-19. To help ease these decisions, several peer-reviewed, non-profit cancer care organizations…
If you have been diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, it is likely you know about active surveillance, a passive form of treatment that started to grow in popularity in 2010. By 2015, 42.1% of low-risk prostate cancer patients opted for getting regular PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging tests instead of a more aggressive treatment plan.…
Watch and listen to CyberKnife patient, Shawn, and board-certified radiation oncologist and St. Louis CyberKnife Medical Director, John Bedwinek, M.D., talk about how the CyberKnife system treats cancer.
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder affecting the fifth cranial nerve. Typical TN (TN1) is characterized by attacks of intense, stabbing pain affecting the mouth, cheek, nose, and/or other areas on one side of the face. Atypical TN (TN2) is characterized by less intense, but constant dull aching or burning pain. It is…
Our very own board-certified radiation oncologist John Bedwinek M.D. was a guest on KSDK TV’s Show Me St. Louis. Dr. Bedwinek discussed prostate cancer (risk factors, symptoms, stats) and the benefits of treating it with the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System.
Vernon Traxler suffered from painful trigeminal neuralgia for over 16 years before he found relief with CyberKnife. Watch Vernon explain what those years felt like and how he feels now after being treated at St. Louis CyberKnife.
Watch Yu Sharon Chen, M.D., a board-certified radiation oncologist with St. Louis CyberKnife, discuss the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System (what it is, how it works, what it treats, benefits of treatment, etc.) on KSDK’s Show Me St. Louis.
Our very own board-certified radiation oncologist John Bedwinek M.D. was a guest on KSDK TV’s Show Me St. Louis. Dr. Bedwinek discussed prostate cancer (risk factors, symptoms, stats) and the benefits of treating it with the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System.
David Morris, M.D., Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director at St. Louis CyberKnife, was a guest on Great Day Saint Louis. Watch Dr. Morris discuss prostate cancer (risk factors, signs and symptoms, current stats, etc.) and the benefits of treating it with CyberKnife technology.
Accuray Incorporated, developer and manufacturer of the CyberKnife® System, announced that published data from two multicenter studies using differing protocols provide consistent results and reinforce the use of the CyberKnife system for the effective management of low-and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The studies are the largest conducted to date evaluating stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in…
When deciding which treatment option is best for their prostate cancer, men take numerous factors into consideration. While their physician’s recommendation does play an important role in the treatment decision, in the end, most men make the choice that is best for them. That choice is often based on treatment outcomes and side effects, and…
When it comes to fighting cancer, it takes a team of people. Treatment at our center means that you are not alone in the fight. Cancer treatments are rapidly advancing and having a research focused team of radiation oncologists enables us to bring you the most up-to-date approaches to fighting your specific cancer. In cancer…
June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate and recognize cancer survivors, inspire those recently diagnosed, and, most importantly, to celebrate life. During the month, cancer survivors and supporters in communities around the world unite to celebrate life and raise awareness of the challenges faced by cancer survivors. It is a time for…
A recent patient treated at St. Louis CyberKnife wrote a thank you letter to the staff and physicians at our center to express their sincerest gratitude to everyone who assisted with their care. Please take a moment to read the thoughtful and kind words our former patient had to say about his CyberKnife experience. Admittedly,…
March is National Nutrition Month. A nutrition education and information campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. We all know that good nutrition is important for good health. This statement is even truer for cancer…
In a recent new study published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) had a better post-treatment survival rate than those who received surgery. The gold standard for the treatment…
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. If your New Year’s resolution to get healthy is already losing steam, now is a perfect time to give yourself a second chance. Renew your efforts to make healthier choices by learning what you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. Research has shown that more than half…
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless…
Meet Doris, a cancer survivor, and listen to her talk about her experience of undergoing CyberKnife for treatment of her lung cancer. Doris said the treatments were only an hour, never hurt, and she went right back to work after each treatment.
According to a new clinical trial reported at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy for patients with limited stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may curb disease progression dramatically when compared to lung cancer patients who only receive chemotherapy. Lung cancer claims the…
Accuray, the company that develops and manufactures the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System, the system that St. Louis CyberKnife uses to treat cancer, recently announced the results of the first study that evaluated the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in low-risk prostate cancer 10 years post treatment. The study titled, “Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for…
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve (a three-branched nerve that carries sensations from the face to the brain and controls facial motor functions such as biting and chewing). TN is characterized by episodes of sudden, explosive severe pain along the trigeminal nerve, with periods of pain-free remission between attacks.…
St. Louis CyberKnife, along with SSM Health Cancer Care, recently hosted an educational prostate event in honor of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The event, held Wednesday, September 27, in the Garden Level Conference Center at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital was a free educational dinner for the residents in our communities. Doors opened at…
Check out this helpful infographic and see if prostate cancer screening is right for you.
SSM Health, a not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest, and Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc., a leading national provider of outsourced radiology, oncology and interventional services, announced today that SSM Health Cancer Care and St. Louis CyberKnife are hosting a free educational dinner in recognition of National Prostate Cancer…
Have you, or a loved one, been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer? Join St. Louis CyberKnife and SSM Health on Wednesday, September 27th for an educational dinner and learn more about prostate cancer treatment options. The event is free and open to the community, so make your reservations today.
St. Louis CyberKnife radiation oncologist John Bedwinek, M.D. was recently on KPLR’s Pulse of St. Louis to discuss the new federal guidelines regarding prostate screening. Dr. Bedwinek talked about the various options for prostate cancer treatment, including active surveillance and radiation therapy using the CyberKnife Robotic Surgery System. Joining Dr. Bedwinek was Geoff Boshier, a…
Last week, the American Urological Association (AUA), the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) released collaborative clinical guidelines for managing localized prostate cancer which offers a framework for shared decision-making between physicians and patients. Through this collaboration, the committee provided guidance on active surveillance and on which treatments…
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their prostate screening recommendations. On April 11, 2017, the USPSTF issued an updated draft recommendation on screening for prostate cancer. The updated recommendation changes the grade for PSA-based screening from “D” to “C” for men 55 – 69 years of age. As a result, the USPSTF…
Watch John Bedwinek M.D., Radiation Oncologist at St. Louis CyberKnife, and Geoffrey Boshier, a former prostate cancer patient treated at St. Louis CyberKnife, discuss prostate cancer on KTVI Fox 2 Now. Dr. Bedwinek explains how the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System treats prostate cancer, while Mr. Boshier talks about how his prostate cancer was treated in…
A recent research paper in Oncotarget, a weekly peer-reviewed open access medical journal covering research on all aspects of oncology, reported that researchers from UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute and Roswell Park Cancer Institute have discovered a possible new tool for predicting whether prostate cancer will reoccur following surgery based on the expression patterns of…
A recent article from CancerConnect.com, a patient-focused cancer website, suggests that if you have been diagnosed with cancer, seeking a second opinion will allow you to learn more about your cancer type and make truly informed decisions about treatment. The article recommends that all cancer patients should consider seeing at least one additional expert after…
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men and about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Joseph Blake was the one in seven. The 67-year-old St. Louis resident, who has no history of prostate cancer in his family, was…
St. Louis CyberKnife recently participated in a series of prostate cancer screenings, sponsored by SSM Health, in recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The free screenings were held from 4 – 7:00 p.m. at four different locations in the greater St. Louis area and were open for men ages 50 – 69 years of…
St. Louis CyberKnife recently participated in the annual Guys Night Out event, sponsored by SSM Health Cancer Care. The baseball themed event, which took place on Monday, September 19, in the Garden Level Conference Center at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Fenton in St. Louis, Missouri, was a Q&A discussion on men’s health with…
On Thursday, Sept 8, over 60 physicians from across the SSM Health St. Louis network of hospitals gathered for an evening of networking and fun at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game sponsored by SSM Health Cancer Care. Hospital and service line administration, physician liaisons, and key clinical support staff were present as well to…
According to recent research, the recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force for men not to get routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based prostate cancer screening, regardless of age, appears to have led to a sizable drop in screening with the PSA blood test, and in diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. The study, published…
A recent paper, published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a peer-reviewed medical journal published three times a month by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, states that prostate cancer experts have maintained that PSA testing is useful and that it reduces the risk for death. Prostate cancer screening has been a controversial topic…
At St. Louis CyberKnife and SSM Health Cancer Care, we take pride in our staff and when one of our team members is recognized for outstanding work, we celebrate them. Recently, one of our nurses on staff at St. Louis CyberKnife, made a lifesaving discovery, and her quick thinking and positive action did not go…
A recent study found that mid-life prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels predict who will be more likely to develop lethal prostate cancer. Investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that measuring PSA levels in younger men (between the ages of 40 and 59) could accurately predict future…
St. Louis CyberKnife recently participated in another one of SSM Health’s successful Guys Night Out events. The baseball themed event, which took place on Tuesday, June 14, in the May Conference Center at SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Missouri, was a Q&A discussion on men’s health with SSM Health physicians. Over 50 men were…
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2016 report, almost 4,000 people will die from lung cancer in Missouri this year. One way to lower this number is by increasing the number of lung cancer screenings. For some adults, annual lung cancer screening could lead to an early diagnosis and life-saving treatment. …
According to a recent study in England, increased screening to identify and monitor people at high risk for lung cancer could increase their chance for five-year survival by nearly three-quarters. Researchers at the University of Liverpool suggest leaders in Britain set up a national screening program to catch more lung cancer earlier, with the hope…
June is National Cancer Survivor Month. It is a month dedicated to celebrating and recognizing those who have survived cancer, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute…
St. Louis CyberKnife announced that Gina Sandt, RN has joined their cancer care treatment team. Gina has been a registered nurse for 21 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Barnes College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and her Master of Arts in health services management from Webster University in…
SSM Health recently announced that five SSM Health hospitals in the St. Louis region have been designated Screening Centers of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for their ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening through careful use of low-dose CT scans. Designated Screening Centers of Excellence are committed to provide clear information based on…
On Saturday, April 16, St. Louis CyberKnife co-sponsored a booth at the annual Lung Cancer Connection Run/Walk with SSM Health. The family friendly event, now in its seventh year, was held at the beautiful Chesterfield Amphitheater in Chesterfield, Missouri. The Run/Walk is the Lung Cancer Connection’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Every dollar contributed…
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare and excruciating nerve disorder that can occur when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve, the largest nerve in the head, and causes debilitating pain in various parts of the face and jaw region. Trigeminal neuralgia is usually categorized as typical or atypical, with symptoms differing depending on the…
Though primarily used to treat benign and malignant tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery can also treat additional medical conditions, including a rare nerve disorder called trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Excruciating facial pain triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, talking or swallowing characterizes the debilitating condition. TN can often be mistaken for a dental problem, since the disorder…
If your New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy is already losing steam, February, which is National Cancer Prevention Month, is a great time to give yourself a second chance. Renew your efforts to make healthier choices by learning what you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. The Centers for Disease Control…
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective option for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer, and most cases of HCC are secondary to either a viral hepatitis infection (hepatitis B or C) or…
A study published last month in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the official journal of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, found that false-positive findings for CT-based screening for lung cancer were uncommon. The results of the study is good news because even though CT-based screening for lung cancer in…
November is officially Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The event started back in 1995 as Lung Cancer Awareness Day. As the lung cancer community and the lung cancer movement grew, the awareness activities increased and the day matured into Lung Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, people throughout the country come together to support the lung…
St. Louis CyberKnife announced that Yu Sharon Chen, M.D., Ph.D. has joined SSM Health Cancer Care and will be offering radiation oncology services to patients throughout St. Louis and the surrounding communities. Yu Sharon Chen, M.D., Ph.D. received her Bachelor of Science degree from Peking University in China in 2000. She received her Ph.D. in…
On September 28, in recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, St. Louis CyberKnife and SSM St. Clare Hospital hosted a free Guys Night Out! The event, which took place at the SSM St. Clare Conference Center, was emceed by Emmy Award-winning Fox 2 News reporter, and cancer survivor, Roche Madden. Almost 75 men…
Once treatment is completed, many cancer survivors find they have still have issues and concerns that they did not expect. The one people fear the most is the news that the cancer has come back. Patients coping with a second cancer diagnosis may hear unfamiliar medical terms related to their disease and its treatment. We’ve…
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September in the United States by health experts and advocates, and individuals concerned with men’s prostate health. Designating a month for the disease serves the purpose of increasing public awareness of the importance of prostate health and screenings, educating about risk factors and symptoms, and advocating for…
St. Louis CyberKnife, located on the campus of St. Clare Hospital, is a joint venture between SSM Cancer Care, a group of local physicians and Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services. Recently, the hospital system with which St. Louis CyberKnife is partnered with changed their name to SSM Health. Candace Jennings, regional president…
When Cancer Comes Back My cancer came back. Four words that no one ever wants to say, or hear a loved one say. They fought the battle once and now their cancer is back and in a new location in their body. Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from the place where…
Study Found Proteins in Urine Can Indicate Pancreatic Cancer According to a new study, published in the August 3 edition of Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers have found three proteins in urine that indicate early stage pancreatic cancer. For the study, researchers analyzed 488 urine samples, including…
Study Confirms Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Effectiveness for Early-Stage Lung Cancer According to research from a phase III randomized international study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients with operable stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could achieve better overall survival rates if treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), also known as…
St. Louis CyberKnife Proudly Supports the Radiosurgical Research Institute The Radiosurgical Research Institute (RRI), a 501c3 public charity, is the only independent medical research organization committed to improving the outcomes of cancer patients treated with radiosurgery. Its mission is to advance radiosurgery as a cancer treatment through innovation, education, and quality research in collaboration with…
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Supports SBRT for Prostate Cancer The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently updated their patient guide that supports stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 26 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality, efficiency, and…
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology reviewed the safety, benefits, and application of increasing physical activity and exercise in current and former lung cancer patients. The study sought to summarize the effect on improved outcomes, quality of life, symptom management and other factors. Authors of the study found that the majority of…
A recent study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) reported that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) benefits patients with advanced oligometastatic lung cancer. Oligometastasis, a form of metastatic cancer, is the intermediate state of metastasis. Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from a primary tumor…
As the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, prostate cancer can greatly impact the lives of those diagnosed and their family and friends. During Men’s Health Week, celebrated this year from June 15 – 21, we encourage early detection and treatment of the disease. It is important for men and their loved…
In some cases, patients with recurrent lung tumors may have limited options. While a recurrent lung cancer diagnosis may cause feelings of shock and distress, patients can feel hopeful that there are options available to treat cancer that comes back in areas previously treated with surgery or radiation. At St. Louis CyberKnife, our team of…
Read below for an overview of common CyberKnife® questions to learn more about the treatment. CyberKnife can treat brain tumors, lung tumors, prostate cancer, metastatic and recurrent cancer, and other types of cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It…
If you or a loved one is preparing to undergo cancer treatment and have been presented with various treatment options, one of the many medical terms you may have heard is “local control.” This term refers to cancer that hasn’t grown and progressed and remains at the original tumor site. Radiation is used for local…
May is recognized as National Cancer Research Month by The American Association for Cancer Research in an effort to bring national attention to innovative cancer research advancing the fight against the disease. One recent study focused on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) demonstrated effectiveness for early-stage lung cancer, a common type of cancer that affects…
A study presented at the annual meeting of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) demonstrated the growing support of CyberKnife® for the treatment of neurological diseases. The study, completed at the University Hospital of Messina in Italy, examined CyberKnife treatment for perioptic meningioma, a type of benign tumor that arises from the membranes that…
May is recognized as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and St. Louis CyberKnife is participating in this effort by encouraging patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors to seek information and second opinions about treatment options and their care plan. It’s important for you to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. Below are…
Without a family history of prostate cancer, Walter Nothstein never expected to be diagnosed with the disease. It was routine monitoring that helped to diagnose him at an early stage. “It was surprising to me because no one in my family has had this,” he said. “I stayed aware because I wanted to be sure…
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, correct staging of the disease is an important aspect of determining a treatment plan. The most common form of kidney cancer is known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC generally grows as a single tumor in the kidney. When a kidney cancer diagnosis…
This week is recognized as National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, a weeklong observance that focuses on promoting education and awareness around the many types of cancers of the head, neck and mouth. Recent clinical research has drawn attention to screening approaches for these types of diseases. A recent study completed by the University…
April is honored as National Cancer Control Month. This time spotlights healthy lifestyles, cancer screenings, access to quality cancer care, and improving quality of life for cancer survivors. Detecting cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear and when it is typically most treatable, is crucial. Below are a few recommended self-examinations. Testicular self-exam By…
In a recent study completed by the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, researchers found that higher levels of cancer-causing chemicals in smokeless tobacco products led to greater exposure to certain carcinogens. The cancer-causing chemicals, called tobacco-specific nitrosamines, make up one of the most important groups of tobacco products, particularly cigarettes and tobacco dip. According to…
SSM Health Care, a partner of St. Louis CyberKnife, was named a top ten finalist by the St. Louis Business Journal it its 2015 list of Best Places to Work. The ranking represents the results of an employee survey within the network that asked employees to rank their workplaces on a number of characteristics including…
St. Louis CyberKnife is a proud sponsor of the Lung Cancer Connection 6th Annual 5K Walk. Each year more than 1,000 people participate to show love and support for lung cancer patients and their families. The Lung Cancer Connection works to educate residents and the medical community about the risks and warning signs of the…
Liver cancer is sometimes difficult to detect early because symptoms of the disease often do not appear until the cancer has progressed. The delay in detection often means patients may be at a more advanced stage when diagnosed, meaning cancer may have spread beyond the liver to other parts of the body. When this occurs,…
Each year, the American Cancer Society releases updated facts and figures about the forecast of cancer in the United States. It has been reported that the cancer death rate has been greatly reduced in the past 20 years thanks to early detection and cancer prevention methods. At St. Louis CyberKnife, the primary conditions we treat…
In a recent study completed by the University of Utah, researchers learned that prostate cancer incidence among distant relatives on both sides of a manâs family can help predict the likelihood of developing the disease. The group examined the genealogic and medical information of more than 7 million individuals to assess their risk of prostate…
The American Cancer Society predicts more than 3,500 Missouri residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, understanding your treatment options is an important first step. Lung cancer is one of St. Louis CyberKnife’s frequently treated diseases. Learn more about the disease…
Liver cancer starts in the liver, the largest organ in the body, and can spread to other organs. Because symptoms of liver cancer typically do not appear until the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage, some patients may also be faced with metastatic liver cancer. Metastatic liver cancer occurs when cancer cells from…
A research study published by the Journal of Clinical Psychology cited that quitting smoking often ranks among the top ten New Year’s resolutions, but only eight percent of those surveyed achieve their annual goals. Whether you’ve attempted to quit smoking in the past or are making this resolution for the first time, these steps can…
For patients with advanced stage cancer, the brain is among the most common sites to which a primary tumor can spread. In these cases, doctors take a number of factors into consideration such as the type of primary cancer, the location of the metastatic tumor within the brain and the current health condition of the…
For patients with surgically inoperable tumors or those seeking an alternative to an invasive approach, CyberKnife® offers several benefits. Hear from radiation oncologist Dr. David Morris below on how the CyberKnife’s unique tracking system focuses and targets radiation precisely to the tumor while avoiding nearby healthy tissue. “The CyberKnife allows our physician team to treat tumors throughout…
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, your physician may recommend screening or additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. Most often a urologist performs the tests though it is highly recommended that a second opinion should be sought before deciding on a treatment plan. Getting a second opinion can help you…
Though a prostate cancer diagnosis may be scary, technology advancements have helped to reduce the impact on patients’ quality of life during and after treatment of the disease. At St. Louis CyberKnife, we treat prostate cancer with a powerful, noninvasive robotic radiosurgery system that ensures treatment is delivered precisely with few to no side effects. CyberKnife®…
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer recurrence, it’s normal to feel shock and distress. When a patient’s cancer comes back, it’s important to understand that a recurrence does not mean the first treatment didn’t work, and it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong following treatment. The American Cancer Society states, “Even…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that screenings for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) will now be covered by Medicare. The coverage is effective immediately. A long-awaited decision, this is the first time Medicare has covered lung cancer screening and is important news for Medicare patients seeking preventive…
With a goal of raising awareness of cancer, prevention methods and treatment options, February 4 is recognized annually as World Cancer Day. Health organizations and cancer societies around the globe honor this day through community events and localized initiatives aimed at mobilizing support and raising funds for the fight against cancer. If you or a…
February is honored as National Cancer Prevention Month, a time focused on taking action to prevent a cancer diagnosis. The American Cancer Society recently reported that more than 1.5 million lives have been spared in the last 20 years thanks to early detection and prevention methods, including quitting smoking and screening programs. While the report details…
St. Louis CyberKnife is proud to commemorate the 20th anniversary of CyberKnife® technology this year. Developed in 1994 at Stanford by Dr. John Adler, the concept was conceived with the goal of treating tumors throughout the body with radiosurgery, a treatment that at the time was restricted to head and neck tumors. Officially approved by…
As a proud partner of SSM Cancer Care, St. Louis CyberKnife is participating in SSM’s Kick Cancer Campaign. Our network is working with the Kick Cancer Campaign co-chairs Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker and Jake McQuaide of the St. Louis Rams in helping to kick cancer and you can participate with us. Fans can make a…
This November marks the ten-year anniversary of Movember, a global campaign to raise awareness of important men’s health issues including mental health and prostate cancer. Each year millions of men vow not to shave through the entire month while fundraising and spreading the word on the issues most important to them. At St. Louis CyberKnife,…
Whether you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, talking to your doctor and conducting research on all the available treatment options is an important first step. Thanks to advancements in research and treatment methods, men diagnosed with prostate cancer have several options and resources available to them to learn more…
St. Louis CyberKnife is proud to honor two years of service at SSM St. Clare. Since opening in 2012, our experienced physicians and staff have worked to successfully treat more than 100 patients with malignant and benign tumors throughout the body. With an interdisciplinary approach to care, our team has been able to achieve a…
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), often referred to as the “suicide disease,” is an excruciating facial nerve disorder many have never heard of. But for the 12 out of every 100,000 people per year affected by it, the condition can make living a normal life agonizing and unbearable. October 7 is recognized as Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day,…
Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day is honored nationally on October 7 with the goal of raising awareness for the excruciating nerve disorder known as the “suicide disease.” Occurring when a blood vessel compresses the fifth cranial nerve, the disease causes unpredictable facial pain that can make every day tasks such as chewing or talking difficult. While…
When Arthur Fowle was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, he realized the importance of living a healthier lifestyle. Fowle transitioned to a low-fat diet following surgery and radiation treatment that has improved his overall health and his attitude. A quote from Fowle: “The worst thing you can do with any life-threatening disease is sit around…
For many patients, duration of treatment can be an important consideration. When treatment time is spread over many weeks or months, it can be difficult to maintain your normal routines. In those cases, CyberKnife® may be an excellent option. At St. Louis CyberKnife, a number of our patients are still working or play an important…
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer is considered a first-line treatment option by the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Watch the video below to learn more about how CyberKnife® is used to treat prostate cancer. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and…
If you or a loved one is facing a prostate cancer diagnosis or if you are just interested in learning more about the disease, our team at St. Louis CyberKnife is available to answer any questions you may have. We’ve compiled a list below of some of the most common questions men may have about…
As September brings National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month into focus, St. Louis CyberKnife aims to educate prostate cancer patients and their families seeking information about treatment options. When weighing prostate cancer treatment options, one of the main concerns for men is maintaining their same quality of life during and after treatment. St. Louis CyberKnife treats…
The doctor review website, Zocdoc.com recently published a list that ranked St. Louis as fifth in the United States for highest rated doctors. The list evaluated data from the website and ranked physicians throughout the U.S. based on verified doctor reviews on their website and reviewed criteria such as average wait time, bedside manner and…
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an excruciating neuropathic disorder characterized by sporadic episodes of intense pain in the face and jaw region. Symptoms of TN range from sudden, shock like pain to aching, burning sensations on parts of the face and can often be triggered by normal activities such as eating, talking or even the slightest…
Wellpoint Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, the second largest commercial payer in the United States, recently announced that it has updated its SRS/SBRT policy to cover treatment for early stage prostate cancer. Stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, is a powerful, noninvasive treatment approach that targets radiation beams to match the size and shape of…
SSM St. Clare Health Center and St. Louis CyberKnife sponsored the 30th Anniversary Bob and Lu Reim Memorial Golf Tournament. During the event, St. Louis CyberKnife staff provided educational materials on prostate cancer and treatment options such as CyberKnife to attendees and participants. The golf tournament benefitted a nurse scholarship program at SSM St. Clare. The…
Patient comfort is a big part of the treatment experience offered at St. Louis CyberKnife. Along with being a painless and noninvasive procedure, patients are encouraged to bring their favorite music to listen to during their CyberKnife® session. Listening to a favorite song or playlist can help relax a patient while the CyberKnife’s robotic arm…
The video below is a helpful resource to guide you through the multiple different imaging exams offered at our center’s hospital system, SSM Health Care. Watch as Dr. Daniel Cohen, chief of radiology at SSM St. Joseph Health Center explains the important role that quality imaging exams play in the diagnoses and treatment of many…
The right treatment option for prostate cancer can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the stage, grade of the tumor, and the age, health and lifestyle of the patient. Below is a basic overview of prostate cancer treatment options. Consult your doctor and physicians with an expertise in each of these fields…
St. Louis CyberKnife medical director, Dr. David Morris has more than 14 years of experience in radiosurgery. Read more about his experience and philosophy of care below. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make…
St. Louis CyberKnife uses CyberKnife® technology to treat brain tumors with a noninvasive procedure enabling patients who may have been diagnosed with surgically inoperable tumors the opportunity to receive treatment. Learn more about how CyberKnife treats brain tumors in the overview below. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment…
At St. Louis CyberKnife, we are proud of our experienced physicians. Dr. Robert Swanson is a board-certified radiation oncologist with an interest in stereotactic radiosurgery and high-dose brachytherapy. Learn more about Dr. Swanson’s expertise and interests below. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team.…
Whether newly diagnosed or further along in the journey of an advanced disease, experiencing a cancer diagnosis of a friend or family member can be an emotional and confusing time. One of the first steps is to understand how you can offer support through this difficult time, as well as how you can receive support…
Whether you or a loved one is facing a brain tumor diagnosis, we understand that determining a treatment method is no easy task. That’s why our center aims to provide patients with the best educational resources to make well-informed decisions when assessing their options. The presentation below is an easy-to-understand guide on CyberKnife® technology and…
The American Cancer Society recently released its annual 2014 research detailing the prevalence of cancer in the United States. View the presentation below for an overview. This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed…
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a painful and often debilitating nerve disorder that causes sudden shock-like or burning facial pain and is said to be one of the most excruciating human conditions known. Often misdiagnosed as a dental problem, TN is characterized by sharp jaw pain. Read below about the two different types of TN and…
When a patient receives a metastatic cancer diagnosis, it is important to understand that the fight against cancer is ongoing and detection and maintenance of the disease is key. Fortunately, advancements in technology have improved cancer treatment strategies and survival rates. In a recent study titled, “Palliative Strategies for the Management of Primary and Metastatic…
Whether it’s you or a loved one, facing a brain tumor diagnosis can be a frightening and emotional journey, but connecting with others who have experienced the disease firsthand can often be a valuable resource. Below are a few influential bloggers who have used their blog to provide inspiration for brain tumor patients and their…
Spinal tumors can be among the most debilitating tumors because the brain and the spinal cord form the central nervous system. Tumors that inhibit the central nervous system can affect the control of walking, talking, breathing and digesting food. Spine tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found in and around the spine. There are three…
April is National Cancer Control Month, a national awareness holiday that aims to highlight advancements in prevention, detection and treatment of all cancers. One important aspect of cancer control for patients is understanding cancer treatment options. While many diagnoses have traditional treatment options such as surgery or chemotherapy, many patients may qualify for a combination…
St. Louis CyberKnife and hospital partner SSM Cancer Care recently celebrated employee appreciation day with a staff get-together that included light refreshments and recognition of staff members for outstanding work in patient care. Employees also exchanged carnations.
April is National Head and Neck Cancer awareness month. While there are many different types of cancers in the head and neck region, one of our center’s many focus areas is the treatment of brain tumors using CyberKnife® technology. Read below for a treatment comparison of our center’s CyberKnife technology to Gamma Knife®, another system…
CVS recently announced the pharmacy will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products by October of this year. In a USA Today article, Dr. Otis Brawley, the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, notes that this decision could create a decline in smoking rates around the nation, especially for young people who have less access…
Do you want to work up a sweat for a good cause? Join us March 22 at Metropolitan Square in downtown St. Louis for the Fight for Air Climb. Sponsored by the American Lung Association, participants climb 40 floors to raise awareness and money to fight lung disease. The event is one of many across…
When choosing between different radiation therapies for cancer treatment, one of the differences to consider is the method of delivery and dosage level of the radiation. Depending on the location and size of your tumor, the right treatment plan may require one or a combination of treatment approaches. Traditional radiation treatments deliver lower doses of…
St. Louis CyberKnife recently hosted a dinner program highlighting CyberKnife® treatment for lung cancer. The dinner featured a collaborative discussion including CyberKnife case reviews and progress on past patients who have received the treatment. St. Louis CyberKnife radiation oncologist, Dr. John Bedwinek and Dr. Thomas Chung led the informative discussion. Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Stephen D’Orazio and Ellen…
This week we are celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week, a national effort to raise awareness of health care safety launched by the National Patient Safety Foundation. At St. Louis CyberKnife, we work hard to ensure patients are fully educated, prepared and comfortable before receiving treatment. Here are a few questions to ask your doctor or…
Is a harmless lung tumor possible? According to researchers it may be. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s peer-reviewed JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that nearly 1 in 5 lung tumors are so slow-growing that they most likely would never cause problems. The slow-growing cancerous tumors studied never showed…
Although both technologies deliver stereotactic radiosurgery, the differences in these two treatment systems are important. Read below to understand the key distinctions. Treatment areas â While the types of cancers treated with Gamma Knife are limited to the head and neck, CyberKnife is able to treat a variety of cancers in practically any area of…
Join us as we cheer on competitors of our hospital partner SSM Health’s 12-week fitness challenge. The 2014 St. Louis Lose to Win Challenge is a fitness competition that motivates participants to shed those extra pounds and get healthy with a series of weekly weigh-ins, classes, prizes and healthy cooking demos. With so many resources…
Our center enjoyed participating in the Missouri Dental Association’s Winter Session meeting where we discussed trigeminal neuralgia. It was a great experience! Check out our photos from the event below. See our Flickr profile for more.
Your lungs are one of the most vital organs in your body and it’s important to keep themhealthy to prevent lung cancer and other disease. Follow these tips for strong lungs. 1. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke ? Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your lungs and there is no…
Next week we will be heading to the Missouri Dental AssociationÊWinter Session meeting to discuss trigeminal neuralgia and its treatment options. With symptoms such as episodes of intense, electroshock-like pain on either side of the face, trigeminal neuralgia can often be misdiagnosed as a dental problem and we’re excited to educate more dentists on this…
If you have allergies, dining out can be a gamble. Now residents with allergies in St. Louis have a little more help when narrowing down a place to enjoy. AllergyEats, a national guide for allergy-friendly restaurants, has collaborated with the St. Louis Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to develop a customized…
While you pile on extra layers, you might be surprised to find out there are some perks to the drop in temperature. Find out how the cold can help you: No need for citronella: Cold weather is less hospitable for disease-carrying bugs. Freezing temperatures make it tough for mosquitos and other pests to survive and…
As one of the most rapidly spreading diseases, pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose because patients usually don’t display symptoms until the cancer has progressed and spread to other parts of the body. Common early symptoms include loss of appetite, mild weight loss and mild discomfort in the upper abdomen or occasionally in the middle-back.…
We are constantly reminded of the ongoing impact that our team makes on the local cancer care community. Below are a few recent highlights: Our hospital partner, SSM St. Clare, recently honored members of the St. Louis CyberKnife team for their exceptional patient care at the hospital’s 4th Annual Exceptional Performance Awards. The CyberKnife® team,…
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated each November to raise awareness for the second most common cancer in both men and women. The American Cancer Society estimates 5,410 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in Missouri this year. Below are a few ways to support the fight against lung cancer: Get Connected: Lung…
St. Louis CyberKnife is celebrating its first anniversary this month. During the first year of operations, our center has worked to connect with the community and provide an advanced cancer treatment option to patients. Below are a few highlights from the past year. St. Louis CyberKnife joined its hospital partner SSM Cancer Care at St.…
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released a recommendation in favor of CT lung cancer screening for long-term smokers. Though still pending finalization, the recommendation applies to current and heavy smokers between 55 and 79 and could be a huge step in diagnosing high-risk patients sooner. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is…
St. Louis CyberKnife has treated nearly 100 patients in its first year of operations. The Fenton-based cancer treatment center opened in October 2012 as a service of SSM Cancer Care at St. Clare Health Center to offer stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive form of cancer treatment. St. Louis CyberKnife treats benign and malignant tumors throughout the…
Each October, the breast cancer community gathers to raise awareness and garner support for the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates 232,340 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2013 and one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 13 is dedicated…
Vicki Hartnett is St. Louis CyberKnife’s nurse navigator. She provides clinical support and care coordination for our center’s patients. Read more about her role as a CyberKnife® nurse: What are your major morning tasks?The most important task each morning is to review the day’s schedule and make certain all is in place for the upcoming…
Metastatic cancer occurs when cancerous cells spread from a primary cancer site to other parts of the body. Despite spreading to another location within the body, the cancer is considered an extension of the original tumor. For example, lung cancer that spreads to the liver is considered metastatic lung cancer. Metastatic cancers are difficult to…
This week marks the beginning of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for research and educating men on how to maintain their prostate health. Here’s how you and your loved ones can participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Be informed. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American…
St. Louis CyberKnife uses stereotactic radiosurgery to treat patients with a rare and debilitating nerve disorder called trigeminal neuralgia (TN). While the Facial Pain Association estimates only one in 15,000 people suffer from TN, it can often be misdiagnosed as a dental problem due to the characteristics of the excruciating facial pain the disease causes.…
St. Louis CyberKnife medical director Dr. David Morris has more than 14 years of experience treating patients with CyberKnife® technology. He has written numerous articles on radiosurgery and in 2012 was named a “Top Doctor” in radiation oncology by US News and World Report. Read more about his experiences since joining St. Louis CyberKnife below.…
According to the American Cancer Society, brain tumors account for one in every 100 cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. CyberKnife® stereotactic radiosurgery is an advanced treatment option for brain tumors, providing an important nonsurgical alternative for patients. Below is a brief overview of brain tumors, incidence rates and treatment options. The information provided…
From the initial consultation with our treatment team to follow-up appointments with your CyberKnife® physician, the CyberKnife nurse works to address the needs and concerns of the patient. The CyberKnife nurse provides clinical support and care coordination for patients. This includes assisting the CyberKnife radiation oncologist during patient consultation, educating patients and families in preparation for…
June is Men’s Health Month! This time is dedicated to raising awareness of preventableÊhealth problems men may encounter through health education, fundraising and advocacy efforts promoting early detection and treatment of disease. Here’s how you can get involved: Wear blue. The Men’s Health Network created the initiative to support men’s health efforts. Learn more here.…
St. Louis CyberKnife joins efforts to raise awareness for its partner, SSM Cancer Care at St. Clare Health Center, newly launched preventive lung cancer screenings as part of the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP). The screenings use annual spiral low-dose CT scans to search for lung cancer in current and former heavy…
When St. Louis CyberKnife patient Theresa was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer that had spread to her brain, our dedicated team at St. Louis CyberKnife and SSM Cancer Care worked together to combine multiple treatment methods. Watch the video below to learn more about the expert care Theresa received at our center and the…
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, determining the stage of the cancer is an important next step. Staging describes the extent or severity of a person’s cancer, which helps doctors determine the best course of treatment and a prognosis. Common Staging Procedures and Types: The most common staging is TNM, which designates three…
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has announced the classification of stereotactic body radiation therapy as a first-line treatment option for prostate cancer. As a first-line treatment, SBRT can be considered a primary form of treatment for prostate cancer. The results of long-term clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation in…
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, a time to educate others, fundraise and offer support to brain tumor patients. Here’s what you should know about brain tumors: More than 170,000 Americans will face a brain tumor diagnosis this year. Brain tumors can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a mixture of these therapies.…
A look at how the CyberKnife® components work together to treat tumors noninvasively. To view CyberKnife treatment overviews for different types of cancer, watch our YouTube channel.
Our patients are the best resource for learning more about CyberKnife® treatment. Our patient, Theresa T. came to our center with lung cancer that had spread to her brain. “I originally went to a doctor because I had pneumonia. They discovered a mass and I had a biopsy. It turned out to be cancerous and…
The American Lung Association (ALA) is a national organization dedicated to preventing lung disease and improving lung health through education, advocacy and research. The ALA’s mission is “to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.” The organization works to combat tobacco use, improve air quality to prevent lung disease and provide aid…
The American Cancer Society estimates lung cancer will be detected in nearly 220,000 people this year. The disease, ranked as the most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, kills more people annually than breast, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. While surgery or external-beam radiation therapy is considered a standard treatment for lung cancer, patients who are in…
Spring has sprung and so has baseball season at Busch Stadium! The Cardinals will play their 2014 Home Opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on Monday, April 7. And even though enjoying the ballpark food is part of the fun and tradition of the sport, it doesn’t mean you can’t still make healthy…
Since opening in the fall of 2012, St. Louis CyberKnife has offered an advanced cancer treatment option to help patients facing a disease responsible for more deaths annually than breast, colon and pancreatic cancers combined”Ólung cancer. In its first quarter of operations, lung cancer accounted for 26 percent of the center’s cases, with about half…
Patient Safety Awareness Week, an annual education and awareness campaign for health care safety, will be recognized March 3-9. The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) leads the nationwide effort seeking to promote collaboration among all aspects of patient care. The theme, “Patient Safety 7/365: 7 days of recognition, 365 days of commitment to safe care,”…
“I met with Dr. Bedwinek and was really happy with him. He took the time to sit down in his office on the first visit and he laid out different plans and talked about the options available to me at the time. He showed me CyberKnife and all the studies associated with it and I…
SSM Cancer Care is a dedicated cancer hospital comprised of six locations throughout metropolitan St. Louis. Accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, SSM Cancer Care provides a comprehensive program designed to treat the entire patient, including physical, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as needs of family members and caregivers. In…
The best insight on CyberKnife® treatment often comes from patients who have undergone the procedure. Our former patient, Earl, was successfully treated for prostate cancer at our center. St. Louis CyberKnife treats a variety of tumors and cancer types, as well as certain other conditions using CyberKnife® technology. Earl shares his CyberKnife treatment experience: “I…
Lung Cancer Awareness Important for Prevention, Early Detection As the second-most common cancer in both men and women, lung cancer is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 160,000 people will lose their battle with lung cancer this year, accounting for more victims than breast, prostate, colon and…
St. Louis CyberKnife Opens, Unveils CyberKnife Technology St. Louis CyberKnife opened in October 2012 and offers patients throughout the greater St. Louis area treatment with the CyberKnife® robotic radiosurgery system. The center is a service of SSM Cancer Care and is located on the campus of SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton, Mo. The…
St. Louis CyberKnife Radiation Oncologist Presents at Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce St. Louis CyberKnife radiation oncologist Dr. John Bedwinek spoke to members of the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce at a recent luncheon sponsored by SSM St. Clare Health Center. Dr. Bedwinek spoke to the group of business professionals about the new…
