Western Baptist’s Peter Locken, M.D., radiation oncologist, consults with Donna Schmidt, oncology registrar. Oncology registrars review cancer cases and work with physicians and staff to improve treatment plans and outcomes. Dr. Locken and Schmidt will speak Tuesday, May 13.

Being treated for cancer can be stressful for patients and their families. That’s why Western Baptist Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care— recently re-accredited by the American College of Surgeons—works to make radiation therapy easier and as stress-free as possible.

Radiation oncologist Peter Locken, M.D., said the addition of a second linear accelerator helps by allowing patients to be scheduled and treated more quickly and efficiently.

“This commitment shows that Western Baptist cares about patients and strives to make leading-edge treatments readily available,” said Dr. Locken. “Our goal is to get patients well and keep them well.”

About half of all people with cancer are treated with radiation therapy, which uses high-energy X-rays and/or electrons to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. For some cancer patients, radiation therapy is the only kind of treatment needed. Other patients receive radiation therapy with chemotherapy and/or surgery.

To aid in developing effective patient treatment plans, Western Baptist has a dedicated oncology registry headed by Donna Schmidt. The registrars review cancer cases and work with physicians and staff to develop effective, individualized treatment plans.

Radiation therapy can help cure many different kinds of cancer. It also can be used to relieve cancer symptoms such as pain, pressure or bleeding. It is effective for cancers of the head and neck; skin cancers; Hodgkin’s disease; leukemia; breast cancer; lung cancer; uterine and cervical cancers in women; and prostate cancer in men.

For more information about cancer care services at Western Baptist, visit westernbaptist.com or phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.