Resources
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
September 5, 2025 - September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight a disease that affects millions of men worldwide. At Alliance Cancer Center, we are dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and providing comprehensive care for those impacted by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer…National Dosimetrist Day 2025: Honoring Medical Dosimetrists & Their Vital Role in Oncology
August 19, 2025 - Each year on August 20th, we observe National Dosimetrist Day, a special occasion to acknowledge the significant contributions of medical dosimetrists. While their essential work often takes place behind the scenes, these dedicated professionals are truly integral to radiation oncology, committed to delivering cancer treatments that are safe, precise, and…Treating the World’s Most Common Cancer
May 20, 2025 - According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the only international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of the world’s most common cancer, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Skin cancer occurs when there are abnormalities in the cells…Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month
April 28, 2025 - April is recognized as National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, sinuses, and other areas of the head and neck. Early detection and screenings are key to improving outcomes, as early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.…Screening for Colorectal Cancer
March 28, 2025 - March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so it is a good time to think about, discuss, and research colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial…National Caregivers Day
February 20, 2025 - National Caregivers Day is celebrated on the third Friday in February. The caregiver plays a significant role in a cancer patient’s care. A caregiver is the person who helps the person with cancer the most and is often the person who knows everything that is going on with the patient.…Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January 22, 2025 - January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The month raises awareness about cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina. The normal ectocervix, the portion of the uterus extending into the vagina, is a…Coping with Cancer during the Holidays
December 16, 2024 - As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But do you know what else the happiest season of all brings? Stress. With all the planning, shopping, decorating, and cooking, it’s easy to become tired and overwhelmed. When cancer treatment is added to the…November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November 21, 2024 - November is National 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…The Second Most Common Cancer in Women
October 17, 2024 - When it comes to women’s health, being diagnosed with breast cancer is a major concern among American women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. The disease is also the second leading…Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to help you find the answers you need
General Questions›
Where are you located?
We are located next to Delta Regional Medical Center, in the same building as the Delta Health Cancer Center. This is especially convenient if you are undergoing multiple treatment options for your cancer or condition. Our center offers free onsite parking and is wheelchair-accessible.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Please complete the webform on this page, and our team will be in touch to answer your questions and discuss the next steps.
Is treatment at your center covered by insurance?
The coverage for treatment may vary depending on your insurance plan and the specific medical condition being treated. It is recommended to consult with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Radiation Therapy›
What is radiation therapy treatment?
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a form of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Why do I need radiation?
For some people, radiation may be the only treatment you need. Most often, you will have radiation therapy alongside other treatments to treat your cancer. Radiation treatment can be used for curative or palliative purposes.
How is radiation given?
Radiation therapy is typically given with "external beam" treatment, which is like a flashlight focused on your area of cancer. During treatment, you lie on a table while a machine moves around your body, delivering precise doses of radiation at the tumor from different angles. The machine's beam size and shape are adjusted to target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Here are the key differences between them:
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT): SRT refers to the broader category of treatments that use precise imaging and targeting techniques to deliver radiation to tumors with high accuracy. It can be used to treat tumors in various locations throughout the body, including the brain.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): SBRT is a specific type of SRT that focuses on treating tumors in the body outside of the brain. It delivers a highly concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. SBRT is typically administered in a few treatment sessions, usually between 1 and 8.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): SRS is a form of SRT that specifically targets tumors in the brain. Unlike traditional surgery, SRS does not involve making an incision. Instead, it uses multiple beams of radiation to precisely target the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue. SRS is typically delivered in a single session, although in some cases, multiple SRS treatments may be needed.
In summary, SRT is the broader category that encompasses both SBRT and SRS. SBRT focuses on treating tumors in the body, while SRS specifically targets brain tumors. Both SBRT and SRS employ precise targeting to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Here are the key differences between them:
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT): SRT refers to the broader category of treatments that use precise imaging and targeting techniques to deliver radiation to tumors with high accuracy. It can be used to treat tumors in various locations throughout the body, including the brain.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): SBRT is a specific type of SRT that focuses on treating tumors in the body outside of the brain. It delivers a highly concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. SBRT is typically administered in a few treatment sessions, usually between 1 and 8.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): SRS is a form of SRT that specifically targets tumors in the brain. Unlike traditional surgery, SRS does not involve making an incision. Instead, it uses multiple beams of radiation to precisely target the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue. SRS is typically delivered in a single session, although in some cases, multiple SRS treatments may be needed.
In summary, SRT is the broader category that encompasses both SBRT and SRS. SBRT focuses on treating tumors in the body, while SRS specifically targets brain tumors. Both SBRT and SRS employ precise targeting to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
What conditions can be treated with radiation?
Radiation can treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to, cancers of the:
Brain
Breast
Liver
Lung
Pancreas
Prostate
Skin
Brain
Breast
Liver
Lung
Pancreas
Prostate
Skin
What are the key advantages of radiation therapy treatment?
There are several patient benefits of radiation treatment, including:
- Outpatient procedure
- Non-invasive treatment
- Short treatments lasting about 10-15 minutes daily
- Few to no side effects
- Minimal to no recovery time
- Return to your normal activities following treatment
- Outpatient procedure
- Non-invasive treatment
- Short treatments lasting about 10-15 minutes daily
- Few to no side effects
- Minimal to no recovery time
- Return to your normal activities following treatment
Does radiation hurt?
Radiation is typically pain-free. Some patients will experience skin irritation at the treatment site after treatment. There are over-the-counter products that can help relieve any discomfort this may cause. If you experience this, your doctor will recommend the products that will work best for you.
How many radiation treatments will I have?
The number of treatments your doctor prescribes will vary based on your cancer type and location. Most patients come in for treatment daily, Monday through Friday, for several weeks.
Are there side effects of radiation?
Most patients have some fatigue but can drive themselves and work full-time throughout their treatment. Some patients experience skin irritation at the treatment site after treatment. There are over-the-counter products that can help relieve any discomfort this may cause. There can also be other side effects, depending on the area of the body being treated. Your radiation oncologist will discuss the side effects with you so you know what to expect before you begin therapy.
Will I be radioactive?
You will not be radioactive. Unlike some other forms of treatment, such as nuclear medicine treatments, radiation therapy does not cause “radioactivity.” This means you are safe to be around family and friends without restrictions.
How do I know the radiation treatments are working?
Your radiation oncologist has recommended treatments that have been proven effective and will monitor your treatment progress.