Advanced cancer care in Kansas City
The Kansas City hospitals of HCA Midwest Health are known throughout the region for comprehensive care of all cancer types.
We are proud to partner with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network to bring you innovative treatments and compassionate support services. Additionally, our hospitals are accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) quality program for excellence in oncology services.
Looking for a second opinion? We can help.
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your medical care. Getting a second opinion from an oncology expert at Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at HCA Midwest Health is easy, convenient, secure and can all be done remotely.
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your medical care. Getting a second opinion from an oncology expert at Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at HCA Midwest Health is easy, convenient, secure and can all be done remotely.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Types of cancer we treat
Specialists at our cancer centers provide diagnostic and treatment services across a broad range of specialty areas, including:
Cancer screening services
Cancer screening tests may help find abnormal tissue at an early stage, before symptoms appear.
Advanced imaging technology we use includes:
- 3D mammograms
- Breast MRI
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Colonoscopy
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy
- Navigational bronchoscopy
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
Breast cancer screening
Our hospitals are committed to providing women with comprehensive breast health services. As part of this commitment, we use advanced technology and the latest techniques to detect and diagnose breast cancer.
Our 3D mammograms convert digital breast images into a stack of thin layers, building a 3D image of the breast. This allows radiologists to look at your breast tissue in far greater detail than a traditional mammogram. When needed, we also offer breast MRIs and minimally invasive biopsies to evaluate suspicious breast lesions further.
Colon cancer screenings
Routine colorectal cancer screenings are important tools for prevention. Colonoscopies are recommended for men and women beginning at age 45 (or earlier if you have certain risk factors).
- Digital rectal exam: X-ray of the large intestine or barium enema, Biopsy
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Stool DNA test
- Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography)
Lung cancer screenings
We provide low-dose CT imaging for lung cancer screenings. CT images are better at finding abnormalities than a traditional chest X-ray. The amount of radiation received during a low-dose CT lung cancer screening is less than the amount received annually from naturally occurring radiation present in the environment.
Testicular cancer screening
Most testicular cancers can be found at an early stage. The American Cancer Society recommends performing testicular self-exams regularly and getting examined by your doctor during routine check-ups as the best ways to find testicular cancer early.
Men with risk factors, such as an undescended testicle, previous testicular cancer or a family member who has had this cancer should consider conducting monthly self-exams. If you have risk factors or find something unusual, consult your doctor right away.
Additional cancer screening resources
In addition to regular screenings, education can play a key role in preventing cancer. Visit the American Cancer Society's helpful resources for cancer prevention below:
Cancer treatments we offer
We offer some of the most advanced technologies available to treat cancer, including:
- Histotripsy – focused, high-amplitude ultrasound
- Interventional oncology
- Image-guided high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Neurosurgical ablation
- Oral and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy
- Prostate brachytherapy
- Radiation oncology
- Robotic surgery
Our genitourinary (GU) program provides specialized care for patients with cancers affecting the urinary tract system and male genital tract.
We offer clinical expertise in GU cancer, such as:
- Bladder cancer
- Genitourinary cancer
- Genitourinary malignancies
- Kidney cancer
- Male genital malignancies
- Male reproductive cancers
- Penile cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Urinary tract malignancies
- Urinary tract tumor
- Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to help find and fight cancer. It can be a primary treatment method or combined with others, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
For some people and some types of cancer, immunotherapy may help slow cancer growth or shrink tumors. Results vary based on the type of cancer and individual factors. Our team can help determine whether you may be eligible for an immunotherapy clinical trial based on your diagnosis and other criteria.
Radiation oncology, also called radiotherapy or radiation therapy, involves treating cancer with beams of high-energy radiation. Radiation therapy uses X-ray energy delivered at many more times the amount of a regular X-ray to treat cancer.
Our hospitals may perform radiation therapy during your cancer treatment for different reasons, including:
- Neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery, to shrink a cancerous tumor)
- During surgery, to direct large doses of radiation directly at a tumor
- Adjuvant therapy (after surgery, to stop the growth of any remaining cancer cells)
- In combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy
- Palliative care (decrease pressure or pain that the tumor puts on you)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Anyone can develop skin cancer, and it is most common in areas that are chronically exposed to sunlight, like the face, neck, hands and arms.
Risk factors for skin cancer include:
- A large number of moles or moles of unusual size or shape
- Excessive sun exposure
- Fair skin that freckles easily
- Family history of skin cancer
- History of tanning bed use
- Light-colored hair and eyes
- Personal history of blistering sunburns
Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. These may include:
- A changing lesion of the skin, including changes in size, color, shape or sensation (such as bleeding, itching, tenderness or pain)
- A dark freckle or mole
- A lesion that appears or feels different than the rest of your skin
- A persistent sore or pimple-like lesion that doesn't heal within one month
- Scaling, roughness, oozing, bleeding or a change in the way an area of skin looks
Types of skin cancer we treat
Our team of experts includes national leaders in multiple specialties, including medical oncology, surgical oncology and plastic surgery. Types of skin cancer we treat include:
- Adnexal (sweat gland and hair-derived) carcinoma
- Angiosarcoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Cutaneous Lymphoma
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Lentigo maligna/melanoma in situ
- Malignant melanoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Skin cancer treatment we provide
We provide a wide range of treatment options for skin cancer, depending on your needs. Treatment options we offer include:
- Advanced reconstructive and plastic surgery (including skin flaps and grafts)
- Chemotherapy
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Scar revision
- Skin cancer excision
- Targeted biochemotherapy
Leading-edge cancer care in Kansas City
Tumors and cancer are unique, which means our treatment is unique to each patient. Treating the entire patient, not just their cancer, is central to our model of care. The care delivered throughout our programs is leading-edge, yet personal and compassionate.
At HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at HCA Midwest we offer:
- Access to the largest network of cancer specialists through Sarah Cannon's global network
- Comprehensive oncology care including prevention, screening, diagnostics, treatment, navigation, genetics, cancer wellness and cancer survivorship
- Rapid diagnosis to treatment times
- Innovative clinical research trials with access to hundreds of community-based cancer trials (including early-phase) available through the national network
- Personalized medicine with tumor profiling to genetically target a patient's unique cancer type
- Patient navigation by highly-skilled, oncology-trained nurses to support patients through their cancer journey from discovery to survivorship
- Genetic counseling – the most advanced and comprehensive program in the region including genetic risk assessment
- Multi-disciplinary patient case conferences that are organized by specific cancer type and connect physicians from across the HCA Midwest Health network to discuss and coordinate patient treatment plans
- Highly-specialized surgical oncologists offering minimally-invasive and cutting-edge robotic surgical options
- Advanced radiation oncology therapies
- Cancer support services for patients and caregivers
Recognition
The Sarah Cannon HCA Midwest Health cancer centers are accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) quality program. This means our hospitals exceed the quality care standards set out by the CoC and consistently provide excellence in patient-centered care.
Our cancer facilities in Greater Kansas City
We are proud to offer seven CoC-accredited cancer hospitals in the Kansas City area, including:
Understanding your risk for hereditary cancer
Most cancer is sporadic — it occurs by chance alone. However, according to the American Cancer Society, about 5 to 10 percent of cancer is hereditary. Characteristics of hereditary cancer may include:
- A personal or family history of cancer diagnosed at a young age (earlier than 50 years old).
- Clusters or patterns of cancer in a family, such as breast and ovarian, colon and uterine or melanoma and pancreatic.
- Multiple primary cancers in yourself or another family member.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing can help you evaluate your risk for developing cancer and make informed decisions about your health. We offer comprehensive genetic testing that provides you with personalized information about genetic influences, specific cancer risks and personalized screening and prevention options.
Genetic counseling can include:
- Collection of detailed medical and family histories
- Pedigree drawing and analysis
- Review of medical records
- Patient education
- Cancer risk analysis
- Medical management of cancer risk and options
- Genetic testing
- Results disclosure
Benefits of genetic counseling
Because we have specialists dedicated to genetic counseling, we can provide you with in-depth resources and information about your risks for developing cancer.
Our genetic counselors can benefit you and your loved ones by providing:
- Risk assessments
- Genetic cancer education
- Medical management and testing options
- Reassurance and guidance for you and your family
Your oncology team
It takes a team of specialists working together to make sure you receive the highest level of cancer care possible. When you come to one of our hospitals for cancer treatment, your oncology team may include:
- Interventional radiologist — Performs minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat cancers without surgery.
- Oncologists — Physicians who specialize in treating individuals diagnosed with cancer. Some specialize in a certain type of cancer.
- Medical oncologist — Diagnoses and treats cancer with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Radiation oncologist — Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Surgical oncologist — Performs surgical procedures, including tumor removal and biopsies.
- Pathologist — Studies cells and tissues under a microscope and relays information about the cells to physicians to determine the best treatment options.
- Radiologist — Diagnoses cancer with imaging technology, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Reconstructive physician (plastic surgeon) — Performs surgery to restore function and appearance of areas affected by cancer.
Specialized patient navigation
Your nurse navigator is a specially trained healthcare professional dedicated to supporting cancer patients. They work closely with you, your caregivers and your healthcare team to ensure seamless communication, coordinate care and help eliminate any barriers to treatment. Their primary goal is to advocate for your needs and enhance your access to care throughout your journey.
Our nurse navigators:
- Reinforce education on cancer types, treatment options and clinical trials
- Facilitate coordination of office visits, as needed, across various medical specialties to ensure a more efficient and streamlined cancer care experience
- Serve as your advocate in multidisciplinary team meetings to foster collaboration in your cancer treatment
- Be your continuous source of support, always available to answer any questions you may have
Cancer support
We understand that cancer support doesn’t begin and end with treatment.
What is a clinical trial?
Sarah Cannon Research Network has led the development of the majority of therapies approved by the FDA in the last decade.
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About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.
askSARAH helpline
Patient stories
Grateful patients share their journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.