Important information
CDC guidance now recommends that moderately to severely immunocompromised patients receive an additional (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). If you have undergone anti-cancer therapy in the past year, you are within 1 year of stem cell transplantation or are receiving medications that suppress your immune system, you are encouraged to obtain a third COVID-19 vaccination shot. If you received the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccination, please consult your doctor regarding next steps. Find vaccination locations here.
If you are within 100 days of a stem cell transplantation, we do not recommend that you receive a COVID-19 vaccination until you are cleared by your care team to do so. If you are currently on a clinical research trial, please contact your clinical research team for more guidance. Please contact your care coordinator if you have additional questions about receiving an additional COVID-19 vaccine shot.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to leading-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (972) 202-8877.
Radiation oncology in North Texas
Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Medical City Healthcare offers advanced radiation therapy technology for cancer treatments. The goal of radiation therapy, also called radiation oncology, is to destroy cancer cells while preserving normal cells. Radiation therapy may be recommended along with surgery or in addition to other nonsurgical cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
For more information about radiation therapy and our other cancer treatment options, call askSARAH at (972) 202-8877.
Radiation therapy affects normal cells and cancer cells alike, but most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly afterward. Also, some types of radiation use advanced techniques to preserve healthy cells and maximize the effectiveness of the therapy.
How radiation therapy works
Radiation therapy destroys cells in the targeted tissue by damaging their genetic material. This prevents them from growing and multiplying. Radiation therapy also cuts off blood supply to cancer cells, which kills them. Another method of treatment involves using ionizing radiation to shrink tumors and eliminate cancer cells.
Radiation treatment can be given externally through external beam radiotherapy or internally through brachytherapy (the insertion of a radioactive implant near the cancer cells).
When radiation therapy is used as a cancer treatment
Our oncology program offers radiation therapy for almost any type of cancer, including lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects the immune system.
Side effects of radiation therapy
Your oncologist will explain all the side effects that you may experience, either temporarily or permanently, following any type of cancer treatment. The side effects you experience, however, will depend on your overall treatment plan. For example, if you undergo radiation therapy with chemotherapy, the effects will be different compared to a patient who only completes chemotherapy.
Along with your oncologist and other members of your cancer care team, you'll have access to all the resources you need to learn about radiation therapy and other treatment options.
Cancer support
We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health. That's why cancer support groups are a major part of cancer care at Medical City Healthcare.
