Grand Itasca’s oncology providers are knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about empowering patients who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Our dedicated oncology specialists work closely with Grand Itasca’s experienced surgical team (including general, orthopedic, OB/GYN, and breast surgeons). We also collaborate and consult with cutting-edge researchers and specialists within the M Health Fairview system and at the University of Minnesota to provide the best possible options and coordination of care for our cancer warriors.

Most cancer treatment will include one or more cancer-fighting methods.

• Surgery to remove a cancerous tumor is an important part of the overall treatment for many people with cancer. Our surgeons evaluate and treat patients with a variety of cancers. If surgery is not offered at Grand Itasca, providers will refer to specialists.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to shrink tumors, kill cancer cells, and treat other non-cancerous conditions. Our providers use several types of radiation therapy, using the approach to limit radiation exposure as much as possible while still delivering the optimal outcomes for patients. This service is not offered at Grand Itasca, but oncologists will refer you to a nearby location if it is determined that you will benefit from radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy is a powerful tool against cancer using several different kinds of medication. It can be given through an intravenous (IV) line, by pills or liquid, or by injection. Typically, chemotherapy is given over the course of days, weeks or months, depending on your treatment plan. Because chemotherapy is so powerful, it also affects healthy cells. You may experience side effects such as infections, increased bruising, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, diarrhea, mouth and lip sores, or temporary hair loss. Chemo is usually given in cycles so that your normal cells can recover before the next therapy. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lessen these side effects. Chemotherapy is administered in Grand Itasca’s Cancer & Infusion Center. 
• Immunotherapy (sometimes also called biological therapy) is showing great promise in helping patients with advanced, hard-to-treat cancers. Immunotherapy works through the complex network of the body’s immune system to stimulate a powerful anti-cancer attack. Immunotherapy is a relatively new set of cancer-fighting techniques—some immunotherapy treatments have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and many more are being studied in clinical trials.

A “cancer survivor” refers to any person with a history of cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the remainder of their life.

The number of people with a history of cancer in the United States has gone up greatly over the last 45 years. As of January 2019, it is estimated that there are 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States (approximately 5% of the population). Today, about 64 percent of survivors are age 65 plus.

Increased survival rates may be due to three major improvements:  

• Screening tests that may find cancers earlier

• Improved management of side effects, which helps to keep planned treatments on schedule

• New and improved treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy

In addition to providing cancer care, our Oncology Nurse Practitioner educates patients about cancer survivorship and also leads a cancer support group at Grand Itasca. Cancer support groups are open to patients recently diagnosed, currently receiving treatment or patients who have completed treatment for any type of cancer. Caregivers, family members and friends caring for those with a cancer diagnosis are invited to join and discuss their experiences as well. For more information about our cancer support group, call 218-999-1440.