Cancer Services

Mercy Offers a Full Service Cancer Center

What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth.  Normal cells and cancer cells are alike in many ways, but have many important differences.  Normal cells have a programmed time to die.  Normal cells have “contact inhibition” which means normal cells won’t crowd each other. Normal cells that bump into each other give each other space.  Normal cells will multiply until they fill the boundaries of a chamber.  At this point, normal cells will balance their growth with cell loss.  

Cancer cells are disorganized and don’t have a programmed time to die. Cancer cells continue to multiply, crowding into each other and normal surrounding cells.

How is it treated?
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, there may be many treatment options.  These may include any one or a combination of the following:
   • Surgery
   • Chemotherapy
   • Radiation Therapy
Physicians work with patients to plan the best treatment options.  

Successful Cancer Care Needs Skill and Compassion
At the Mercy Regional Cancer Center, effective and compassionate care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who work together to help the courageous people who face their journey with dignity and grace.  We offer the full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment options under one roof and in a comfortable and supportive setting.

American College of Surgeons Highest Accreditation for More Than 20 Years

The Mercy Regional Cancer Center sets the standard for multidisciplinary and comprehensive care for patients and their families.  We accomplish this through applied research, education, prevention and early detection.  Our goal is improved health for our patients and our community.

That is why the American College of Surgeons has awarded the Mercy Regional Cancer Center its highest level of accreditation for comprehensive cancer programs for more than 20 years.

Cancer Resource Centers in Redding and Mt. Shasta
Information is an important tool in the treatment of cancer.  The more patients and families understand about their illness, the more effectively they can take steps to enhance and speed up their recovery.  Cancer Resource Centers at both Mercy Medical Center Redding (MMCR) and Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta (MMCMS) provide informational support to cancer patients, their families and the general public.  The Floyd Morgan Family Cancer Resource Center and the Medical Library at MMCR offer printed and online information, as well as trained and experienced staff to assist you.

A New Vision for Cancer
Oncologists that practice at MMCR use a team approach to provide the finest quality of care.  A multidisciplinary Tumor Board brings together radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to examine each diagnosis and strategize and plan the best treatment for each patient. 

MMCR and University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) collaborate to improve cancer related care for MMCR’s patient population in far Northern California.  Services provided through the collaboration will capitalize on the strengths of UCSF’s sub-specialty clinical expertise and top-notch cancer research programs combined with Mercy Regional Cancer Center’s community resources and Medical Staff expertise.  MMCR’s overarching goal with UCSF is to continually increase advanced best practices and evidence-based care.

Diagnostic Services
Mercy Regional Cancer Center administers a variety of diagnostic services and partners with area diagnostic centers to provide computerized technology.  Services available through one or both of the facilities include:

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computerized Technology (CT) Scan
• Interventional Radiology
• Mammography
• Nuclear Medicine Scans
• Pathology - Tumor Staging
• PET Scans
• Ultrasound Vascular Lab Studies
• 64-Slice CT Scanner
• Genetic Testing
• Collaboration with UCSF Medical Center's Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Radiation Treatment
MMCR has formed a strategic partnership with 21st Century Oncology, a national leader in radiation therapy.  The purpose and mission of 21st Century Oncology is to provide the very best in cancer fighting technology, operated by highly educated and specially trained physicians, physicists and therapists incorporating a multi-center team approach.  One of the many resources 21st Century Oncology brings to our community includes its foundation 21st Century C.A.R.E.  The foundation assists financially with the incidental expenses incurred during treatments, furthers research for a cure by partnering with leading national organizations, and provides education for patients and the public alike regarding the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

Chemotherapy
Expert Medical Oncologists implement a strategy for comprehensive patient care.  Chemotherapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis, supporting a cancer patient’s quality of life while they undergo treatment.  Our chemotherapy services are one of the highest rated services for offering a quality patient experience in the hospital according to patient feedback.

The Finest Surgeons in the North State Help Plan Patient Care
Affiliated, board-certified surgeons help determine the best treatment plan for Cancer Center patients. Unsurpassed inpatient and outpatient surgical services are conveniently available at our facilities in both Redding and Mt. Shasta so that cancer patients don't have to travel far for surgical care.  Guided by the very latest imaging technology, skillful surgeons save lives and improve outcomes every day.

Clinical Trials
Physicians may refer qualifying patients to clinical trials. These trials provide access to cancer treatments, often before they are available to the general public.  Working in collaboration with a National Cancer Cooperative Group or pharmaceutical company, patients may qualify for participation in these ongoing efforts to advance safe and effective new treatments. For more information about clinical trials at MMCR, please ask your physician or call (530) 225-7471.

Local, Convenient Treatment Options

Redding
The Ida C. Emmerson Oncology Unit at MMCR is a 16-bed dedicated oncology area.  The Oncology Unit was named in 1996 in memory of Ida C. Emmerson, former President of the Sierra Pacific Foundation.  Mrs. Emmerson’s husband Red Emmerson and his children made a donation to the hospital in gratitude for the care their wife and mother received while she was a patient at the Mercy Regional Cancer Center.  Inpatient and outpatient services are provided by skilled surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nursing staff.

Mt. Shasta
For the residents who once had to travel long distances for treatment, the Cancer Center at MMCMS provides a life-enhancing opportunity to remain close to friends and family when receiving cancer care.  There is comprehensive surgical, radiation and medical treatment for cancer available in Mt. Shasta.  For patients who may need it, transportation services are also available to and from the Mt. Shasta Cancer Center.

Need A Place to Stay?
MMCR’s Hospitality House is an affordable, convenient solution for patients who travel to Redding from a distance greater than 55 miles from MMCR.  The house is equipped with laundry facilities, wireless Internet access and the rooms have private baths and kitchenettes.  The Hospitality House may be reached at (530) 247-3441.  For more information please click here.

Home Care is an Important Option
Many patients benefit from recovery in familiar, nurturing surroundings.  Mercy Home Health in Redding and Siskiyou Home Health in Mt. Shasta bring skilled caregivers to patients who are being cared for at home.  Among these caregivers are specially trained nurses, therapists, home health aides, and others. Mercy Home Health may be reached at (530) 245-4040 or by clicking here for more information. 

Mercy Hospice
When area residents and their families are faced with a life-limiting illness, MMCR continues its mission of compassionate care and comfort to help them through the last steps of life’s journey.  Mercy Hospice provides physical, emotional, and spiritual help in the supportive surroundings of the patient’s own home, a hospital, nursing home, or private hospice facility, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Hospice care highlights the quality rather than the length of life, and does not hasten nor postpone death. 

Mercy Hospice nurses help their patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care can be given in the patient’s home, a hospital, nursing home, or private hospice facility.  In the United States most hospice care is given in the home, with a family member serving as the main hands-on caregiver.  For more information on Hospice or bereavement classes call (530) 245-4070 or click here.

Support Groups
Support groups and classes offer invaluable opportunities to learn and to share with others.  In addition to community groups, classes and national organizations listed elsewhere on this Web site, the Mercy Regional Cancer Center offers:

• Breast Cancer Support Group
• Living Better With Cancer Support Group
• Look Good, Feel Better Program
• Loss and Grief Support Groups
• Pet Therapy for Inpatients.

Call Whenever You Need Us