Treatment for cancer, close to home

Finding the right treatment for cancer doesn’t mean you must drive miles away from home for help. In Aberdeen, SD, a large range of services can be found at one location. State-of-the art technology combines with comprehensive cancer treatment at the Cancer Care Center at 620 Third Ave. S.E., on the north side of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.

In the upper level a medical oncologist, Richard Conklin, MD, oversees the overall treatment of cancer patients. In the lower level, Avera St. Luke’s Cancer Care Center offers radiation therapy services led by Eric Mendoza, MD, a radiation oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment using radiation.

Specialized treatment

Our sophisticated Varian 21EX linear accelerator produces and delivers high doses of radiation to destroy certain cancer and can perform specialized treatments such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). We recently added two new, state-of-the-art GE computed tomography scanners that give patients and healthcare professionals faster and high quality, more detailed images of the human body.

Our Cancer Registry has collected, interpreted and reported data about our cancer patient population in and around the Aberdeen area since 1974, providing follow-up on all cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated at the hospital.

The Cancer Program at Avera St. Luke’s again received a three-year approval "with commendation" by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons in 2007.

Surgical Services

A number of Aberdeen surgeons deal with cancer concerns. Avera St. Luke's medical/dental staff includes surgery specialists in the fields of general surgery, oncologic surgery, ENT, OB-GYN, neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and urology. With plastic and reconstructive surgery, Avera St. Luke's can also offer breast reconstruction for women undergoing mastectomies and lesion biopsies and removals.

Other Cancer Services

Avera St. Luke’s cancer services include prevention programs, such as breast cancer and prostate screening clinics; education classes, diagnostic evaluation, and continuing care and support services.

Families from outside Aberdeen can access the Auxiliary Guest House for comfortable, home-like lodging while a family member is receiving treatment. These and other services are part of the commitment to quality cancer care at Avera St. Luke’s.