UCHealth Cancer Center - Highlands Ranch

Chemotherapy

UCHealth Cancer Center – Highlands Ranch offers a variety of standard chemotherapy treatment options for patients and access to leading-edge clinical trials via the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Radiation therapy

Brachytherapy (internal radiation). This form of radiation therapy delivers precise, targeted doses of radiation. It includes high-dose-rate (HDR) treatment for cervical cancer and low-dose-rate permanent seed implantation for prostate cancer. This treatment has proven effective in treating prostate cancer and lowering incidences of impotence and incontinence in male patients.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy. This therapy, known as IMRT, targets and damages DNA, stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing and slowing or stopping tumor growth.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy. Also known as SBRT, this is a specially designed system to locate cancerous tumors in the patient’s body. Patients who undergo SBRT treatments often demonstrate drastically better outcomes that those who experience only conventional therapy.

Our oncology-specific trained social workers provide support and other services that can reduce stress for you and your family through all phases of your cancer journey. These services can be accessed in individual sessions or support groups.

We offer oncology psychiatry via telemedicine to assist with depression, anxiety and sleep challenges related to cancer. These symptoms are quite common because 30% of those diagnosed experience one or more of these obstacles. Access this service through a referral by your counselor or provider.

The entire cancer-care team is focused on treating the whole person, not just the disease, integrating advanced therapies with emotional support.

We can help you:

• Cope with your diagnosis of cancer and the many emotions you may be experiencing.
• Access information to help you understand your diagnosis and treatments.
• Consider decisions about treatment options as you think about your work, family and other things in your life.
• Understand community resources that are available to you.
• Access programs that offer financial assistance.

We can teach you about:

• Coping with your emotions—sadness, anger, worry and fears.
• Talking with your children, family, friends or co-workers.
• Reducing stress and using relaxation skills.
• How cancer affects sex, intimacy, fertility and feeling good about your body.
• Talking with your treatment-team members.
• Living with cancer, issues commonly experienced and resources to help you in the long term.
• Complementary and alternative medicine.
• Planning for your care with the use of advance directives.
• Life as a cancer survivor.

We offer:

• Counseling for you and your family members.
• Support groups and educational programs.
• Referrals to community counseling.

How can I find an oncology counselor?

• Ask your doctor, nurse or other health care provider.
• Call Oncology Support Services at 720.848.9266.
• Services in Highlands Ranch are provided at no cost.

Nutrition counseling is offered by oncology-specific dieticians to patients in our cancer-care program.

The consultation is customized to your interests in the following areas:

• Research-based nutrition information.
• Questions about the link between nutrition and cancer.
• Tips for eating during chemotherapy.
  • Easy meal and snack ideas.
  • Tips for eating adequately when appetite is poor. Assistance in finding the right protein supplement or shake.
  • Improving cancer-associated malnutrition and hydration through treatment.
• Nutritional considerations for side effect management, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dehydration, dysphagia, altered taste, mucositis, stomatitis, dry mouth, anorexia, early satiety.
• Herbal supplements: Are they safe?
• Setting goals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Home feeding tube education and monitoring.
• Ways that nutrition can be a tool in preventing future cancers.

To schedule an appointment, please call 720.848.9266.

Oncology treatment costs and billing issues can cause a lot of stress. Our dedicated team of patient service coordinators are here to help you through it. If you are insured, underinsured or uninsured, we are here to help.

We will:

• Meet with you at the onset of your cancer treatment.
• Review with you how your insurance benefits work.
• Estimate your out-of-pocket costs.
• Provide you with any programs or financial support needed to help you with those costs.
• Assist you with any billing questions or insurance issues.
• Ensure that all of your treatment is approved and authorized through your insurance before your treatment begins.

UCHealth Cancer Center – Highlands Ranch partners with University of Colorado Hospital, the School of Medicine and community providers to bring you exceptional oncology care.

Our Cancer Center is affiliated with the UCHealth University of Colorado Cancer Center, Colorado’s only National Cancer Institute-designed comprehensive cancer center.