Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a for-profit network of hospitals that exclusively treat cancer patients. According to an article in Bloomberg Businessweek, the company is part of a trend of for-profit oncology hospitals that directly compete with local hospitals and large, non-profit research hospitals. Cancer Treatment Centers of America aggressively markets directly to consumers, promising patient empowered care.
History
Cancer Treatment Centers of America was founded by Richard J. Stephenson in 1988, according to the company website. Following the death of his mother to cancer, Stephenson saw a need for cancer treatment that met the needs of the "whole person." He then designed hospitals and recruited oncologists and other professionals to fulfill his mission.
Function
Cancer Treatment Centers of America treats dozens of types of cancer. It conducts clinical trials and treats cancer in advanced stages. They also treat some rare types of cancer. Over two-thirds of the patients travel to the facilities from other states, often because oncologists in their own areas have told them there is nothing more than can be done to treat their cancers.
Services
Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers surgical treatments, radiation treatments and medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Unlike many other facilities, however, they also offer spiritual support, nutritional therapy, naturopathic medicine, and mind-body medicine. Rehabilitation is offered as the patient recovers. The company website stresses that the various practitioners work together to create a complete plan for the patient's care and recovery and that patients are actively involved in the decision-making process.
Locations
The company has hospitals in Tulsa, Okla., Zion, Ill., Philadelphia, Pa. and Goodyear, Ariz., near Phoenix. The company operates an outpatient clinic in Seattle, Washington. As of 2010, they were planning to build a hospital in Newnan, Georgia, near Atlanta. Each of the existing hospitals provide similar services.
Considerations
Factors to consider when choosing cancer treatment include the facility's survival rate for the type of cancer in question and the oncologist's record and board certification. The prospective patient should understand and agree with the type of proposed treatment. He should also understand whether he will be receiving standard treatment or be enrolling in an FDA-approved clinical trial.
