Cancer Institute

You’re Not Alone

When you or a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this fight. The Saint Francis Cancer Institute team is here with you and your family every step of the way, from initial diagnosis through remission. You are so much more than just your diagnosis, and our team cares for the whole you. We will be here for you in every way we can.

Committed to High-Quality, Accessible Care

The Saint Francis Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the highest quality cancer care in southeast Missouri and the surrounding five-state region. Accredited as the only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program in the region by the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, we focus on raising care standards that improve outcomes for patients, from the first detection through treatment and into remission. Our primary goal is to provide patients with excellent, patient-centered care close to home and the support of loved ones.

When facing a cancer diagnosis, you want answers as quickly as possible. Our offices are committed to setting appointments within days – not weeks – so you can get established with an oncologist and a plan of action in place.

On the Forefront of Cancer Treatment

Cancer Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counselor Melanie Baxter meets with a patient

Saint Francis offers cancer genetic counseling, which can help you better understand how genetics and family history impact your chances of developing cancer. If you are diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing can provide insights about the cause of your specific cancer and your unique treatment plan. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing can provide more information about your genetic risk factors and personalized plan for additional cancer screenings.

Our certified genetic counselor, Melanie Baxter, ScM, CGC, is happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. You can learn more about who is a good candidate for genetic testing and more details here.

Molecular Tumor Board

The Molecular Tumor Board at the Saint Francis Cancer Institute is a panel of experts who analyze the unique genomic features of difficult cancer cases. The board takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer with consultation from medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons and other cancer specialists. By discussing these cases together and sharing expertise across specialties, the board determines the best course of treatment for each individual patient’s unique cancer. This collaboration is on the leading edge of best practices for cancer treatment on a national level.

Oncology Nurse Navigators

Cancer treatment involves a lot of moving parts. Oncology nurse navigators guide and support patients and their families through the full spectrum of cancer care. At the Cancer Institute, you will have access to a nurse navigator who will be your first point of contact when any needs or questions arise.

Nurse navigators help:

Answer questions and concerns
Guide you where you need to go
Coordinate appointment schedules
Connect you with additional resources, including financial assistance, transportation, stress management, mental health support and more

Oncology nurse navigators also connect patients to available resources through Saint Francis Foundation. The CancerCare Fund helps cancer patients in need with nutritional supplements, medicine, transportation and lodging. Through the Fund, the Foundation alleviates the financial burdens of cancer treatment. Learn more about the Foundation or donate.

Clinical Trials

The Saint Francis Cancer Institute participates in clinical trials, which provides opportunities for certain patients to receive new or experimental treatments. Speak with your provider if you are interested in learning more about these opportunities.

Personalized Treatments

Everyone’s experience with cancer is unique. Your treatment plan should be, too. Our skilled oncologists craft treatments for each individual patient and their goals. Our team is also here to support your emotional, spiritual and mental health needs – you’re not alone.

Additional Supportive Resources

Cancer Screenings Save Lives

Early detection is key when it comes to cancer. Saint Francis Healthcare System offers a variety of cancer screenings, including screenings for the four most common cancers in our region: lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer. Cost should never stand in the way of receiving preventative care – Pink Up^™ can help.

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