Articles
Elevating Patient Care at Our Decatur Clinic
In the pursuit of providing the highest quality care to our patients, here at Alliance Cancer Care we are thrilled to announce a transformative renovation project at our Decatur location. This will include…
Uniting for Your Wellbeing in Radiation Oncology
In the world of cancer treatment, collaboration and teamwork are not just words; they're guiding principles that ensure you receive the best care possible. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm…
Separating Cancer Myths from Facts
Cancer is a complex and often misunderstood disease, surrounded by a multitude of myths that can create confusion and anxiety. In order to empower individuals with accurate information, it's essential…
Harnessing Molecular Testing for Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a complex disease with varying subtypes that require tailored treatment approaches. Thanks to advancements in medical science, molecular testing has emerged as a powerful tool in…
The Impact of Missing Radiation Treatment
In the realm of cancer treatment, consistency is key. Unfortunately, inclement weather can disrupt the delicate balance that patients strive to maintain during their radiation therapy. Missing a session…
Understanding Radiation for Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecologic cancers encompass a range of malignancies affecting the reproductive organs in women. When it comes to treatment, radiation therapy plays a significant role in endometrial cancer, the most…
Embracing a New Year of Wellness: Healthy Goals for…
As the new year unfolds, it brings with it a fresh opportunity to prioritize your well-being and set healthy goals. For cancer patients, embracing a holistic approach to health can have a positive impact…
Dr. McCormick Retiring after 19 Years
Join us in congratulating Dr. McCormick on her retirement after 19 years in Radiation Oncology! For nearly two decades, Dr. McCormick has been the heart and soul of our center in Decatur, offering unwavering…
Navigating End-of-Life Matters with Compassion and…
Coping with end-of-life issues is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of the cancer journey, both for patients and their caregivers or families. While it's a topic that can evoke a range of…
Breaking Barriers: Exciting Cancer Advancements in…
The landscape of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with breakthroughs and advancements offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. As we end 2023, it's essential for cancer patients…
Thriving Beyond Radiation: Embracing Life After Cancer
Completing radiation therapy marks a significant milestone in your cancer journey. As a cancer survivor, you've shown incredible strength and resilience, and now, a new chapter begins – life after cancer…
Shedding Light on Lung Cancer Treatment: Understanding…
A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advancements in medical treatments offer hope for effective care. Radiation therapy is a critical component in treating many stages of lung cancer. Radiation…
Navigating the Holiday Season: A Guide for Cancer Patients
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for cancer patients who are living with the disease or undergoing treatment, this time of year can bring unique challenges. It's…
Cancer Awareness
At Alliance Cancer Care we aim to raise awareness and understanding of various cancer types to encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. To fight cancer we deliver radiation…
A Guide for Radiation Patient Caregivers
Being a caregiver to a loved one undergoing radiation therapy is a compassionate and vital role. November is Caregiver Awareness Month, and we want to honor and recognize the fantastic caregivers we see…
The Role of a Radiation Therapist
It’s Radiation Therapy Week! Facing radiation therapy as part of your cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you're not alone on this journey. A radiation therapist is…
Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, when we shed light on the importance of early detection in saving lives. Lung cancer has symptoms in its early stages, making screening an essential tool for catching…
Benefits of Breast Conservation Therapy
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with advancements in medical treatments, there are now more options available than ever before. One such option, Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT), offers…
Navigating Breast Cancer Screening
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive health measures. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, occurring…
Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment: Exploring Modern…
A breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience, but medical treatments continue to evolve, offering advanced treatment options that are both effective and patient-friendly. Modern radiation…
BRCA Mutations: The Link Between Ovarian and Prostate…
Cancer can be a complex and frightening word, especially when there's a family history of the disease. If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer or carry concerns about your genetic predisposition,…
Understanding Prostate Radiation Therapy and Its Effects
A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but medical advancements have opened up a range of treatment options, each with its own benefits and considerations. At Alliance Cancer Care we treat…
Prioritizing Your Health: Prostate Cancer Screening…
As September arrives, so does Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and proper screening for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is…
Noona: Invest in Your Health
Go to My Noona PortalWhat is Noona?Noona helps keep you connected to your care team during radiation treatment. You can learn about what to expect at your visits, gather information about how to treat…
Dr. Tres Childs Recognized as the first Center of Excellence…
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Tres Childs has been designated as the first Center of Excellence for SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel in Alabama! This prestigious recognition highlights our high level of experience…
Alliance Cancer Care Receives Novalis Recertification:…
Alliance Cancer Care is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Novalis Certification again, signifying our ongoing journey to provide exceptional cancer care using stereotactic…
World Lung Cancer Day 2023
Being that it is World Lung Cancer Day it is important to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as well as being aware of treatment options. According to the National Cancer Institute,…
Dr. Ashlyn Everett Appointed as a Clinical Assistant…
We are excited to announce that Dr. Ashlyn Everett has been appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). This prestigious appointment is the result…
Wellness After Radiation Treatment
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it can cause a number of side effects, both physical and emotional. Once radiation treatment is completed, it is important to focus on general wellness…
Warrior Wig Room
Our team is committed to guaranteeing that you experience a remarkable transformation, both in appearance and well-being, throughout your treatment. …
Help Bring Cancer Awareness to our Community
At Alliance Cancer Care we aim to raise awareness and understanding of various cancer types to encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. To fight cancer we deliver radiation…
External vs. Internal Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, and the specifics of radiation treatment…
SpaceOAR Hydrogel
About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. When confronted with treatment options, most are unsure or confused about how different therapies will affect their life. We're…
Esophageal Cancer - What Is It?
Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1% of cases of cancer in the United States. There are about 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year. However, esophageal cancer also accounts for 15,000…
Volunteers Wanted!
Cancer treatment can be a difficult and challenging experience for patients, and many could use some extra support and care during this time. If you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference…
What is the Difference between Anal and Rectal Cancer?
By Ashlyn Everett, MD Cancer can occur in any part of the body, and the anal and rectal areas are no exception. Anal and rectal cancers are two different types of cancer that can cause similar symptoms…
Is Colon Cancer Hereditary?
By Amy George, MS and Ashlyn Everett, MD March is colon and rectal cancer awareness month. Many patients ask, “is colorectal cancer hereditary?” The short answer is, yes, it can be. But let’s dig a little…
A Dynamite Solution for Management of Locally Advanced…
By John F. Gleason, Jr., MD Rectal cancer is a commonly encountered disease in our clinics. Colorectal cancers include primary gland producing cancer cells, which is the type of cell that becomes cancerous,…
What to Expect During Your Simulation Appointment
By Dr. Ashlyn Everett, MD Just scheduled your simulation appointment? Wondering what to expect or how to prepare? Watch the below videos to learn more. Breast Cancer Simulation Learn…
Why Do We Use Chemotherapy with Radiation?
By Sarah Joy Patterson-Webb MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC Your doctors may recommend that you receive chemotherapy while you are receiving radiation treatment. You may see or hear this be called concurrent treatment,…
Kick Cancer Chili Cookoff
Save the Date for 2024: Saturday, March 1st, 2025 Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Clearview Cancer Institute Buy Your Tickets Looking to be a part of the Chili Contest? Please email jsf@alliancecancercare.com…
Journal Club
YOU'RE INVITEDPlease join us at Char Resturant in Huntsville for Alliance Cancer Care's Breast Cancer Jounral Club sponsored by Radiology of Huntsville and HH Breast Center. Date: Tuesday, May 16th Time:…
Missing Radiation Treatment
By Mike Taylor, Director of Physics & Dosimetry at Alliance Cancer Care Radiation therapy is typically administered daily, lasting only a few minutes for each treatment session.Though each session is…
Alliance Cancer Care to Open New Integrated Cancer…
Alliance Cancer Care, an Alliance Oncology network partnership representing six sites of service including physician partners and Helen Keller Hospital, announced today that it will open a new integrated…
Seven Things to Know About Getting a Mammogram
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, check out this infographic from the American Cancer Society to learn seven things to know about getting a mammogram.
Cancer Survivor Celebration
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, come cool off with some Kona Ice on Thursday, June 6, and help us celebrate the cancer survivors in our community!
Know Your ABCDE's of Skin Cancer
Alliance Cancer Care Becomes a Novalis Certified Radiosurgery…
Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, a leading national provider of outsourced healthcare services, announced that one of their cancer care centers, Alliance Cancer Care, has…
National Brain Tumor Awareness Month
May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Driven by advancement in research, surgical techniques, genetic discoveries, and much more, it has never been a better time to take action on brain tumors. The…
Treating the World’s Most Common Cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the only international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of the world’s most common cancer, one in five…
Alliance Oncology Announces New State-of-the-Art Cancer…
Singing River Cancer Center to Offer Advanced Cancer Treatment for Patients of the Shoals Region NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, a…
When should I be screened for breast cancer?
October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and it accounts for the second highest number of deaths from cancer in women. According to the CDC,…
Prostate Cancer
What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a malignancy arising from the glands within the prostate itself. The formal name is usually an adenocarcinoma. There are others sometimes, but they are much…
Heart Sparing Radiation Techniques: A Comparison of…
Historically, two primary OARs, or organs at risk, have been identified in the treatment of breast cancer, which are the lung and the heart. Of these two organs, the heart is given higher priority for…
Let's Pack the Pantry!
The Dr. Jeanne Shepherd Fund provides resources for patients receiving radiation treatment at Alliance Cancer Care. We keep a pantry with food and personal care items to help patients in need, and it…
Human Resource Professional Day
At Alliance Cancer Care, we L-O-V-E coming to work, and for that, we have to thank our exceptional team of leaders in Human Resources. First, we want to thank our Chief People Officer (CPO), Dr. Harry…
Endometrial Cancer
What is endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in women. The endometrium is the layer of tissue lining the uterus, which is the organ where women carry babies. …
Androgen Deprivation Therapy: What Is It and When Is…
What is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)? Well, first things first, androgens are a class of steroid hormones the body makes naturally. Androgens are made by the testicles or the ovaries, as well as…
What is ExacTrac and why does it matter for my SRS…
By Vince Ulizio, Medical Physicist at Alliance Cancer Care For high-dose radiation treatments called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), one extremely important aspect of treatment is positional accuracy. …
Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and it accounts for the second highest number of deaths from cancer in men. According…
Lelia's Story
Lelia Wilson had never heard of trigeminal neuralgia before she was diagnosed in 2004. Within months, the pain caused by the rare, chronic nerve condition was controlling her life. Trigeminal neuralgia…
National Medical Dosimetrist Day
August 16th, 2023 is National Medical Dosimetrist Day. A medical dosimetrist is part of the radiation oncology team. They work closely with your physician and the physics teams to create a treatment…
How We Use Secondary Imaging in Radiation Oncology
By Bart Lynch, Medical Physicist If it is recommended that you undergo radiation therapy, one of your next appointments is for CT simulation. Most patients receive a computed tomography (CT) scan,…
What is a supplemental cancer policy?
A supplemental cancer policy is insurance separate from your health insurance. It is meant to supplement your income to help with medical expenses not covered by your primary health insurance. These…
What is Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)?
At Alliance Cancer Care, we use daily image guidance for many of our treatments. If you are receiving treatment with us, you are probably undergoing some type of imaging regularly. Image-guided radiation…
How will I pay for my radiation treatments?
Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings with it a multitude of emotions. Trying to figure out how you are going to pay for your treatments can cause added stress and worry. Most people have health insurance…
Where is the best place for me to receive radiation…
If you are diagnosed with cancer you will likely ask, “Where is the best place for me to receive cancer treatment?” This is a question worth exploring for each patient, as there are very personal considerations…
World Lung Cancer Day
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 230,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States. There are two major subtypes of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma and…
How We Hit a Moving Target in Radiation Therapy
By Mike Taylor Radiation is a treatment that we can focus precisely to kill tumors. We extensively evaluate a tumor’s location and surrounding tissues to ensure that we target tumors accurately and minimize…
Top Three Radiation Side Effects
Radiation sounds scary even before the doctor begins to talk about side effects. Will I glow in the dark? NO, but that would be cool! Radiation is an x-ray treatment, designed to target a particular area…
Get a LEG up on Sarcomas
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. This is a rare tumor that often occurs in the leg. Learn more about this tumor type and its treatment options. What is sarcoma? Sarcomas are a rare group of malignant…
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
A new cancer diagnosis is frightening and most patients do not know what to expect. Hearing the word “cancer” will likely start your thoughts racing with questions like, “Will I die? What will my family…
Behind the Scenes of Radiation Treatment Planning
By the Alliance Cancer Care Physics Team Our team at Alliance Cancer Care (ACC) helps guide you through your cancer treatment journey every step of the way. We use innovative technology to make your…
Cost of Radiation Treatment
By: Erin Weglage (Patient Advocate) How much will it cost for my radiation? This is a question most of our patients ask. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is scary, and you are likely concerned with not…
Recommended Cancer Screenings for Men
June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to…
How Does Radiation Therapy Work to Treat Cancer?
Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, radiation is likely to play some role in treatment. You are probably wondering what radiation is and how it can be used to treat and cure cancer.…
Surviving as a Cancer Survivor
With advances in cancer treatment and improvements in screening and early detection, more cancer survivors are alive today in the United States than ever before. The age-adjusted death rate from cancer…
The Identify System
By Andrew Minetree, physicist at Alliance Cancer Care At Alliance Cancer Care, we take multiple steps to assure that your treatment is delivered to the highest standard in the industry. Our focus includes…
Brain Tumors
National Brain Tumor Awareness Month is in May of each year. Doctors classify brain tumors as either primary or metastatic. Primary tumors are those that started in the brain or spinal cord. These can…
What Are Late Radiation Side Effects?
Radiation is more likely to damage and kill cancer cells than normal cells. This is really why we can use radiation as a cancer treatment in the first place. We could spend an entire blog topic discussing…
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1% of cases of cancer in the United States. There are about 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year. However, esophageal cancer also accounts for 15,000…
Head and Neck Cancer
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Most head and neck cancers form in the lining of the mouth, throat, or voice box and are typically squamous cell carcinomas, although there are other less…
Kick Butts Day
What is National Kick Butts Day? Since 1996, this event has been held to decrease youth smoking rates and advocate for policies to protect our youth from tobacco. Unfortunately, with the decline of cigarette…
45 is the new 50!
If you are 45 years or older, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends you to have annual colorectal screening. In 2021, the screening age was lowered from age 50 to age 45 due to an increased…
Patient Safety Awareness Week
Patient Safety Awareness Week, an annual celebration of patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, takes place this week, March 14-18. Alliance Cancer Care is committed to providing the North…
What Are the Current Options for Patients with Brain…
As a radiation oncologist, I am frequently asked to help care for patients who have brain metastases (mets). The first question is of course “what is a brain metastasis?” Metastasis (1) or metastases (more…
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Care
March is National Nutrition Month. A nutrition education and information campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and…
Exercise to Beat Cancer
30 minutes a day. 3 or 4 days a week. That is all it takes to drastically reduce your risk of cancer, reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and improve your overall health, but I’m a cancer…
How to Prevent Cancer With Food
"Is there a cancer prevention diet?" "What should I eat?" "What shouldn’t I eat?" "Does it really matter what I eat?" Should I stop eating sugar?" ""Should I eat more blueberries?" "What supplements…
What Do I Need to Treat My Side Effects During Radiation?
Radiation therapy is a type of local treatment. This means that it is focused on a particular part of the body, and does not travel throughout the body. Because of this, radiation treatment causes side…
Four Proven Ways to Prevent Cancer
In my practice, people often ask me about ways to prevent cancer. Sometimes it’s a patient finishing his cancer treatment, hoping to do all he can to keep his cancer from coming back. Sometimes it’s a…
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Vaccines work. My generation and generations to come will not know the symptoms or effects of polio, measles, mumps, or smallpox. These viruses are now essentially eradicated due to widespread vaccination.…
Alliance Oncology Forms Joint Venture with Center for…
Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIQ) (the “Company”, “Alliance”, “we” or “our”), a leading national provider of outsourced radiology, oncology and interventional services, announced that its…
Coping with Cancer Through the Holidays During the…
As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But do you know what else the happiest season of all brings? Stress. This year is no exception, especially with the added threat…
Cancer Screen Week 2021
In 2021, more than 1.9 million Americans were expected to be diagnosed with cancer – and early detection remains our best bet for treatment.1 View the Cancer Screening Factsheet to discover which common…
Types of Scans for Cancer Patients
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, you start to learn a new language. It can be very confusing and overwhelming. One of the most commonly asked questions involves scans, or imaging studies. …
What is SBRT for Lung Cancer?
What is SBRT? Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a technique that precisely targets lung tumors, while at the same time uses very conformal radiation beams to avoid normal tissues. The precision…
Simulation for Radiation Therapy
What is a “simulation” or “treatment planning session” for radiation treatment? If your doctor has recommended radiation therapy, they will likely schedule an appointment for a simulation, or a treatment…
Screening Guidelines for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. While the disease is prevalent across the country, the screening guidelines are not. Prostate cancer screenings have always been somewhat…
UV Safety Month
July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. The purpose of the month is to raise awareness of the dangers of UV radiation and spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from…
National Cervical Health Awareness Month
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition have named January Cervical Health Awareness Month to encourage women across the country to get screened for cervical…