Overpowering a Monster Called Cancer

A monster called cancer just became less scary.

Today a door opened, a light went on, and a monster called cancer became less scary. That's because Lehigh Valley Health Network has what you need to take on that monster.

We have a collective passion to help you fight cancer with our hospitals, physicians and health centers throughout the region. We are one of only 30 National Cancer Institute—selected community cancer centers in the nation – and the only one in our region. That means we can provide patients with greater access to the latest clinical trials and research-based treatments. We are affiliated with the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Fla., which further increases your access to breakthrough clinical research. Those are just two ways we'll help you beat the cancer monster. Here are some more:

Nationally recognized specialists

• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest ranked high performing for cancer care in the Lehigh Valley Metro region by U.S. News & World Report.
• Our hematology oncology practice, Hematology Oncology Associates,is certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology as a Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) practice—a measure of excellence for cancer care. Only 98 such practices are certified nationally, and Hematology Oncology Associates is the only certified practice in the region.
• We have the area's only full-time pediatric oncologists who treat cancer in children.
• Our doctors are invited to speak as experts at national and international cancer conferences.

Latest diagnostic technology so accurate, treatment can be smarter than ever

• We use PET-CT precise diagnostic testing for more accurate treatment. This technology provides critical information after a single, quick exam to help your physician diagnose cancer, determine an effective treatment plan and monitor its success.
• Our leading edge 64-slice CT scanner provides unparalleled three-dimensional images of your body.
• We use digital mammography and breast MRI that provides the highest quality breast images for more accurate diagnosis.

Advanced radiation therapy that kills cancer while protecting healthy tissue

• We are the first in the area to offer the faster, more precise Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ for brain and spine tumors. Our treatment teams—a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and medical physicist—have offered Gamma Knife surgery since 2004.
• We use advanced linear accelerators to provide radiation therapy. Our linear accelerators target radiation in a highly focused beam, destroying cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.

Treatments that target the genes causing your cancer

• Through our research affiliations, we offer access to some of the most exciting advancements in cancer treatment.
• When appropriate we design individualized treatments for you based on the genetic makeup of your cancer.
• We have a comprehensive cancer risk and genetic assessment program so you can learn about your risk for cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterine, colorectal, prostate, and melanoma.

The latest robotic surgery

• Our skilled surgeons offer robotic surgery with the da Vinci® S and Si HD Surgical Systems.
• By integrating computer-enhanced technology with our surgeons' skill, robotic surgery offers patients the latest in surgical innovation often with improved patient outcomes when compared to traditional techniques.
• Robotic surgery gives our surgeons the ability to perform complex and delicate surgery. The scarring is minimal, and many patients have less pain after surgery, returning to work within weeks. All of these benefits lead to a faster recovery with an improved overall patient experience.

The area's only comprehensive pediatric oncology program and full-time pediatric oncologists

• We have the area's only cancer program with full-time pediatric hematologists and oncologists who treat cancer and bleeding disorders in children. They diagnose and provide all of your child's treatments right here in the Lehigh Valley, close to home and to their support systems.
• Our pediatric hematologists/oncologists provide both outpatient and inpatient care, supported by the pediatric inpatient unit and the region's only pediatric intensive care unit. Lehigh Valley Health Network is the only program in the area which provides inpatient care for children with cancer and is the only local hospital with pediatric hospitalists and pediatric critical care physicians who are in the hospital 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
• Our multidisciplinary team comprised of pediatric hematologists/oncologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, certified pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, registered dieticians, child life specialists and pharmacists instills hope, trust and confidence.
• We are a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a coalition of more than 230 hospitals, which gives our patients access to the latest therapies and national clinical trials consistent with other children's hospitals.

A support team that will guide you every step of the way

• Multi-disciplinary consultation teams we will guide you through treatment options for breast and lung cancer and recommend the best course of care.
• We will care for you with kindness, compassion and knowledge. Our doctors want to make sure you are comfortable with your decision in your heart as well as in your mind.
• In some situations, you will be given a navigator, which to support you and your family. Your patient navigator can answer your questions or talk about your concerns, gather information, help you obtain medical records and assist you when you make difficult decisions.
• We have a caring support team that includes financial counselors, social workers, genetic counselors and others who will be present for you throughout your cancer journey.

Cancers We Treat

Learn how our experienced team at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa., and Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg in Bethlehem, Pa., diagnoses and treats different kinds of cancer.