The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center is at the forefront in the fight against cancer.  As a regional leader in cancer care, our multidisciplinary team of experts, including board certified medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, and oncology-certified nurses and social workers, combine the use of the most advanced cancer fighting technology available with highly personalized, compassionate care.

Because effective treatment begins with expert diagnosis, the Cancer Center continually invests in diagnostic technology upgrades.  Our new Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Discovery STE system can reveal the extent of the disease by differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues, and pinpoint exact tumor location so optimal treatment decisions can be made.  In addition to digital mammography, our Breast Care Center offers Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a sophisticated imaging technology that clearly reveals lesions and tumor precise treatment and better outcomes.

The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center offers the latest technologies in radiation therapy and medical oncology as well.  We are proud to be the first in the region to offer the da Vinci Surgical Robot, which uses robotic technology to enhance the precision of certain surgical procedures with a minimally invasive approach.  This yields a lower risk for complication and a quicker return to normal activities.  The CyberKnife, an invaluable tool designed to treat otherwise inoperable tumors, was unveiled at Roper Hospital in January of 2008.  As the only CyberKnife device in South Carolina and one of only 78 in the United States, patients throughout the region now have access to this lifesaving treatment closer to home.  Our new Varian Clinac 21iX Linear Accelerator delivers state-of-the-art Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), targeting tumors with increased accuracy and precision.  Similarly, Roper St. Francis medical oncologists are successfully using genetic testing and targeted therapies to offer chemotherapy treatments that are more effective with less toxicity and fewer side effects.

We also recognize the broader responsibility to lessen the burden of cancer in our community.  Several community-based programs related to screening, prevention and early diagnosis are offered on a regular basis, as well as a variety of patient and survivor support groups.  We partner with the American Cancer Society for innovative programs addressing quality of life issues, such as our I Can Cope program for cancer patients and their loved ones, and Look Good Feel Better for breast cancer patients.  Expressions of Healing, a unique Roper St. Francis program celebrating its 10th year, has helped hundreds deal with cancer’s emotional toll by enabling them to express their feelings through poetry and art.

Our three year Accreditation with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons (AcoS) Commission on Cancer, awarded in 2005, underscores our high standards and record of excellence.  Only 25 percent of all hospitals providing cancer care in the United States achieve accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, with an even smaller subset awarded accreditation with Commendation.  This elite status is reserved for programs that not only have a comprehensive cancer program, but are best able to make those components function in synchrony for the benefit of cancer patients.  Simply put, this level of achievement is a testimony to the expertise and dedication of our team.

With ongoing clinical research, promising new technologies, determined physicians and visionary leaders, the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center continues to make headway against cancer.  We are proud of the care we provide, and excited about new opportunites to help more patients and families live the life that they and we envision—a life free from the fear of cancer.

David Ellison, MD
Medical Director, Cancer Committee Chairman

Scott Broome, FACHE
Director, Oncology Services