The San Juan Cancer Center at

 Montrose Memorial Hospital Offers New Service: Brachytherapy

The San Juan Cancer Center at Montrose Memorial Hospital has been open for a little more than a year and is growing by leaps and bounds.  We’re seeing more patients than we anticipated which is a bit of a good news/bad news story.  We wish people didn’t get cancer and need us; however, we’re thankful that the center is here for those who do.  The physicians and staff are working very hard to help and build some great relationships with those they care for.

As we see more patients and continue to grow, it is important for Montrose Memorial Hospital to keep up with the current trends in cancer care.  Brachytherapy is one of these trends that is now offered at the hospital.  Dr. Douglas Rock, Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Richard Shannon, Urologist and several Montrose Memorial Hospital staff members have received additional training in a specialized procedure called Brachytherapy. 

Brachytherapy is one treatment option for men who have prostate cancer.  During this advanced cancer treatment radioactive seeds or sources are placed in or near the tumor itself, giving a high radiation dose to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues. The term "brachy" is Greek for short distance, and brachytherapy is radiation therapy given at a short distance.  Because the seeds are so small, they cause little discomfort and are simply left in place after their radioactive material is used up. 

The procedure is done at the hospital and is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts around an hour and most people can go home the same day.  Seed implantation requires no surgical incision and offers men a short recovery time.  Additionally, most men can return to their normal activities a few days after treatment.

It’s nice to have one more treatment options that patients can choose to receive “Close to Home.”