CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center Backgrounder
Cancer Treatment Centers of America owes its existence to one woman, Mary Brown Stephenson, and her son Richard J Stephenson.
When Mrs. Stephenson battled to overcome her cancer in the 1970s, Mr. Stephenson expected she would receive the most advanced treatment available; but, like many loved ones of cancer patients, he was disappointed when he found there was no gold standard for cancer care. Unlike others, Richard turned his frustration into action. He felt that no one should have to endure the insensitive experience that preceded his mother’s death.
In 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America came to life. Today, the network of treatment facilities includes four hospitals in Zion, Illinois; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Goodyear, Arizona; as well as a comprehensive care program in Seattle, Washington.
Richard J Stephenson’s commitment to the Mother Standard® became what is now the guiding principle at Cancer Treatment Centers of America hospitals. The Mother Standard is a warm, nurturing approach carried out by all of CTCA, caring for patients as they would want their own mothers to be cared for.
To provide the Mother Standard of care, CTCA offers exclusive technologies and treatment protocols like TomoTherapy®, Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT), and metronomic chemotherapy (see “Technology” sheet) along with mind-body medicine, naturopathic medicine, rehabilitation therapy, nutrition and spiritual support in its patient-centered integrative approach.
At CTCA, experienced cancer doctors work with leading specialized practitioners under one roof to treat the whole person, in a compassionate, respectful and hopeful way. Treatment combines, but is not limited to:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgical and Radiological Therapies
- Cell Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Acupuncture
- Nutrition Therapy
- Pain Management
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Oncology Rehabilitation
- Chiropractic Care
- Sleep Care
- Spiritual Support
Patients and caregivers are positioned at the center of their own care through Patient Empowerment Medicine® (PEM), a model of care that CTCA pioneered. Using PEM, patients voice opinions and preferences to CTCA medical professionals – and are heard. They participate in their own treatment decision-making, and their choices are respected.
