Discovering you have cancer is hard, and learning you have to travel for treatment makes it even harder. That's one of the reasons Unity Health joined forces with other local clinics and physician groups to form the Pyeatt Family Cancer Center—a treatment facility right here in your own community.
The Pyeatt Family Cancer Center's comprehensive approach to cancer care allows you to be diagnosed and treated in one convenient location that's close to the support of your home, family and friends.
The latest technology plus expert care
The Pyeatt Family Cancer Center features some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology in the country. This includes the only PET/CT scanner and digital linear accelerator in the area. Digital mammography is available within the Pyeatt Family Cancer Center and at Harris Medical Center.
Our team of experts has board-certified medical oncologists and a radiation oncologist. All of the registered nurses in the infusion center are chemotherapy-certified, so you can relax knowing your care is in the best hands.
What you can expect
On your first visit to the center, you'll experience the exceptional caring and compassion of our staff as they take your personal and medical information. You'll meet with one of our physicians who will thoroughly review your condition and discuss a treatment plan customized for you.
Reviewed 7/1/2022
Cancer: Myth or fact?
There are more than 100 types of cancer, but many of them are treatable—even curable. Some are even preventable. Nearly 4 in 10 adults will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes, so it's important to get the facts. Test your cancer knowledge with this quiz.
Myth or fact: Cancer survival rates have not improved since the 1990s.
Myth. Advances in prevention, screening and treatment have increased survival rates for the most common types of cancer. More than half of those living with cancer today were diagnosed 5 or more years ago.
Myth or fact: If no one in your family has had cancer, you won't get it either.
Myth. Only about 5% to 10% of cancers are passed down from parents to their children. Instead, most cancers are caused by genetic mutations that occur over a person's lifetime. For example, smoking can cause these mutations. Still, if cancer is in your family history, your doctor may recommend screening or other prevention options.
Myth or fact: You can become too old to be treated for cancer.
Myth. Decisions about cancer treatment shouldn't be based on age alone. In the U.S., more than half of all cancers occur in people who are 65 and older.
Myth or fact: Chemotherapy is the only option for cancer treatment.
Myth. Chemotherapy, or using drugs to kill cancer cells, is just one option for cancer treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, another type of treatment may be available—such as radiation therapy, surgery or immunotherapy.
Myth or fact: As soon as cancer is detected it must be treated.
Myth. In some cases, cancer may be detected early or appear to be slow-growing. If treatment poses more risk than the cancer itself, a doctor may instead closely monitor the cancer and suggest treatment when signs of growth occur.
In general, cancer that is caught in its earliest stages is easier to treat. Screening tests can help spot cancer early. And there are some things you can look for.
Common signs and symptoms of cancer
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology; National Cancer Institute
The Pyeatt Family Cancer Center treats blood disorders and cancers of all types, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Bone cancers
- Brain tumors
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Hemophilia
- Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Vascular tumors
During your treatment, we want you to have the resources and space you need to feel most comfortable. Features inside the center include:
- A café for families and friends to relax
- A chapel
- A counseling room
- A resource room for family members to learn about different diseases
- An infusion center with chairs for up to 24 patients and their visitors
- Two private chemotherapy rooms
- A clinic with exam rooms for each oncologist
A personalized approach to your care
Treating cancer can involve a lot of information, physicians and appointments to keep track of. That's why we pair you with our cancer care coordinator at White County Oncology who will be with you on your entire treatment journey. Our cancer care coordinator will help you:
- Learn about your diagnosis and the treatments involved
- Introduce you to the rest of your care team
- Guide you through your treatment experience
For patients with breast cancer, we have a separate patient navigator program you can learn more about.