Oncology

We stay on the forefront of advances in cancer care so we can offer you the most effective treatment options. Your personalized care plan may include:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, available at our sister facility, Chippenham Hospital
• Infusion therapies, such as chemotherapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Palliative care services to relieve symptoms and side effects
• Physical therapy and cancer rehabilitation
• Psychosocial oncology and distress assessment
• Radiation therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Surgery

Brain cancer treatment

We offer a certified brain tumor program for both cancerous and noncancerous brain tumors. The quality of our program remains unparalleled in the region, as we were the first, and still one of only a few, hospitals in the United States to receive The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for brain tumor care.

Breast cancer care

Our breast health experts screen, diagnose and treat a variety of breast cancers in both men and women. The work we continue to do to combat breast cancer has seen national recognition, as we have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons.

High-risk breast program

The high-risk breast program (HRBP) at Johnston-Willis is focused on the screening and identification of patients who may be at an elevated risk for cancer.

Genetic testing is a proactive way to determine if you have a higher risk of breast cancer. Depending on the results of the testing, you and your doctor, in partnership with our HRBP team, will personalize your screening and management moving forward based on your risk.

This program offers a more personalized recommendation for your care and improves cancer prevention, early detection, and targeted cancer treatments. If you have questions about our HRBP, please contact the high-risk breast nurse navigator at (888) 740-7475 (RISK) — option 2 for Johnston-Willis Hospital.

You may have the need for additional screenings if you are classified as an intermediate- or high-risk patient, especially if you have dense breasts. We provide three options for supplemental screenings:

• Abbreviated breast MRI (ABMRI) — testing where you are given an IV and positioned in the MRI scanner while you are injected with MRI contrast dye
• Contrast mammogram (CEM) — an IV procedure performed after being injected with iodinated contrast dye
• Whole-breast ultrasound — ultrasound technology is used to examine your entire breast, not just a problem area

Other comprehensive components of our breast clinic include genetic counseling, smoking cessation programs, nutrition counseling and pharmaceutical risk reduction.

Infusion therapies

We offer both inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy, biotherapy and other infusion therapy services. Chemotherapy and biotherapy use powerful medications to treat cancer by destroying cancer cells or stopping them from growing.

Although some treatments, like chemotherapy, do have oral variations, infusion therapy delivers medications through a needle or catheter, usually intravenously (IV).

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. The goal of immunotherapy is to allow your body to do the important work of fighting cancer using its own resources, but with the added boost from medication.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to minimize or kill cancer cells. Types of radiation therapy we offer include external beam radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy).

We are also one of a few hospitals in Central Virginia to perform stereotactic radiosurgery, a painless, minimally invasive procedure for treating brain tumors and other neurological conditions.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

RFA is a minimally invasive treatment that may be used when surgery is not the best option for the type of cancer you have. RFA involves inserting a fine needle into the tumor to deliver high-frequency electrical energy, which heats and destroys the tumor without affecting the healthy tissue nearby.

Surgical oncology

Surgery remains a key component of cancer care and is the most common treatment option. Surgery may be performed to diagnose cancer, remove a tumor, reconstruct damaged tissue or support cancer-related procedures such as inserting a chemotherapy port.

We use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible, including robotic surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Cancer care isn't just about targeting cells and tumors. Its about supporting the emotions and mental triggers that those cells and tumors affect. We offer extensive, continued support resources including:

• Cancer survivorship planning
• Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center, located in our hospital as a part of the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation
• Pet therapy
• Support groups

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (804) 591-4152.