Cancer Center Departments
Cancer Center
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango provides advanced, comprehensive cancer care to Durango and the entire Four Corners region. Our integrated approach combines expert caregivers, cutting-edge treatments and compassionate support services.
Distance:
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
About
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango brings comprehensive, full-service specialty oncology care to patients throughout our communities. As the leading cancer center in Southwest Colorado, we serve more patients than any cancer center in the Four Corners region of the United States.
Our accredited cancer center has state-of-the art technology, the most advanced treatments, and leading oncology physicians all in one place, making cancer treatment easier and more efficient for patients and their families. As an integrated program, we offer both chemotherapy and radiation oncology services.
Accreditation
Accreditation
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango is an approved and accredited cancer program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). The Commission on Cancer is a highly respected medical accrediting body, and its accreditation serves as validation of the excellence in quality cancer care provided here. Approval and accreditation is granted only to facilities that comply with the organization’s rigorous standards, and the accreditation must be reviewed every three years. Only one in four hospitals treating cancer patients receives CoC approval and accreditation.
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango is also certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI). This three-year certification recognizes high-quality care for outpatient hematology and oncology programs. QOPI certification requires full compliance with the QOPI Certification Standards as assessed during on-site surveys.
Receiving care at an accredited cancer program ensures that you will receive:
- Quality care close to home
- Comprehensive care with state-of-the-art services and equipment
- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available for each patient
- Access to cancer-related information, education, and support
- Information about clinical trials and new treatment options
Our Services
At CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango, we understand that a cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal and challenging experience. That's why we're dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care, walking alongside you every step of the way. Our expert team is committed to your well-being.
More than just medical expertise, we offer a supportive environment with compassionate care and vital resources, ensuring you receive the emotional and practical support you need and deserve. We are here for you, offering personalized care with unwavering empathy and a commitment to making your journey as comfortable and hopeful as possible.
Resources
Cancer Screening
Cancer Screening
Diagnostic evaluation for cancer has improved dramatically with the development of high-speed, high-accuracy scanning and other imaging equipment. A variety of diagnostic imaging tests may be recommended in screening for cancer.
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango offers complete screening and diagnostic services. Our comprehensive services include:
- 3D mammography
- Digital screening mammography
- Digital mammography
- Breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- Breast MRI and MRI-guided breast biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy
- PET/CT scans
- Lung CT screening
- Diagnostic MRI
- Diagnostic CT
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Bone densitometry screening
- High-risk breast screening
- EUS/EBUS
Infusion Center
Infusion Center
Our Infusion Center at CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango offers access to high-quality infusion and chemotherapy services. Staffed by registered nurses who specialize in administering cancer treatments, we provide personalized, compassionate, and comfortable care to every patient.
The Infusion Center offers a variety of intravenous, injectable and infusion health services, including:
- Antibiotic administration
- Blood product infusion
- Chemotherapy
- IV medications
- Phlebotomy
- IV hydration
- Injections, including Prolia (osteoporosis)
- Lab draws through central lines
- Central line care, including access, flushing and declotting
Medical Oncology, Hematology & Chemotherapy
Medical Oncology, Hematology & Chemotherapy
Our hematology and medical oncology outpatient clinic treats malignant solid tumors, blood cancers and other non-malignant blood conditions. Patients receive evaluations and follow-up care from our medical oncologist, with treatment options ranging from oral medications to infusion (IV) therapies administered in our infusion center.
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that may be used in your cancer treatment. This is called systemic therapy - a treatment that circulates through the body in the bloodstream. It can include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These therapies are administered by mouth, injection, or infusion (IV).
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango is proud to have Medical Oncology on site to manage chemotherapy treatments. Our board-certified oncologists work closely with all of your providers to create an individualized treatment plan.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Our Radiation Oncology department provides inpatient and outpatient radiation therapy for malignant and non-malignant conditions. Using advanced technology, including a linear accelerator with IGRT, IMRT, SBRT, and SRS, and HDR brachytherapy, our team of radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, physicists, radiation therapists, and nurses deliver precise treatment plans. Patients receive comprehensive education and nursing care throughout their treatment. We have both an interventional radiologist and a dedicated breast radiologist for our patients.
- 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT)
- Low-dose Brachytherapy
- Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Image-guided Ration Therapy (IGRT)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
- High-dose Brachytherapy
Surgical Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Our oncology surgeons are specifically trained to provide innovative treatment of cancers utilizing the latest surgical technologies. When appropriate, this approach is designed to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible as an integral part of your treatment plan.
Our surgical oncology services treat both malignant and non-malignant conditions. Patients receive evaluations and follow-up care, with surgeries typically performed at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital. Additionally, breast surgery is available on site, and we partner with other CommonSpirit network surgical oncologists when needed as well as plastic surgeons.
Tumor Board
Tumor Board
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango’s tumor board is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who meet weekly to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and management of our cancer patients. The primary goal of a tumor board is to provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to cancer care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment based on the latest evidence and the collective expertise of specialists from various fields.
The tumor board typically consists of oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, nurses, and other specialists who have expertise in cancer care. The team collaborates to evaluate each patient's case, review medical imaging, pathology reports, and other diagnostic information, and develop a personalized treatment plan. This can include recommendations for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.
One of the key functions of a tumor board is to ensure that all aspects of a patient's condition are thoroughly considered. This includes the type of cancer, its stage, the patient's overall health, and any other underlying conditions that may impact treatment decisions. By bringing together professionals from different specialties, the tumor board can offer a more holistic view of each patient’s needs and provide a well-rounded treatment approach.
In addition to improving patient care, tumor boards also serve an important educational function by helping healthcare providers stay updated on the latest research and clinical advances in oncology.
Support Services
Support Services
It is amazing the impact that one simple word — cancer — can have on your life and the lives of your family members. Battling cancer requires a positive attitude, lots of information and knowledge, and a desire to heal. It’s also important to be willing to let others help you through this journey.
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango offers a wide array of programs and services for patients and their families to help you navigate the journey from cancer diagnosis through treatment and recovery. In addition to the support services detailed below, we also provide access to palliative care, rehabilitation services, lymphedema therapy, physical therapy, financial counseling, complementary and alternative medicine services, and after-hours symptom management.
Hearing the words "you have cancer" is overwhelming for any patient and family dealing with this complex and difficult disease. Cancer care can be very confusing in that multiple providers are involved from the screening process, to diagnosis, testing, treatment, and survivorship. To make it easier for our patients, CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango has a nurse navigator program to help patients and their families throughout the cancer care journey.
An oncology nurse navigator is a professional registered nurse with cancer-specific clinical knowledge who helps patients, families, and caregivers successfully navigate their way through the process. An oncology nurse navigator also provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision-making and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.
Research has shown that when nurse navigators become involved early enough after a person has received a cancer diagnosis, they can help steer patients and their families to appropriate care and timely treatment that could dramatically improve patients' chances of living with cancer as a manageable disease.
A cancer diagnosis can bring additional stress and anxiety into your life, potentially affecting your self-image, relationships, employment, and finances. Our oncology social workers hold Master of Social Work degrees and are an integral part of our treatment team to support you through this challenging time.
We can teach you:
- To develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression sadness, anger, worry or fears
- To utilize relaxation techniques of deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and visualization
- To improve communication with your children, family, friends, co-workers, or healthcare team
- To manage stressful thoughts and beliefs
- To set health boundaries
- To learn to live with “the new normal”
We can help you:
- Access community resources (home-delivered meals, transportation to/from treatment, etc.)
- Apply for grants that offer financial assistance
- Understand social security and disability benefits (SSDI and SSI)
- Understand criteria for hospice, palliative, or home health care
- Complete advance directives (living will, medical power of attorney)
We provide:
- Support groups
- Counseling for you and your family members
- Referrals to our oncology psychiatrist or other community counseling services
- Referral to our naturopathic physician for holistic approach to treatment
From diagnosis through survivorship, the cancer journey can be stressful for patients and their families. Patients, partners and other family members can all suffer from depression, anxiety and stress brought on by the uncertainty and fear of a cancer diagnosis.
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango believes in the power of whole person care that combines treatment for the body, mind and spirit. The mind-body connection is especially important during cancer treatment. That’s why we offer patients a wide range of therapies, including educational and exercise classes, support groups, and other services designed to enhance our patients’ quality of life before, during and after cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Integrative therapy combines conventional treatments with complementary therapies, such as mind-body practice, nutrition and exercise to improve overall well-being and treatment outcomes. These therapies work to address symptoms caused by cancer and its treatments such as fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety, and many others.
CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango understands that battling cancer takes more than just physical care; it also requires emotional and spiritual strength, and a strong support system. Integrative therapy is a service provided to our patients and their caregivers.
Navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for your strength, recovery, and overall well-being. Registered dietitians specialize in oncology nutrition and can provide guidance and support throughout your journey.
We understand that every individual's experience with cancer is unique. Our approach is centered around creating recommendations that address your specific needs, preferences, and treatment side effects. We work closely with you and your healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Benefits of Nutrition Support:
- Improved Strength and Energy: Proper nutrition can help you maintain your strength and energy levels during treatment.
- Reduced Treatment Side Effects: Targeted nutrition strategies can help manage and alleviate common side effects.
- Optimal Immune Function: A well-nourished body is better equipped to fight infection and support healing.
- Faster Recovery: Optimal nutrition can aid in faster recovery times after surgery or other treatments.
- Improved Quality of Life: Feeling your best physically can positively impact your emotional and mental well-being.
Surgeries & Treatments
- Chemotherapy Infusion
- Hematology/Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Oncology Providers
Doctors who provide oncology services at CommonSpirit Cancer Center Mercy Durango are listed below. A full list of providers who are credentialed in this specialty at Mercy Hospital can be found at this link.
Patient Resources
