St. Francis Cancer Center
Located in the St. Peregrine building on the St. Francis Hospital campus, St. Francis Cancer Center combines a national reputation in cancer services with the compassionate, whole person care of a local provider.
We have received designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC), American College of Radiology (ACR), and Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence (LCOE).
Our cancer program is led by top oncology staff who are nationally certified in providing the highest level of chemotherapy, radiation, medical, surgical, and end-of-life care.
About
As a Cancer Center of Excellence, we deliver the most comprehensive and highest quality of care, including innovative surgical techniques, supportive services, and specialty trained nurses. In addition, our oncology nurses are nationally certified, providing the highest level of expertise in delivering chemotherapy, radiation, medical, surgical, and end-of-life care.
Our hardworking team starts with nurse navigators, who support cancer patients throughout their journey from diagnosis to survivorship through education, care coordination, support, and facilitation of hospital and community resources.
Radiation oncology therapists and nurses provide targeted treatments and assistance with side effects; clinical research nurses support patients enrolled in clinical research trials; and palliative care nurses are there for end-of-life decision-making and pain management. In-house nurses also lead community support groups, integrative therapies, cancer screening, community events, and more.
Our Services
Housed in one convenient building on the St. Francis Hospital campus, our cancer program includes a full range of services — from clinical trials to psychosocial support to helpful nurse navigators. We take a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together surgeons, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as oncology-certified nurses and ancillary staff to deliver the best possible outcome for our brave cancer patients.
Using cutting-edge tools and technology and research-based methods, a group of highly trained specialists will collaborate with you on the most effective cancer treatment. Whether you need individual or combined services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or hormone therapy, our expert team will tailor treatment to your needs.
Breast oncology
Our breast cancer program integrates the most current surgical techniques with dedicated breast surgeons. They spearhead a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with the expertise of nurse navigators, oncology social workers, lymphedema specialists, genetic counselors, and other oncology providers.
Location:
St. Peregrine Pavilion
6031 E Woodmen Road, Suite 250
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Cancer support programs
Saint Francis Cancer Center offers a range of services to support each patient's cancer journey.
The Hereditary Cancer Service at St. Francis Cancer Center provides cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and testing services for individuals and families with concerns about inherited cancer predispositions. Our genetic counselors are a team of cancer professionals who educate individuals about inherited cancer risks, identifying possible inherited predispositions, ordering appropriate tests, and interpreting results so that you and your doctor can make informed decisions regarding your medical care.
Opening soon, the donation-based Ingram Guest House will serve patients being treated at St. Frances Cancer Center, who live 30 miles or more outside of Colorado Springs. Ask a cancer center associate for more information.
Hearing the words "you have cancer" is a very overwhelming time in the life of any patient and family dealing with this complex and difficult disease. Cancer care can be very confusing in that multiple health care providers are involved from the screening process, to diagnosis, testing, treatment, and survivorship. Penrose Cancer Center has established a nurse navigator program to assist patients and families with this journey.
An oncology nurse navigator (ONN) is a professional registered nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers. An ONN 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.
Penrose and St. Francis Cancer Centers currently offer the following oncology nurse navigation support:
- Breast cancer navigation
- Gastrointestinal cancer navigation
- Gynecologic cancer navigation
- Head & neck cancer navigation
- Lung nodule navigation
- Prostate cancer navigation
- Thoracic cancer navigation
A cancer diagnosis can bring additional stress and anxiety into your life affecting self-image, relationships, employment, and finances. Our oncology social workers participate as an integral part of your treatment team to support you and your family. Social support services range from coping strategies and relaxation techniques to community resources and grants to support groups and family counseling.
Oncology-trained registered dietitians can assist you with cancer-specific nutritional assessments and individualized plans during any stage of your cancer journey. This includes strategies to address challenges with appetite, weight loss, side-effects, digestive concerns, tube feedings, and more. If you have specific questions related to your diet, let your treatment team know you would like to speak to a dietitian.
Provided by Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs) Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
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Lymphedema program
A blend of lymphedema drainage techniques, compression, exercise, and patient education for trunk, head and neck, and extremity management of edema completed by a LANA CLT.
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Cancer rehabilitation
Our individualized oncology rehab program prevents and treats conditions resulting from radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical interventions, including edema, fatigue, neuropathy, pain, weakness, and endurance deficits.
Provides patients access to the most innovative studies related to cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. The research team has information about current trials that may be available to patients based on their individual case.
The Center for Women’s Imaging
Balancing tranquility and technology in a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, The Center for Women’s Imaging offers the most advanced screening and diagnostic breast imaging services in Colorado Springs including:
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3D digital mammography
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Ultrasound for women (breast and general)
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Automated breast ultrasound screening
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Bone densitometry (DXA)
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Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
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Stereotactic breast biopsy
For added convenience, if you need multiple tests, many of them can be scheduled for the same day. The Center for Women’s Imaging at the St Peregrine Pavilion is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. All diagnostics take place in our intentional environment featuring calming earth tones, comfortable seating, soothing music, plush robes, and a special gift for our visitors.
Location:
St. Peregrine Pavilion
6031 East Woodmen Rd., Suite 240
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
719-571-3800 (information)
719-776-8010 (scheduling)
Hours: M-F, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A screening mammogram is the single most effective method for early detection since it can identify breast cancer several years before a lump can be felt or before other symptoms are present. The Center for Women’s Imaging offers the latest in breast cancer screening with 3D digital mammography, which produces a clearer image to help detect early signs of breast cancer.
Who should get a screening mammogram? The American Cancer Society and the American Colleges of OB-GYN, Surgery, and Radiology recommend the following breast screening guidelines: Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing every year for as long as a woman is in good health. Women should perform a breast self-exam (BSE) monthly to know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any change or abnormality to their health care provider.
Some women, because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors, may need mammograms at an earlier age, automated breast ultrasound screening (ABUS) or breast MRI in addition to mammograms. If you are concerned about an increased risk of hereditary breast cancer based on your family history, talk with your health care provider.
The Center for Women’s Imaging performs general, gynecological and vascular ultrasound. Our dynamic group of sonographers is registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, which means that all our technologists have received top-notch education and are board certified in multiple specialties. Commonly ordered ultrasound tests for women include:
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Abdominal ultrasound
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Automated breast ultrasound screening (ABUS)
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Breast ultrasound
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Carotid duplex
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Pelvic ultrasound
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Renal ultrasound
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Renal doppler
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Thyroid/neck ultrasound
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Venous duplex
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Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss or the presence of osteoporosis.
DXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). DXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. DXA bone density scans are recommended if for women older than age 65 and men older than age 70 or women younger than age 65 and men ages 50 to 70 who have risk factors such as:
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A fracture in any man or woman older than age 50
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Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, eating disorders
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Early menopause, either from natural causes or surgery
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History of hormone treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer
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Significant loss of height (compression fractures of the back)
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Smoking
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Strong family history of osteoporosis
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Taking corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, every day for more than 3 months
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Three or more drinks of alcohol per day on most days
A biopsy is done when mammograms, other imaging tests, or a physical exam shows a breast change that may be cancer. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure whether tissue is cancerous. During a biopsy, a tiny sample of the suspicious area is removed using a needle and examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.
During a stereotactic breast biopsy, your breast will be gently compressed between two plates. A digital mammogram is used to produce stereo images (images of the same area from different angles) to determine the exact location for the biopsy. Using computer coordinates, the radiologist inserts the needle through the skin, advances it into the lesion, and removes tissue samples.
Gynecologic oncology
As part of our multidisciplinary approach to care, St. Francis Cancer Center offers gynecologic oncology, a highly specialized field that offers leading-edge treatment to women with cancer of the reproductive system including internal and external anatomy.
The care is led by gynecologic oncology physicians and nurse practitioners, in collaboration with oncology social workers, oncology dieticians, a gynecology nurse navigator, lymphedema specialist, and genetic counselors to provide patients with whole person care.
Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery is a two-step procedure that treats certain cancers in the abdomen. One of two regional sites offering this treatment modality, HIPEC includes the surgical removal of cancerous tumors followed by heated chemotherapy drugs applied directly inside the abdomen to eliminate the remaining cancerous cells.
Location:
St. Peregrine Pavilion
6031 E Woodmen Road, Suite 250
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Medical oncology
Medical oncology services are provided by Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, located on the second floor of the St. Peregrine Building on the St. Francis Hospital campus. Their team of medical oncologists work closely with our radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists to provide comprehensive treatment.
Radiation oncology
Our state-of-the-art radiation therapy center is located in Suite 150 at the St. Peregrine Pavilion.
6031 East Woodmen Rd.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Here we offer the following technology and procedures:
CyberKnife System
A non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where radiation therapy is indicated. CommonSpirit Mountain Region houses one of the only regional sites offering this radiosurgery to treat conditions throughout the body, including the prostate, lung, brain, spine, head and neck, liver, pancreas, and kidney. CyberKnife treatments are typically performed in 1 to 5 sessions and offer an alternative for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a fast, precise, non-invasive treatment for cancer sites located throughout the body including challenging regions such as the lungs, brain, spinal cord, prostate, and abdomen.
Arc-based treatment delivery
This approach delivers radiation treatments in a fraction of the time of standard radiation oncology equipment.
Image guided radiation therapy
Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) monitors the movement of tumors and other organs to ensure that treatment is safe and accurate.
Intensity modulated radiation therapy
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) shapes to a tumor’s size and shape and reduces exposure to healthy tissue by creating multiple small beams of radiation that meet at tumor’s focal point.
3D conformal radiation therapy
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CR) uses computers and advanced imaging to deliver external-beam radiation therapy that conforms to a tumor’s specific shape and size.
High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
This therapy delivers direct doses of radiation to a tumor with minimal impact to surrounding tissue while decreasing length of treatment.
Other real-time technologies
In addition, we use respiratory gating treatment delivery, optical guidance patient positioning tracking, and continuous motion management technology to track tumor movement in real time to allow for more precise and accurate treatment delivery.
Conditions We Treat
- Benign tumors
- Brain
- Breast
- Gastrointestinal
- Gynecological
- Head and neck
- Kidney
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Lung & lung nodule
- Metastatic disease
- Prostate
- Skin & soft tissue
Patient Resources
Free Breast and Cervical Screening & Testing
If you have limited or no health insurance and meet the qualifications below, you may qualify.
- Between the ages of 40 - 64
- You do not have insurance or cannot afford your deductible or co-pay
- At or below 250% of the federal poverty level
- In need of screening exams or diagnostic testing following an abnormal screening
If you fall near these guidelines or have symptoms, contact us.
Phone: 719-776-8208 for English and 719-776-5610 for Spanish.
Regional Clinics
- Penrose Hospital
Phone: 719-776-8200, option 4 - Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Phone: 719-344-6090 - Dream Center
Phone: 719-388-1594 - Teller County Public Health
Phone: 719-687-6416 - St. Thomas More Hospital
Phone: 719-285-2473
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 719-776-8200, option 4.
*Income guidelines fluctuate frequently. Click here for the most up-to-date information.
Download this information in Spanish.(see last bullet point for updates to the Spanish form)
