SYLACAUGA, Ala. – There is a new weapon in the fight against cancer and it has made its way to Sylacauga.
On Wednesday morning, Thomas Beatrous, Doctor of Radiology Oncology at Coosa Valley Regional Cancer Care, discussed the options that patients now have to battle cancer. The tool at their fingertips: the Linear Accelerator. With pinpoint accuracy, the machine can help cancer patients fight back with tremendous results – even to the point of being cancer-free.
Dr. Beatrous told SylacaugaNews.com about this ground breaking technology, the history, and how it has been applied it to current patients. Dr. Beatrous said the Linear Accelerator is available because of one man: Dr. Scott Drummond. Drummond, who started the Southeast Cancer Network in 1998, had one goal in mind: bring the machine closer to patients. In doing so, it alleviated the need for long drives, especially for paitents already extremely ill from cancer and the effects of standard chemotherapy.
Dr. Beatrous said most patients come in with no other options besides hospice. Now, the Linea Accelerator is an option for everyone.
Dr. Beatrous said it works with precision to “focus on certain areas in the body with out hurting or affecting other parts around the area within one milometer to attack cancer” using one of two methods. First, for external treatment such as skin cancer, it uses an electron beam. The second avenue, to attack internal cancer, it uses an X-Ray beam.
The upgraded facility at Coosa Valley Regional Cancer Care continues to help patients on a daily basis. “Thank God we have the wonderful people and the technology right here in Sylacauga to fight this horrible disease that affects many,” said Mayor Jim Heigl.
“It’s all about patient care, to improve quality of life and instill the confidence that we have their back during the whole process from start to finish,” said Dr. Beatrous. “That makes the process better for the patient and family members involved.”
Dustin Harmer for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.