Cancer Services and Treatment

Learn more about our breast cancer services.

Every woman deserves access to reliable screenings for breast and cervical cancer. Thanks to a partnership between UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air and the Harford County Health Department, we have created the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, designed to ensure that all women in our community can obtain this care. 

Learn more about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

Learn more about our cancer rehabilitation program.

Learn more about our cancer screening recommendations.

Surgery is an option for many stages and types of tumors, from the most straightforward cancers to advanced and recurring cancers. Our experienced surgeons are specially trained in minimally invasive techniques and work with each patient to identify the best surgical plan. For those patients requiring surgery for thoracic or gynecologic cancers, surgeons can operate using the da Vinci® Surgical System, an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy. The da Vinci System allows for complex and delicate procedures to be performed through very small incisions using a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist. With the surgeon 100% in control, the robotic system translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body, resulting in improved vision, precision and capability.

Many of the drugs and treatments used in cancer care can have adverse effects on the heart. Our cardio-oncology program cares for people who are either at risk for developing heart disease, from cancer treatment, or who are already suffering from the problem.

Learn more about our comprehensive head and neck cancer program.

The UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center supports the Kaufman Cancer Center with certified genetic counselors who have extensive training and experience allowing them to assist individuals and their families with decisions regarding genetic testing, and how to understand the results. 

There are things we can do that may help lower our risk of getting cancer including quitting tobacco, avoiding known cancer-causing substances, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting plenty of exercise and limiting alcohol consumption to name a few.

The HPV vaccine can also help prevent cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common infection that can be spread from person to person through direct contact. In most cases, HPV is harmless and goes away on its own. But when it doesn’t, HPV can cause serious health problems including certain cancers in both males and females (including cervical cancer and cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and even the back of the throat). 

Roughly 26,000 cancers are attributed to HPV in the U.S. each year

A person has a 75 to 80 percent chance of contracting HPV during his or her lifetime, and both males and females should be vaccinated. It is as easy as two shots (or three if over the age of 14) and can be given by your primary care or pediatric provider. The Food and Drug Administration has now approved the vaccination in older people, as well (ages 27 to 45). 

The HPV vaccine is a cancer prevention tool

The vaccine is safe. It has been studied by medical experts and has not been associated with any long-term side effects. The HPV vaccine can prevent your child from getting cancer. 

Despite the fact that the HPV vaccine can prevent certain cancers, it is still extremely underutilized in our community

HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers, 95% of anal cancers, 65% of vaginal cancers, 65% of oral cancers, 50% of vulva cancers and 35% penile cancers. 

One in four people in the U.S. is infected with HPV

Most people who have an HPV infection don’t even know it. Despite the overwhelming benefits and evidence of its safety and effectiveness, the vaccine is still under-utilized in our country. Ask your physician if you or your child are able to receive the HPV vaccination.  

Infusion services at the Kaufman Cancer Center are offered in a comfortable and convenient outpatient setting that supports your independence and minimizes disruption to work and family life. In addition to chemotherapy for cancer, we provide intravenous (IV) treatments for pain management, dehydration, nutritional needs, blood products and more. The Infusion Center is staffed and operated by the University of Maryland Medical Center featuring registered nurses who specialize in oncology infusion. 

Learn more about our lung cancer program.

Medical oncologists provide consultations and a treatment plan for someone who has cancer. They often serve as the primary health provider to manage the course of treatment and work with other specialists to coordinate the overall care plan. They also provide close follow-up to manage tests needed for survivorship and cancer screening/prevention.

Unfortunately, many people with cancer experience pain that’s related to either the cancer itself, or to its treatment. However, prompt and effective pain control can help prevent suffering and significantly improve a patient’s quality of life, despite diagnosis. Our outpatient oncology pain clinic is led by experts who specialize in pain management and who work directly with each individual patient and his or her family to develop a care plan to help manage pain and discomfort. Call 443-643-1956 for more information.

Palliative care focuses on improving the overall quality of life for patients facing cancer. It provides symptom relief and can occur at the same time as all other care. It does not depend on a patient’s prognosis. 

Pathology is the study of tissue samples that are generally taken from a tumor or lymph node. It plays a significant role in a cancer diagnosis and its staging (whether or not cancer has spread to other areas of the body) which helps determine the best course of treatment. Our pathology specialists are an important part of your care team. They attend Tumor Board meetings, share their findings with the Multidisciplinary Clinic team and provide expert recommendations to your individual care plan.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells develop in the prostate, one of the male sex glands. Cancer of the prostate is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in men in the United States. Although the cause of the disease is not known, we do know that the growth of cancer cells (like normal cells) is stimulated by male hormones, particularly testosterone. In addition to treatment for the disease, we provide supportive services including classes and support groups through Cancer LifeNet.

Nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed with cancer will receive radiation therapy either alone or combined with chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation therapy at the Kaufman Cancer Center is directed by a team of highly-trained experts from the UM Department of Radiation Oncology who helped develop the technology.

Learn more about our radiation therapies.

Sometimes treatment and surgery for cancer can affect an individual’s appearance. Reconstructive surgery is an option that some patients may consider after completing treatment with the goal of restoring function and appearance. It can play a major role in helping both men and women improve their body image and regain their confidence. 

Learn more about our reconstructive surgery services.