Multi-Disciplinary, Individualized Treatment
Manager Brent Slack says many patients seek second opinions at bigger medical institutions. But in most cases we offer the same treatment options, so they choose to come here because we are in their community. “When people need radiation, they typically have to receive it every day, Monday through Friday, so they don’t want to travel a long distance. Our location is convenient for them and gives them everything they need,” says Slack. “We also have a boutique called The Balancing Touch, that carries post-surgical supplies, such as prostheses, specially fitted clothing, swimwear, wigs, hats and more. They stock a large variety of hair replacement products and have trained fitters educated on selecting and customizing according to each patient’s needs.”
Slack says there is more to cancer treatment than just radiation and chemotherapy. “This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to learn more about the patient and their needs, and incorporate nutrition, pain management, physical therapy and support groups,” he says. “We also work closely with several different agencies locally, such as CanHope and Lydia’s Project, to provide emotional and financial support, rides to and from treatment, overnight accommodations, and more.”
Practicing Preventive Health
Screenings are one of the best ways to be proactive about staying healthy. Slack explains the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina (CCIC) recently held a free PSA blood screening for prostate cancer. “We had a good number of men come in to get their blood drawn, with several needing to follow up with a urologist or get further testing. But this is the benefit of a free screening, because you then have a direction in which to go,” says Slack. “And you don’t need to wait for a screening event. Any man can come here and get an order for blood work to get tested for prostate cancer.”
Both Slack and Carolyn Cook, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator, frequently attend community events to promote screenings, as well as the services offered by the CCIC. Cook personally guides patients through their diagnosis and treatment journey and tracks their test results. “We are passionate about raising awareness of our services and helping people through the process,” says Slack.
Learn more about the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina online or by calling 803-641-5833.
Radiation Oncologists and Oncologists at the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers
Sitki M. Ergul, M.D.
Medical School: University of Istanbul (Turkey)
Residency: Medical Center of Central Georgia (Macon) Internal Medicine
Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) Hematology/ Oncology
Ahmad N. Gill, M.D.
Medical School: Dow Medical College – Karachi University
Residency: New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) Hematology/ Oncology
Mark P. Ezekiel, M.D.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine (Charleston)
Residency: University of Alabama Medical Center (Birmingham) Radiation Oncolog
Jed W. Howington, M.D.
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia (Augusta)
Residency: University of Alabama Medical Center (Birmingham) Radiation Oncology