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At the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, we provide comprehensive and compassionate care for a wide range of cancer types. Our team of oncologists, nurses, and support staff are dedicated to delivering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. With expertise in diagnosing and treating various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic, we strive to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for our patients. By leveraging cutting-edge advancements in cancer research and state-of-the-art technology, we are devoted to making significant strides in the fight against cancer and offering hope to those in need. Below is the list of Cancer types we treat.

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Palliative Care Call 775-982-5098 Palliative and Supportive Care provides specialized medical care for serious illnesses and diseases, including advanced cancer, kidney failure or heart disease.

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Renown Health's Institute for Cancer earned accreditation from National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Alongside the Renown Breast Health Center, we have skilled medical professionals with a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment and care, and the latest early detection technology to save lives. Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control forming tumors that can spread to surrounding tissue and move to other parts of the body. If initial screenings indicate that breast cancer may be present, your doctor will conduct further tests to confirm a diagnosis. Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your breasts, such as: A lump or thickening in/near the breast, underarm or around the collarbone   A change in the size or shape of the breast  A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast or nipple area (such as dimples, puckering, redness, swelling or scaliness)  Clear or bloody nipple discharge   Changes in the nipple, such as an open ulcer, a new inverting of the nipple or unusual tenderness

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Cancer Treatment Cancer treatment at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute includes advanced options ranging from chemotherapy and radiation to surgery and clinical trials.

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Early detection plays a crucial role in effectively managing cancer. By undergoing regular cancer screening tests, you can identify the presence of cancerous cells or tumors even before symptoms manifest. It provides an opportunity for timely intervention and increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. At the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, your care team is essential in determining which screenings are most appropriate for you and your family based on your medical history, age, and risk factors. They can guide you through the various screening options available and address any concerns or questions you may have. Cancer screening tests encompass a range of examinations, including imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, as well as specific tests like mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. These screenings aim to detect breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, cervical, and other types of cancers. By prioritizing cancer screenings and preventive measures, you take an active role in safeguarding your health. Detecting cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and improves overall outcomes. Prevention Cancer prevention is a vital aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being. One significant preventive measure is the administration of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to several types of cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccines are designed to protect against high-risk HPV strains responsible for the majority of these infections. By getting vaccinated, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing HPV-related cancers. These vaccines are most effective when administered before exposure to the virus through sexual activity. Therefore, early vaccination, ideally during adolescence or early adulthood, is crucial for long-term protection. By prioritizing HPV vaccination as part of comprehensive cancer prevention strategies, individuals can take proactive steps towards reducing the risk of these preventable cancers.

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Renown’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is a comprehensive Cancer Care Center that understands the challenges patients face after a cancer diagnosis. It is important to offer patients and their caregivers the specialty services, treatments and cancer resources in one convenient location. Cancer treatment at Renown offers access to The Sally de Lipkau Cancer Resource Center which provides information and tailored support programs to patients. Additional resources include having a Certified Mastectomy Fitter for personalized care and partnering with Nutrition Services to customize dietary plans throughout treatment. Your care team also includes working with compassionate Social Workers who assist with emotional support and practical matters of your journey, as well as skilled nurse navigators who ensure seamless coordination of appointments.

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Family Member Resources A cancer diagnosis can be hard and stressful for everyone in the family. At Renown Health, our support services are designed to help you and your family receive personalized care and continuous guidance throughout your journey. You will be connected with counselors, dietitians and social workers, each of whom specialize in working with cancer patients. Cancer Counseling Emotional and mental health is a vital component of the healing and recovery process. Ask about a referral to Renown Behavioral Health to help you address the emotional aspects of cancer. Counseling services may include emotional and psychological support, treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as stress management and relaxation techniques. Counseling sessions are available by appointment. Financial Counseling Financial counselors can help determine how much of the bill will be covered by insurance. They can also find sources of financial aid that may be available to you.

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Planning Your Care at Renown Your care is a team effort, combining the skill and expertise of doctors, nurses, and other support staff who specialize in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This collaboration happens on multiple levels so that you receive the best possible care and treatment specific to your needs. Multidisciplinary Care “Multidisciplinary” refers to the collaboration between providers from different backgrounds or disciplines and can include doctors, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, therapists, dietitians and social workers. These teams meet regularly to discuss patient care so that each patient benefits from the professional opinion of a wide range of experts.   Multispecialty Treatment Depending on your diagnosis, several different specialists may be involved in your treatment. Pathologists study tissue samples in the lab to confirm the diagnosis. Radiologists diagnose and track cancer with various imaging techniques. Medical oncologists treat cancer with chemotherapy and other medications. Radiation oncologists treat cancer with radiation therapy. Surgical oncologists treat cancer through surgery. Medical Geneticists diagnose cancer through genetic counseling. Gynecologic Oncologists treat cancers of the female reproductive system. These specialists meet to discuss your care plan and coordinate to make sure you’re receiving proven evidence-based care.   Center of Excellence A Center of Excellence is recognized for having a multidisciplinary, multispecialty team that provides leadership in research, training and best practices. Renown has three Centers of Excellence that focus on site-specific cancers. These include: Breast Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer (colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and stomach) Thoracic Cancer (lung and esophagus) These teams regularly meet to develop and update clinical guidelines, identify quality initiatives, evaluate clinical trials, and assess new technology and processes.   Cancer Conferences (Tumor Boards) Multidisciplinary, multispecialty cancer conferences (also called tumor boards) allow cancer specialists, genetic specialists, nurse navigators, nurses, social workers, dietitians, physical therapy specialists, and other providers the opportunity to review new and open cancer cases together and provide expertise from several different viewpoints. This collaboration allows them to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient early in diagnosis or changes to a patient’s clinical status.   Who is my point of contact? Having multiple doctors who are working with even more doctors can become confusing for patients. Your Nurse Navigator will guide you through your care, provide you with the resources you need and answer your questions. Nurse Navigators

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Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) Screening Center of Excellence Renown Regional Medical Center has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) for our ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. Prevention Most lung cancer cases stem from a history of smoking tobacco, but there are other known causes. You can take steps to eliminate some of the causes from your lifestyle and environment, such as: Tobacco smoke: The most critical step you can take to prevent lung cancer is to avoid tobacco smoke altogether, including secondhand smoke. Radon: This chemical element occurs naturally in the environment. It’s odorless and colorless, which means testing is the only way to determine if it’s present in your home. Radon testing kits and radon mitigation systems are available at retailers. Radon test kits are available through the Nevada Radon Education Program.  Asbestos: This fibrous mineral causes cancer and other diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. If you suspect your home contains asbestos, contact a local asbestos testing and removal service. Diesel exhaust: Avoid exposure to diesel fumes. The World Health Organization found that diesel exhaust causes not only lung cancer but also other cancers. Chemical exposure: Always take the necessary steps to protect yourself from inhaling harmful particles, fumes, and gasses by wearing appropriately rated masks or respirators.

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JoAnne's Legacy Continues to Serve Others As a legacy to the late JoAnne Gould and the indelible mark she made in 44 years of helping cancer patients and their families in our community, we are pleased to offer the JoAnne Gould Educational Scholarship. JoAnne’s model of generosity and compassion continues to inspire those who worked with her. Help us keep her mission going by applying for a $690 scholarship to enhance your education and aspire to become an ambassador for cancer patients like JoAnne.

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The William N. Pennington Cancer Institute team wants you to feel confident in the care we provide. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, therapists, dietitians, social workers, and other support staff work together to assure you receive the best care close to home. Our primary goal is to help you and your loved ones schedule tests and procedures, navigate between doctor visits, and understand your cancer and treatment.   Personalized Care Medical oncology gives you options for cancer and hematology treatment in one convenient location. Your medical oncology team will help you coordinate the best treatment plan, which may include infusion and chemotherapy, clinical trials, radiation oncology, and surgical options. This integrated approach allows for treatment without delays. Renown cancer specialists allow you and your loved ones to discuss treatment options for personalized care and education to help you navigate the disease and treatment processes. We serve our communities with the primary location in Reno, a satellite office at Carson Valley Medical Center, and through Telehealth at Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nevada.   Gold-Level Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer Gold Level Accreditation means the Renown cancer care team has not only met but exceeded national standards for providing cancer care, proving that we focus on the right things for clinical quality and service, like: Providing the highest-level quality care with a team approach Offering practical and helpful support services to people with cancer Staying up-to-date on cancer research Assuring the focus is on your health throughout your care   We’re doing the right things to treat people with cancer and support them through their treatment. Accreditation also means that Renown offers cancer treatment built for patients and their families, not for doctors and board members. View Awards   Nurse Navigators With you every step of the way, a nurse navigator is your advocate for care — from the initial consultation right through treatment — assisting you through your cancer diagnosis and individualized care plan. Learn More

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Renown Health's Institute for Cancer has the most advanced radiation therapy system of its kind and the first program in the region with American College of Radiology (ACR-RO) accreditation. To serve you, our certified team of experts includes highly trained doctors, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and registered nurses.   What is Radiation Therapy? A common form of cancer treatment, radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to eliminate cancerous cells and may be used in conjunction with other treatments, like chemotherapy or surgery. What to Expect Treating cancer with radiation is a process that usually lasts about five to eight weeks. The first two appointments are consultation, simulation, and mapping, which help plan treatment. Short, daily radiation treatment appointments follow these. Why Choose Renown? Renown's state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam radiation therapy system delivers treatment so precisely; it reaches sub-millimeter levels of accuracy. In addition, unlike other treatment centers in the region, Renown has the technology to deliver radiation from 360 degrees around the patient's body, allowing us to target cancerous cells and save healthy tissue. Consultation The first appointment is called the consultation. A radiation oncologist meets with the patient to discuss treatment options, perform a physical examination and answer questions. Simulation and Mapping Since radiation therapy aims to target cancer while sparing healthy tissue, to maintain body position and stillness is essential. A CT scan is used to pinpoint cancer's exact location in the patient's body during the simulation and mapping appointment. Doctors refer to these scans as they work together to craft a treatment plan. Patients are fitted with immobilization devices that keep the body still during treatment. In addition, brain and head, and neck cancer patients are equipped with a mesh mask to keep the head and neck in position. For cancers elsewhere in the body, patients are fitted with foam molds that form to the body. These personalized molds are kept on hand for use during daily radiation treatments. Additionally, the radiation therapist creates several pinpoint-sized tattoos on the patient's skin to ensure each daily treatment targets the same area. These tattoos are permanent but small enough to go unnoticed by others. Daily Radiation Treatments At each treatment appointment, a radiation therapist helps the patient.

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