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Oncology

Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.

Cancer care in Midlothian

We're committed to support you throughout your cancer journey.

Johnston-Willis Hospital is here to support you and your family at every step of your cancer treatment. With our experienced oncology team and the resources of Sarah Cannon Institute at our fingertips, we strive to ensure only the most positive outcome for your condition.

Have cancer questions?

We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.

We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.

Related specialties

Learn more about our related specialties.

Types of cancer we treat

Our oncologists and cancer support specialists diagnose and treat a wide variety of cancers, including:

  • Bile duct cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Blood cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gastrointestinal cancer
  • Gynecologic cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Neuroendocrine cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

Our cancer treatment services in Richmond

Cancer affects every aspect of your life. This is why, in addition to treatments that directly combat your cancer, we offer care to address your overall wellbeing.

Cancer treatments we offer

We stay on the forefront of advances in cancer care so we can offer you the most effective treatment options. Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, available at our sister facility, Chippenham Hospital
  • Infusion therapies, such as chemotherapy
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Palliative care services to relieve symptoms and side effects
  • Physical therapy and cancer rehabilitation
  • Psychosocial oncology and distress assessment
  • Radiation therapy
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Surgery

Brain cancer treatment

We offer a certified brain tumor program for both cancerous and noncancerous brain tumors. The quality of our program remains unparalleled in the region, as we were the first, and still one of only a few, hospitals in the United States to receive The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for brain tumor care.

Breast cancer care

Our breast health experts screen, diagnose and treat a variety of breast cancers in both men and women. The work we continue to do to combat breast cancer has seen national recognition, as we have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons.

High-risk breast program

The high-risk breast program (HRBP) at Johnston-Willis is focused on the screening and identification of patients who may be at an elevated risk for cancer.

Genetic testing is a proactive way to determine if you have a higher risk of breast cancer. Depending on the results of the testing, you and your doctor, in partnership with our HRBP team, will personalize your screening and management moving forward based on your risk.

This program offers a more personalized recommendation for your care and improves cancer prevention, early detection, and targeted cancer treatments. If you have questions about our HRBP, please contact the high-risk breast nurse navigator at (888) 740-7475 (RISK) — option 2 for Johnston-Willis Hospital.

You may have the need for additional screenings if you are classified as an intermediate- or high-risk patient, especially if you have dense breasts. We provide three options for supplemental screenings:

  • Abbreviated breast MRI (ABMRI) — testing where you are given an IV and positioned in the MRI scanner while you are injected with MRI contrast dye
  • Contrast mammogram (CEM) — an IV procedure performed after being injected with iodinated contrast dye
  • Whole-breast ultrasound — ultrasound technology is used to examine your entire breast, not just a problem area

Other comprehensive components of our breast clinic include genetic counseling, smoking cessation programs, nutrition counseling and pharmaceutical risk reduction.

Infusion therapies

We offer both inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy, biotherapy and other infusion therapy services. Chemotherapy and biotherapy use powerful medications to treat cancer by destroying cancer cells or stopping them from growing.

Although some treatments, like chemotherapy, do have oral variations, infusion therapy delivers medications through a needle or catheter, usually intravenously (IV).

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. The goal of immunotherapy is to allow your body to do the important work of fighting cancer using its own resources, but with the added boost from medication.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to minimize or kill cancer cells. Types of radiation therapy we offer include external beam radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy).

We are also one of a few hospitals in Central Virginia to perform stereotactic radiosurgery, a painless, minimally invasive procedure for treating brain tumors and other neurological conditions.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

RFA is a minimally invasive treatment that may be used when surgery is not the best option for the type of cancer you have. RFA involves inserting a fine needle into the tumor to deliver high-frequency electrical energy, which heats and destroys the tumor without affecting the healthy tissue nearby.

Surgical oncology

Surgery remains a key component of cancer care and is the most common treatment option. Surgery may be performed to diagnose cancer, remove a tumor, reconstruct damaged tissue or support cancer-related procedures such as inserting a chemotherapy port.

We use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible, including robotic surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Cancer support

Cancer care isn't just about targeting cells and tumors. Its about supporting the emotions and mental triggers that those cells and tumors affect. We offer extensive, continued support resources including:

  • Cancer survivorship planning
  • Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center, located in our hospital as a part of the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation
  • Pet therapy
  • Support groups

About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (804) 591-4152.

Assess your cancer risk factors

Your colorectal cancer risk factors
When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and highly treatable. Use our online tool to find out your risk and what you can do about it.
At risk for lung cancer?
If you're unsure, let us help you understand whether you have any potential risk factors for developing lung cancer with our free assessment tool.
Worried about prostate cancer?
Let us help. Our assessment will enable you to understand whether you need to be talking to your doctor about prostate cancer and screenings.
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Breast cancer - surgical options

Our Oncology Locations

Currently Viewing:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
1401 Johnston Willis Dr
Richmond, VA 23235
 (804) 483 - 5000

Currently Viewing:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
1401 Johnston Willis Dr
Richmond, VA 23235
 (804) 483 - 5000
Henrico Doctors' Hospital
1602 Skipwith Rd
Richmond, VA 23229
 (804) 289 - 4500

7.1 miles

Retreat Doctors' Hospital
2621 Grove Ave
Richmond, VA 23220
 (804) 254 - 5100

7.3 miles

The Healthy Living Blog

Read our blogs to learn about our patients' experience with our oncology services.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? 

March 08, 2024
Explore ways you can reduce your risk of breast cancer.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? 

March 08, 2024
Explore ways you can reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Debunking 8 colorectal cancer myths 

March 04, 2024
Tayla Holman
Dig into some of the top misconceptions about colorectal cancer for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March.

Take charge of your breast health — you can reduce your risk 

March 01, 2024
Although not preventable, there are ways a woman can reduce her risk of breast cancer. Learn how to understand and lower your risk.