Cancer Center and Water Tower Medical Commons

Columbia St. Mary's Cancer Center is located within Water Tower Medical Commons on Lake Drive across from Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee. The Cancer Center, which overlooks Lake Michigan, combines Columbia St. Mary’s nationally recognized Cancer Services staff, treatment and technology on Milwaukee's east side. In 2007, Columbia St. Mary's was selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a pilot site for NCI's Community Cancer Centers Program. Columbia St. Mary's was chosen as one of three Ascension Health hospitals nationally to participate in the pilot program, and the only health system in Wisconsin. The goals of the pilot program are to bring the latest scientific advances and the highest level of innovative and integrated, multi-specialty care to a much larger population of cancer patients, especially those who are underserved.

The Cancer Center is a 'destination of choice' for cancer patients throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Patients find the most-advanced technology and patient-centered care in a holistic environment that includes healing gardens, quiet spaces and calming views of Lake Michigan. Such specialized cancer centers are a critical component of the health care system. According to the Association of Community Cancer Centers, 75 percent of cancer patients receive their care from community hospitals.

What makes a Cancer Center a 'destination of choice'?

The Cancer Center integrates the best of Columbia St. Mary's Cancer Services staff, treatment and technology on Milwaukee's east side, incorporating the following elements:

• A healing environment — From the moment patients and their families walk into the Cancer Center and Water Tower Medical Commons, they will experience calming views of the lake, access to nature, a healing garden on the garden level and serene educational and learning centers — all of which help to create a true holistic approach to health care.
• Ease and convenience — Patients will find comprehensive, patient-centered services in one location. Convenient valet parking is available.
• Comprehensive & integrative services — Patients have access to high-quality services including radiation oncology, medical oncology, PET CT, laboratory, pharmacy, GYN oncology, complementary medicine, and educational resources.
• Multi-disciplinary approach — Cancer patients often seek medical care from multiple health care professionals at different times throughout treatment. The Cancer Center integrates all of the caregivers, physicians and nursing staff, together at one site to enhance communication among those providers, ultimately creating better patient care. Patients also benefit from the Tumor Board, a committee of physicians that discusses each case and arrives at a treatment plan that is most appropriate for each patient.
• Radiation therapy — Columbia St. Mary's has the most advanced radiation and imaging technology, including the Trilogy system that treats tumors with advanced image guided radiation. Columbia St. Mary's is the first health system in Wisconsin to offer this technology that delivers higher doses of radiation than other equipment coupled with real-time X-ray views of tumors to ensure the most precise delivery of radiation.
• Nurse navigators — Patients have one single contact, an on-staff nurse navigator, who will personally help guide patients and their families through the treatment process, educate them about what to expect during treatment, coordinate appointments, follow treatment plans and serve as an overall support system as needed.
• Added support — Pastoral care, support groups, and wellness classes will help patients and families better understand treatment.
• Integrative medicine — Patients can also choose to experience various forms of complementary medicine, including acupuncture, music, art, and pet therapy before a radiation treatment or medical appointment.
• Cancer Genetics Screening Program — Individuals may be screened for specific types of cancer based upon their family history.
• Hospice