Cancer center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

At Grand Strand Health, we are committed to providing compassionate cancer services tailored to your needs. Using leading-edge technology, our oncology team works together to provide care for a wide range of cancers.

For more details about our cancer care program, please call (843) 497-8300.

We offer comprehensive cancer services, including advanced screening, clinical trials and surgical oncology. We also provide additional support services, such as nurse navigation, to ensure you receive the support you need throughout treatment.

Cancer care specialists

Our hospital has an oncology team of physicians and supporting staff dedicated to every aspect of your treatment journey. Our cancer care team includes experts specializing in the following areas:

Cancer treatment options

At Grand Strand Health, our mission is to find the best treatment options for each individual battling cancer. We can treat cancer with advanced surgery (including robotic surgery) and medications (including chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biologic therapy). When receiving treatment, our goal is for you to be as comfortable as possible.

Multidisciplinary cancer conference (MCC)

Our physicians meet regularly for conferences to review patient cases and determine the best way to move forward with treatment. During the case review, we look at your health history, physical exam, pathology and imaging results. From there, physicians will develop a personalized plan of care. Your doctor will meet with you to make sure you are comfortable with your treatment plan and know what to expect.

Clinical trials

Grand Strand Health helps support ongoing research by providing patients with information about clinical trials through the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society offers a free, confidential program to help patients, their families and healthcare workers find cancer clinical trials. This includes research studies testing new drugs or methods to prevent, detect or treat cancer.

Types of cancer we treat

Our oncologists specialize in treating a wide range of cancers, including:

Brain cancer

Brain cancer can be classified as primary or secondary tumors. A primary malignant brain tumor is a rare type of brain cancer that accounts for only a small percentage of cancer cases in the U.S. Secondary tumors are more common. They spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the breast, colon or prostate.

Brain tumors can develop slowly over a long period of time or develop suddenly. When a tumor grows into brain tissue, it builds pressure inside the skull. This pressure can cause symptoms, such as:

  • Balance problems
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness or coma
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Personality or behavior changes
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Treatment for brain cancer

Every brain tumor is different, which means so are the symptoms and treatments. Your cancer team will take this into account and determine the best treatment plan for you. Treatments we offer include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer most often occurs in women, but it can also occur in men. We provide specialized breast health services to detect breast cancer as early as possible. If cancer is detected, you can trust our cancer team to be there for you with compassionate treatment services. This may include chemotherapy, and/or surgery.

Lung cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of death attributed to cancer in the U.S. for both women and men. Our program strives to make the process from diagnosis to treatment efficient and thorough. Our cancer care team is here to:

  • Educate you and your family about lung cancer and your treatment options
  • Facilitate timely evaluation, diagnosis and treatment
  • Provide screening services if lung cancer is suspected
  • Provide support for you and your family
  • Serve as a liaison between your primary care physician and your cancer treatment team

Lung cancer symptoms

It's important to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer so you can talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any of them. Symptoms can include:

  • Coughing up blood
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent coughing
  • General pain
  • Hoarseness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the chest, shoulder or upper back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face or neck
  • Weight loss
  • Wheezing

Low-dose computerized tomography (CT) screening

Early screening can make a big difference when it comes to successfully treating cancer. We provide lung cancer screenings with low-dose CT technology at South Strand Medical Center and Carolina Forest Imaging Center. Talk with your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for low-dose CT screening.

Lung cancer risks

Many risk factors can contribute to your chances of developing lung cancer, including:

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Exposure to industrial chemicals, including arsenic, asbestos, beryllium and uranium
  • Family history of lung cancer
  • Other lung illnesses, such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tuberculosis
  • Smoking

Prostate cancer

The prostate is a male reproductive gland. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it produces a fluid typically found in semen. Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland and may spread to surrounding structures.

While most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, physicians can find prostate cancer using a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE). With greater awareness, prostate cancer detection is on the rise and mortality is declining. Better treatments are allowing more men to return to active and productive lives after treatment.

Prostate cancer treatment options

Your treatment options for prostate cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease and your age, health and personal preference. Treatments may include conservative management, cryosurgery and prostatectomy.

What to expect during your first appointment

During your initial consultation, you will meet with an oncologist to discuss your specific type of cancer, the best treatment for you and the results you might expect. Your oncologist will work carefully with your primary doctor and other healthcare providers to oversee your care.

When arriving for your appointments, please remember to bring:

  • Insurance cards (if applicable)
  • List of all medications you are currently taking
  • Questions or concerns you may have to discuss with your team

We also encourage you to bring someone with you to your appointments for support and to listen to the physician's comments about your diagnosis and treatment plan.