Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) owes its existence to Mary Brown Stephenson, and her son, Richard J Stephenson.
When Mrs. Stephenson battled to overcome her cancer in the 1970s, Richard Stephenson expected she would receive the most advanced treatment available; but, like many loved ones of cancer patients, he was disappointed when he found there was no gold standard for cancer care. Richard turned his frustration into action. He felt that no one should have to endure the insensitive experience that preceded his mother’s death.
In 1988, CTCA came to life. Today, the network of treatment facilities includes hospitals in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Zion, Illinois; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Newnan, Georgia (opening August 2012); and a community treatment center in Seattle, Washington. Richard J Stephenson’s commitment to the Mother Standard® became what is now the guiding principle at all CTCA hospitals. The Mother Standard is a warm, nurturing approach carried out by all of CTCA, caring for patients as they would want their own mothers to be cared for.
To provide the Mother Standard of care, CTCA offers innovative technologies and treatments like Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and the Calypso® System along with mind-body medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical and rehabilitation therapy, nutritional and spiritual support in its patient-centered integrative approach.
At CTCA, experienced cancer physicians work with skilled clinicians and professionals under one roof to treat not just cancer, but the whole person, in a compassionate, respectful and hopeful way.
Patients and caregivers are positioned at the center of their own care through Patient Empowered Care® (PEC), a model of care that CTCA pioneered. Using PEC, patients voice their opinions and preferences to CTCA medical professionals. Patients participate in their own treatment decision-making, and their choices are respected.