Oswego Health and SUNY Upstate Medical University have partnered to bring oncology services for those living in our community. Medical oncology and radiation oncology are available in Oswego by the same team of physicians providing cancer care at the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse.
For women needing breast care, Oswego Health offers a compassionate team that includes a well-known breast care surgeon, a dedicated breast care navigator and other clinicians who are available to answer all your questions and develop a detailed care plan.
University Hematology/Oncology Oswego
Physician referral is not required for new patients. The practice does not currently accept children.
Major services provided:
- Cancer programs and services
- Hematology
- Oncology
Healthcare providers:
- Sam Benjamin, MD
- Diana M. Gilligan, MD, PhD
- Rahul Seth, DO
- Dorothy Pan, MD
- Laura Paoletti, NP
- Deborah M. Pelkey, NP
Oswego Hospital Health Services Center
140 W. 6th St., Suite 110
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: 315.342.6215
Fax: 315.342.6219
Oswego Radiation Oncology
Oswego Radiation Oncology, an office affiliated with the Upstate Cancer Center, offers radiation therapy with leading-edge technology and the latest radiation therapy protocols in Oswego.
TrueBeam™ technology
The TrueBeam system is the latest advance in radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems. And now this same advanced cancer-treating system, which is currently available at the Upstate Cancer Center, is also available right here in Oswego.
Cancer treatments are changing. TrueBeam was developed from the ground up to deliver powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision. The technology opens the door to new possibilities for the treatment of challenging cases. TrueBeam can be used for cancers in the lung, breast, abdomen, and head and neck, as well as other cancers that are treatable with radiotherapy.
Treatments can be performed with unparalleled ease, precision and speed. In fact, most treatments take just a few minutes a day. The short treatment times give patients a more comfortable experience—and less time on the treatment couch.
TrueBeam was designed with many other features that can improve the overall patient experience. Enhanced communication technology enables a constant interaction between the patient and the therapist who operates the equipment. Three closed-circuit television systems enable the therapist to monitor the patient at all times. Music can be played during treatment, helping to increase patient comfort.
Medical expertise
Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by the expertise of our physicians and staff; state-of-the-art technology; efficient, high-quality care; and unique capabilities. Oswego Radiation Oncology is committed to total patient care throughout the entire radiation therapy process—from the initial consultation to the completion of treatment and follow-up care.
Board-certified radiation oncologists provide the backbone of this local service. All hold faculty appointments at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Our radiation oncologists are:
- Paul Aridgides, MD
- Alexander Banashkevich, MD
- Jeffrey Bogart, MD
- Seung Hahn, MD
- Michael LaCombe, MD
- Michael Mix, MD
- Linda L. Schicker, MD
- Anna Shapiro, MD
- Karna Sura, MD
Oswego Radiation Oncology maintains accreditation by the American College of Radiology and conforms to its rigid standards.
Seneca Hill Health Service Center
Suite 200
105 county Route 45A
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: 315.207.9066
Fax: 315.207.9070
How to prevent infections during chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be a lifesaving cancer treatment. But, in addition to killing cancer cells, it can destroy infection-fighting white blood cells—making your immune system weaker than usual.
If you're undergoing chemo, ask your healthcare team how to lower your risk of infections. There are many steps you can take. Scroll on to learn about a few of them.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
Good times to wash include before eating and after activities that could expose you to germs, like using the restroom, taking out the trash or being in a public place. Use soap and water—or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if you're away from a sink. You should feel free to ask your family and visitors to wash their hands too. Learn more about the right way to wash.
PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
To help prevent mouth infections, gently brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Ask your healthcare team if it's OK to use dental floss or a water flosser to clean between your teeth.
KEEP YOUR SKIN CLEAN
Bathe daily. Take care to clean infection-prone areas, such as your feet, groin and armpits. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
AVOID CUTS AND SCRAPES
Be very careful to avoid cuts and scrapes. Even a nick can let germs in. To protect your skin:
- Wear shoes at all times (even indoors).
- Use caution with any sharp objects.
- Shave with an electric razor instead of a blade.
- Wear gloves when gardening.
- Avoid getting manicures or pedicures.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS WITH PETS
Pets can carry germs. To be safe, avoid any play that may cause your pet to scratch or bite you. Wash your hands with soapy water after touching a pet. If possible, have someone else pick up your pet's waste or change the litterbox. If you must clean up after a pet, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately.
PRACTICE FOOD SAFETY
Take extra care when preparing and eating food. For starters, wash your hands before handling food. Cook meats and eggs thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. Ask your doctor if it's OK to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as long as you wash them carefully before you cut, peel or eat them.
AVOID CROWDS
You can go out in public, but stay away from large groups of people, such as in busy shopping areas or at social events. Avoiding crowds is especially important during cold and flu season, when more germs are circulating. If you must be around crowds, wear a mask.
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINES
Get a seasonal flu shot each year. Flu shots (not the nasal spray flu vaccine) do not contain live viruses, so they are safer for people with weakened immune systems. Ask your doctor if you need any other vaccines in addition to a flu shot.
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF INFECTION
Without treatment, infections can make you very sick or disrupt your cancer treatment. Ask your doctor about signs or symptoms to look for and learn what to do if you spot them. Fever is one of the most common signs of infection. Take your temperature if you feel warm, flushed, chilled or sick. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you run a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.
Test your knowledge about cancer
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Reviewed 2/23/2023
Sources
- American Cancer Society. "Watching for and Preventing Infections." https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/preventing-infections-in-people-with-cancer.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Watch Out for Fever." https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/preventinfections/fever.htm.