Cancer Care (Hematology/Oncology)

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, there's no need to leave the area for expert care. Astria Health offers convenient Hematology and Oncology care with world-class experts in a supportive, caring environment.

The Astria Health cancer care team features two board-certified Hematologist / Oncologists, Dr. Mahkit Inklab and Dr. Amer Khouri, and a board-certified advanced oncology Nurse Practitioner, Christina Zoric. We are fortunate that these top cancer specialists choose rural areas like ours to practice, providing greater accessibility for patients.

The team also includes registered nurses who have had special training in cancer care—as well as other specialists, such as interventional radiologists who can help with image-guided cancer diagnosis and treatments, surgeons experienced in oncology surgery, and a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Patients can see one of our cancer care specialists at Astria Health Center in Prosser or at the Astria Sunnyside Hospital Cancer Center in Sunnyside. Infusion therapy is available at the Cancer Center.

CANCER TREATMENT

We offer the same services you might expect to find at a large urban-based cancer hospital. Our cancer services include:

• Cancer diagnosis, imaging, and genetic testing. Our experts use top-of-the-line medical imaging equipment to diagnose cancer and create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Genetic testing can help you understand your risk for inherited cancer. Our team can provide testing and help you understand the results—and what, if any, steps you should take as a result.
• Solid malignancies. Breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, among others
• Blood malignancies. Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma.
• Other blood disorders. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, coagulation disorders
• Second opinions about a cancer diagnosis or treatment plan. Cancer is a complex disease, and it makes sense to get a second opinion before moving forward with treatment. Our team can help. We offer a second opinion, and no referral is required for this service.
• Education and support. Our cancer center staff is happy to provide education and support for people with cancer, their family members and their caregivers.

CANCER PREVENTION

Regular screenings can help your primary care provider detect cancer early so that treatment is most effective. Preventive mammograms, colonoscopies, and lab work can all be ordered through your primary care provider at an annual wellness exam. By having a wellness exam each year, your primary care provider can address health concerns such as poor diet, weight gain or loss, and stress—all of which can have a direct impact on your health. There are over 200 different types of cancer, and cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type. Generally, the most common symptoms include:

• Unexplained pain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual weight loss
• Lumps or skin changes
• Unexplained bladder or bowel changes
• Chronic coughing

The above symptoms are not necessarily warning signs of cancer, and may be caused by other health problems. Regardless, if you do experience these symptoms, do not wait to see your primary care provider.