1. About Cancer

Normal cells vs. cancer cells

The cells in our bodies all have certain jobs to do. Normal cells divide in an orderly way and when they are worn out or damaged, new cells are generated to take their place.

Cancer is when cells grow out of control, and crowd out normal cells. Most cancers form a lump called a tumor. If a tumor is cancerous, it's called malignant. If a tumor is not cancerous, it's called benign. Cancer cells can spread from other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it’s called metastasis.
 

Staging

In addition to identifying the type of cancer, your oncologist also needs to know if and how far the cancer has spread. This is known as the cancer stage. Not all cancers are staged. Early or localized cancers are usually Stage 1 or 2. More advanced cancers are Stage 3 or 4. Knowing the stage of cancer helps the doctor decide what type of treatment is best for you.
 

Treatment options

The most common treatments for cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Depending on your cancer type, staging and location, a patient may have one or a combination of treatments.
 

• Surgery can be used to remove the cancer. The surgical oncologist may also remove some or all of the organ the cancer affects.

• Chemotherapy uses medications to attack cancer cells throughout the body. 

• Immunotherapy/Targeted Therapy are medications used to attack cancer cells throughout the body.

• Radiation Therapy uses strong beams of energy to target and kill cancer cells while shielding as many of the normal cells as possible. We’ve made significant investments in world-class radiation detection and delivery systems to speed treatment and improve your recovery.

2. Oncology Support Services

We believe cancer care takes more than just great medicine. That’s why we have a support team for both you and your family members. We cover everything from coordinating your care and financial counseling to rehabilitation services, social work and much more. 

Learn more about oncology support services.

3. Support Groups

Talking with others who have been through cancer can make huge difference in your quality of life. Be sure to take advantage of the many support groups we offer.

Support groups

4. Genetic Testing & Counseling Might Offer Clues

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, evaluating your genetic makeup can provide valuable information to help you and your doctors make more informed decisions about your care — now and in the future.

See if genetic counseling is right for you.

5. We Offer Clinical Trials

In collaboration with UCSF Fresno, we have brought cutting-edge clinical trials to the Central Valley — ensuring you do not have to travel to San Francisco, Los Angeles or anywhere else to access new treatment protocols before they’re available to the public.
 

Clinical trial information

6. Contact Information

Cancer Services

(559) 387-1600

Community Cancer Institute
785 North Medical Center Drive West
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 387-1600

Clovis Community Medical Center
2755 Herndon Avenue
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 324-4000
 
Community Regional Medical Center
2823 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 459-6000

Hours

7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday - Friday
Lab Hours:
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Valet Hours: *Valet services currently suspended due to COVID-19*
7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday - Friday