Compassionate Care in the Berkshires

At Berkshire Health Systems, we strive to provide our community with access to the highest level of care, without needing to travel far to receive it. Our comprehensive and advanced program prioritizes not just medical expertise but also emotional support. Patients benefit from a dedicated team, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, along with an oncology nurse navigator. Customized treatment plans, blending technology with holistic therapies, cater to each patient’s unique journey. Generous community support ensures many services are free, and financial assistance addresses uncovered costs. It is our privilege to dedicate ourselves to your care. 

Phelps Cancer Center

Celebrating a decade of progress, the Phelps Cancer Center marks its 10th anniversary on November 10th, proudly delivering cutting-edge treatments and therapies to Berkshire cancer patients. 

Berkshire Health Systems proudly renamed the BMC Cancer Center to the Phelps Cancer Center in honor of former President and CEO David E. Phelps. His visionary leadership shaped the center, fostering patient-centered care and establishing a groundbreaking collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Phelps Cancer Center ensures top-quality, integrated services, reflecting Dave’s dedication to comprehensive cancer care in the Berkshires. 

Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative

Elevated Cancer Care 

Facing a cancer diagnosis is daunting, but at Phelps Cancer Center, we’re dedicated to ensuring you receive world-class care close to home. Partnering with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we bring quality, personalized cancer care to the Berkshires. As the sole member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative in Western Massachusetts, our standards are upheld by a premier cancer care institution. This collaboration opens doors to cutting-edge trials and streamlined access to Dana-Farber specialists for second opinions or advanced care. Your journey matters, and our partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional care every step of the way. 

Inpatient Care

Our inpatient hospital hematology and oncology care provides comprehensive and compassionate treatment, including inpatient therapies, for individuals facing hematologic and cancer-related challenges. With a dedicated team of specialists, close to home facilities, and personalized care plans, we strive to provide comfort and support throughout the healing process. 

Clinical Trials through Collaboration with Dana-Farber

At Phelps Cancer Center, we strive to provide patients with excellent care throughout their cancer journey. Our partnership with Dana-Farber is just one example of how we work to better serve patients. Thanks to our partnership with Dana-Farber, our patients have access to clinical trials, which can help to shed light on new treatments.

  • DF/HCC 18-617:  A Prospective Registry to Cure Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Patients with Early-Stage or Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Disease:  The TNBC Registry
  • DF/HCC 21-159:  A Randomized Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) Followed by Subcutaneous Trastuzumab Versus Paclitaxel in Combination with Subcutaneous Trastuzumab for Stage I HER2-Positive Breast Cancer (ATEMPT 2.0)
  • DF/HCC 22-599 (RecoverPC):  A Phase 2 Study of Relugolix Versus GnRH Agonist Quality of Life (QOL) and Testosterone Recovery in Men with Prostate Cancer

Rick Bua’s Cancer Care Journey

Fighting Cancer Together – “They were compassionate and they were kind.” – Rick Bua, Cancer Survivor

Screenings

Routine screenings are key to early detection and treatment for cancer, meaning you can start your healing journey sooner. We partner closely with our Radiology Team throughout your journey.

When should I get screened?
Now. If a patient meets the risk profile, they should talk to their doctor about scheduling a screening. It could save their life.

How do I schedule a screening?
Lung screenings must be ordered by a patient’s physician. To qualify, patients must be between the ages of 50 and 80 years old with a history of smoking for more than 20 years. If a patient is a former smoker, they must have quit less than 15 years ago.

Where do I go?
BHS provides cancer screening for patients that meet the criteria at three locations: Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, the North Adams Campus of BMC, and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.

How is the screening conducted?
Lung cancer screening is conducted with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. Similar to a normal CT, LDCT requires no need to ingest contrast and has less radiation.

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations. The patient’s primary care doctor will also receive a full report.

Breast cancer screen means checking breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease.

When should I get screened?
All patients need to be informed by their health care provider when screening should begin and the best option for them based on their history.

How do I schedule a screening?
Working with your provider, determine the best screening test for you and work on getting your screening scheduled.

Where do I go?
BHS provides breast cancer screening at their imaging centers.

How is the screening conducted?
Breast exams, nomograms, ultrasound and MRI’s are all different methods of screening for breast cancer. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with the interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations.

When should I get screened?
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

How do I schedule a screening?
Work with your provider to determine the best screening test for you and how to get it scheduled.

Where do I go?
BHS offers Colonoscopies and Sigmoidoscopy at their endoscopy centers.

How is the screening conducted?

 

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with the interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations.

Regular screenings are essential for early detection and successful management of cervical cancer. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable screening plan based on your age and medical history.

When should I get screened?
Routine cervical cancer screenings typically begin at age 21 and are recommended every three years for individuals aged 21 to 29. For those aged 30 to 65, screenings can be done every five years with a combination of a Pap test and HPV (human papillomavirus) test.

How do I schedule a screening?
To schedule a cervical cancer screening, reach out to your primary care provider or gynecologist. They will guide you on the appropriate timing and assist in setting up the screening appointment.

Where do I go?
Cervical cancer screenings can be conducted at various healthcare facilities, including your primary care provider’s office, women’s health clinics, or gynecology centers.

How is the screening conducted?
The screening process usually involves a Pap test (or Pap smear) and may include an HPV test. During a Pap test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined for any abnormalities. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains.

What happens after the screening?
After the screening, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you. If the results are normal, you’ll follow the recommended screening schedule. If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic tests or treatments may be discussed and planned.

Prostate cancer screening decisions are highly individualized, considering factors like age, overall health, and personal preferences. Engage in open discussions with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about your prostate health.

When should I get screened?
Prostate cancer screening discussions should start at age 50 for most men. However, for those with higher risk factors, such as a family history, screening discussions may begin at age 45 or even earlier. Individualized decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

How do I schedule a screening?
Schedule a prostate cancer screening by consulting with your primary care provider or urologist. They will evaluate your risk factors, discuss the benefits and risks of screening, and determine the appropriate timing for your situation.

Where do I go?
Prostate cancer screenings are typically conducted at urology clinics, primary care offices, or specialized healthcare facilities. Your healthcare provider will guide you to a suitable location.

How is the screening conducted?
The common methods for prostate cancer screening include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. During a DRE, the doctor checks for abnormalities in the prostate by feeling it through the rectum. The PSA test measures a protein produced by the prostate gland.

What happens after the screening?
After the screening, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you. Normal results may mean routine follow-ups, while abnormal results may lead to further diagnostic tests or consultations to determine the appropriate next steps, which may include additional tests or a biopsy.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment

Scans & Therapy

We devise personalized treatment courses for each and every patient.

  • Chemotherapy
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Radiation Therapy
Infusion Center

Our Infusion Center treats cancer and non-cancer patients who need infusion services. Blood transfusions are also available if needed.

Oncology Pharmacy

Our oncology pharmacists are experts in the medications used to treat cancer, as well as the medications used to manage symptoms and side effects.

Whole Person Care

Woman on purple yoga mat
Integrative Health Programs

Phelps Cancer Center’s Integrative Health Programs are proud to offer several different programs that treat the health of the whole person free of cost. Cancer impacts the body, mind, and spirit, affecting patients and their families deeply. Our Integrative Health Programs provide vital services like support groups, exercise classes, yoga, meditation, art for healing, and more, at no cost to our patients and their families.

Lymphedema Clinic
We provide on-going therapy to prevent the long-term build up of fluid in the extremities following cancer treatment. The main goal of treatment is for you to learn how to manage lymphedema independently, providing you with tools that work for you. 66 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (413) 447-2244
Lung Nodule Clinic
Berkshire Medical Center offers a weekly clinic where patients can be evaluated for the presence or progression of lung nodules and referred as needed for further diagnostics. Call (413) 445-6420

Health Take-Away

PDF
Family history isn’t the only risk factor in developing breast cancer
BY DR. CAITLIN LOPEZ
PDF
Surviving and thriving beyond the cancer
DR. TREVOR BAYLISS
PDF
Catch prostate cancer early, get screened
BY DR. JASON OGISTE
PDF
Unexplained rise in colorectal cancer in young adults
BY DR. MARCELLA W. BRADWAY
PDF
An alarming rise is being seen in early onset colon cancer
BY DR. IRA SCHMELKIN

Accreditations

Your Care Team

Nisar Ahmad, MD
Trevor Bayliss, MD
Sean Mullally, MD
Megan Newton, PA-C
Sheri Sullivan, ANP, AOCNP
Clare Tullock, CNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP
Cassie Warner, FNP-BC
Christian Galvez-Padilla, MD
  • Nisar Ahmad, MD
  • Trevor Bayliss, MD
  • Sean Mullally, MD
  • Megan Newton, PA-C
  • Sheri Sullivan, ANP, AOCNP
  • Clare Tullock, CNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP
  • Cassie Warner, FNP-BC
  • Christian Galvez-Padilla, MD

Locations

Phelps Cancer Center
A Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative member
Hours by appointment
165 Tor Court
Pittsfield, MA 01201
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Hematology Oncology Services
A clinic of Berkshire Medical Center
Mon & Tue: 8:00am-4:30pm
71 Hospital Avenue, First Floor/Suite 1200
North Adams, MA 01247
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Hematology Oncology Services
A clinic of Berkshire Medical Center
Mon – Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm
165 Tor Court, Phelps Cancer Center
Pittsfield, MA 01201
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725 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
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