CTCA History
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) owes its existence to one woman, Mary Brown Stephenson, and her son, Richard J Stephenson. When Mrs. Stephenson battled to overcome her cancer in the 1970s, Richard 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.
Unlike others, 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 her memory, Richard committed his life to setting more than a gold standard; he created the Mother Standard. This higher standard is based on treating patients as we would want our own mothers to be lovingly cared for and carefully treated.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was created in 1988, but the origin of our treatment philosophy goes back to the early 1980s following the tragic death from cancer of our founder's mother, Mary Brown Stephenson. Her son, Richard J Stephenson, embarked on a mission to find the most advanced and effective treatment available, hoping that his efforts would enable his mother to recover and remain an integral, irreplaceable part of his life and the lives of his children.
The Stephensons were disappointed by what they found. What were regarded as world-renowned cancer treatment facilities were focused more on the clinical and technical aspects of cancer treatment, ignoring the multidisciplinary nature of the disease.
Mrs. Stephenson did not live to watch her grandchildren grow and mature. But to keep her memory and spirit alive, Richard vowed to change the face of cancer treatment. He recruited the best and the brightest oncologists, challenging them to find a way to combine state-of-the-art medical, surgical and radiological treatments with adjuvant therapies including nutrition, mind-body medicine and spirituality. Richard founded a hospital in northern Illinois where the program was implemented, and he ensured its success by keeping his staff members focused on one thing - making a difference in the lives of people who have cancer.
Since then, we've committed our every working hour and all of our energy to revolutionize cancer care. As a result, Cancer Treatment Centers of America is the only institution of its kind in the nation. From the beginning, we pioneered a new approach to cancer care with our exclusive focus on aggressive, integrated and individualized cancer treatment.
Our approach combines the latest medical, surgical and radiological therapies with supportive therapies like nutrition, mind-body medicine, physical therapy, naturopathy and spiritual wellness, bringing to bear many novel and innovative weapons against your specific type of cancer. And we deliver this approach using the "Mother Standard of Care," a reflection of how each of us would want our mothers treated if she had cancer.
The CTCA network of treatment facilities presently consists of its flagship hospitals in Zion, Illinois and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a comprehensive care program in Seattle, Washington. A hospital will be opening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in December 2005. CTCA delivers the Mother Standard every day by offering newer, more innovative treatments and delivering them with the most compassionate care possible. At CTCA, we consistently apply the Mother Standard to cancer patients from across the country and around the world.
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CTCA attracts physicians that believe in the whole person approach to care. These professionals are committed to an integrated, comprehensive and holistic approach that seamlessly combines leading-edge chemotherapy, cell therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical and radiological therapies with complementary therapies. Ancillary treatments include nutrition, naturopathy, physical therapy, mind-body medicine, acupuncture and spiritual care.
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Our doctors work with leading professionals in all of these fields to provide holistic, integrative care under one roof. And they have a singular goal: treat the whole person, not just the cancer. Deliver treatment in the most compassionate, respectful and hopeful way possible, always achieving the Mother Standard.
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CTCA has pioneered and proven the importance of a new paradigm in cancer care called Patient Empowerment MedicineSM. This new model of care focuses on empowering our patients and their caregivers. At CTCA, we put our patients at the center of integrated teams. They are encouraged to participate in their treatment decisions. We listen to them carefully. Actively engage them in the decision-making process and respect their choices.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Our Promise
You and your healing are at the center of our hearts, minds and actions, every day.
We rally our team around you, delivering compassionate, integrated cancer care for your body, mind and spirit.
We offer clear information, powerful and thorough treatment options, all based on your needs.
We honor your courage, respect your decisions, and offer to share your journey of healing and hope.
To learn more about CTCA and our whole person care, call one of our
Oncology Information Specialist at 1-800-333-CTCA.