High-Tech Cancer Care, Right Here at Home

Cancer care isn’t just for big-city hospitals. At Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center (CVRMC), we’re changing what rural medicine looks like—starting with radiation oncology.

We sat down with Michele Caron, Director of Oncology, and Dr. Steven Sckolnik, the hospital’s radiation oncologist, to learn more about how this rural facility delivers cutting-edge treatment and why that matters for patients across the region.

Radiation Therapy—More Than Cancer Treatment

Radiation oncology is best known for treating cancer, but that’s only part of the story.

“We use high-dose radiation to either cure disease or relieve symptoms like pain,” explains Michele. “It’s often used alongside surgery and chemotherapy.”

Surprisingly, up to 30% of radiation cases at CVRMC are for non-cancer conditions like osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis.

“At low doses, radiation has an anti-inflammatory effect,” Michele says. “It can prevent people from needing joint replacement surgeries. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in pain management.”

Advanced Technology, Rural Setting

CVRMC was the first hospital in Arizona to install a Halcyon™ machine—an advanced radiation system that offers speed, precision, and patient comfort.

“It’s fast—treatments take about five minutes—and patients don’t see any moving parts,” Michele says. “It feels more like a CT scan than traditional radiation.”

This investment in technology required more than just purchasing equipment. The space had to be custom-built with over 70 tons of shielding, a major undertaking for any facility, let alone a rural hospital.

Local Access, Regional Impact

Radiation therapy typically requires daily treatment over several weeks, making proximity crucial.

“When I started, patients were skipping radiation because they didn’t want to drive to Phoenix or Tucson,” Michele recalls. “Now, we’re treating patients from Safford, Payson, and beyond. About 35% of our patients come from outside the Globe area.”

CVRMC is the only critical access hospital in Arizona offering full-spectrum cancer care, including both medical and radiation oncology. That’s a game-changer for rural patients.

Safety and Precision

Dr. Sckolnik emphasizes that safety is built into every step of treatment.

“We monitor every session with both audio and visual systems. Radiation is delivered in real time, with exact targeting. The idea that people become radioactive or get severely burned is outdated,” he says. “Most of our patients continue with their daily lives while in treatment.”

Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs

CVRMC constantly evaluates ways to bring more care options closer to home.

“We just launched a new program for patients with thyroid cancer or abnormalities,” Dr. Sckolnik shares. “It’s an oral treatment that used to require a trip to the Valley. Now patients can do it here.”

He adds that needs assessments are done annually to determine what new services might be introduced, ensuring the department evolves with its community.

Breaking Down Barriers

Despite these offerings, early cancer detection remains a challenge.

“Too many people come in with Stage III or IV cancers,” Caron says. “Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans are available, but participation is low. There are also cultural barriers—especially among our Apache neighbors—around preventive care.”

Education and outreach are key. Caron hopes to grow local campaigns to raise awareness and encourage earlier screening.

Building the Next Generation of Rural Caregivers

Staffing is another challenge in rural oncology, particularly with no in-state radiation therapy programs.

“We’ve had to recruit nationally,” says Michele. “But our long-term goal is to grow our own—identify young people locally and help them get certified. They’re the future of healthcare in this community.”

Final Thoughts

Caron and Dr. Steve agree: rural healthcare is evolving, and CVRMC is at the forefront. With world-class equipment, a dedicated team, and a growing reputation, the hospital is proving that you don’t have to travel far to get exceptional care.

“We’re changing perceptions—one patient at a time,” says Michele. “People are realizing they can get cutting-edge cancer treatment close to home, from people who care.”

Cancer treatment is a deeply personal journey, and at CVRMC, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for you and your loved ones. We encourage you to explore the cancer treatment options available at CVRMC and to have conversations with your doctor about early screenings and prevention. Your health is our priority, and early detection can make all the difference.