Oncology
Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.
Cancer care in Houston
We are committed to caring for you with purpose and integrity, especially when it comes to a cancer diagnosis.
At HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, we understand how difficult your cancer journey can be, but you are not alone. Our dedicated oncology staff is committed to working closely with you to answer questions, schedule appointments and act as guides for treatment, resources and support services.
Medical Center oncology services
We offer comprehensive oncology care, from education to advanced reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.
Our oncology program
Every cancer treatment plan is different, and your condition is always treated like the unique one that it is. Treatment plans in our oncology program may include a combination of modalities and therapies, but if surgery is required, our surgical oncologists use the latest techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery, to reduce scarring and shorten recovery times.
Our oncology team has experience in screening, diagnosing and treating many types of cancers, including:
- Breast
- Bladder
- Colorectal
- Gynecologic
- Head and neck
- Kidney
- Prostate
Other members of our multidisciplinary oncology team include medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists and social workers who work together to carry out a treatment plan personalized for your needs. Additionally, you have personalized access to an oncology nurse navigator, who will work closely with you and the rest of our oncology team to ease the strains of the cancer treatment process.
If you are seeking cancer treatment, or a second opinion, we invite you to find an oncologist and learn more about our services.
Meet our oncology nurse navigators
Noora Aburaad, BSN, RN
Specialty: Breast cancer
Noora has been a nurse for 11 years and an oncology nurse for the last 6 years. She is passionate about serving as a voice for cancer patients to help ensure they receive the best possible care and feel supported throughout their cancer journey.
Noora is driven by the opportunity to educate patients about their diagnosis and treatment options. She finds fulfillment in seeing her patients go from scared and uncertain to feeling empowered by the knowledge they've attained.
Phone: (713) 882-6240
Fax: (615) 980-2118
Email Noora Aburaad
Darnette Hill, MSN, RN
Specialties: Gynecologic, gastrointestinal and lung cancer
Darnette has been a registered nurse for more than thirty years, an oncology nurse for more than 10 years, and a nurse navigator for 3 years.
She is passionate about providing patient-centered care, navigating patients through the complexities of the healthcare system while providing education, emotional support, assisting patients to mitigate barriers to care and guiding patients from diagnosis through survivorship.
Darnette believes communication, collaboration, and advocacy are imperative for better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Phone: (346) 587-7310
Fax: (833) 207-3138
Email Darnette Hill
Melissa Eades, BSN, RN, ONN-CG
Specialty: Breast cancer
Melissa Eades has worked in healthcare for over 26 years and as an oncology nurse navigator for four years.
She enjoys educating and empowering her patients during a vulnerable, frightening time. Her patients appreciate the relationship they develop with her throughout their cancer treatment. She wants her patients to know how important they are to her.
"I know how important it is to have support and reassurance during a major health crisis," says Melissa. "I do my best to keep the personal touch in our digital world so patients do not feel alone. They can contact me directly by phone, email or text per their preference. I do my best to promptly reply so they know that I prioritize their needs.”
Phone: (713) 907-5988
Fax: (833) 922-0930
Email Melissa Eades
Marsha McCracken, BSN, RN
Specialties: Gastrointestinal and lung cancer
Marsha McCracken has been an oncology nurse navigator for a year and a nurse for 20 years. Many of those years were spent working with children with cancer.
She is passionate about caring for those with cancer because she has lost several family members to cancer. Marsha believes every cancer patient deserves to get the care they need, so helping to alleviate barriers for these patients can ultimately be the difference between life and death.
Marsha uniquely serves her patients by understanding they aren’t the only ones who need support, but also their loved ones. “Often my patients’ spouses will call me because they need help understanding and supporting the patient going through treatment,” says Marsha. “It's a pleasure to get to know the patient and their family on such a personal level.”
Phone: (346) 253-9695
Fax: (833) 207-3140
Email Marsha McCracken
Sydney Schmitz, RN
Specialty: Gynecologic cancer
Sydney Schmitz has been a nurse for six years and recently started working as an oncology nurse navigator.
She is passionate about being an oncology nurse navigator because she sees firsthand what an important role a navigator plays in a patient's diagnosis. She can feel a sense of relief when she speaks with her patients and genuinely asks them how they are doing, and how she can support them, physically or emotionally.
“We can uniquely service our patients as our role allows us the time to spend with the patient and connect with them in a way that allows us to provide world-class quality care from all standpoints,” says Sydney. “It’s truly a pleasure to serve my community in this way and bring the service of a navigator to them.”
Phone: (281) 607-6285
Fax: (833) 712-6677
Email Sydney Schmitz