Our Services
Medical Oncology
Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center is the largest medical facility offering comprehensive cancer care in Greater Nebraska. The cancer center, which is accredited through the American College of Surgeons, offers exceptional care with quality diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow up for patients with all types of cancer.
M. Sitki Copur M.D., F.A.C.P, is a National Cancer Institute trained medical oncologist and adjunct faculty member of the University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha. Dr. Copur joined the Cancer Treatment Center in 1995 following a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute at Bethesda, Maryland. He is the Medical Director of Oncology and is an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Copur is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
Watch Dr. Copur's video here.
Ryan Ramaekers, M.D., is a medical oncologist trained at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb where he was Chief Oncology/Hematology Fellow in 2008 and 2009. A native of central Nebraska, Dr. Ramaekers has a special understanding of our unique rural culture. Dr. Ramaekers joined the Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center and the Hasting Cancer Treatment Center in August, 2009. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at UNMC. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, and board eligible in Hematology/Oncology.
Rita Hays, APRN, AOCNP
Rita joined the Cancer Treatment Center in 2007. She graduated from UNMC with a Masters of Science degree in nursing in 2003. She has 10 years experience as an Oncology Nurse and is certified in Adult Health and Oncology.
Deborah Nelson, APRN, AOCNP
Deborah Nelson joined the Cancer Treatment Center in 2005. She graduated from California State University in 2000 with a Masters of Science degree in Nursing. She is a Public Health Nurse and is an ANCC credentialed family nurse practitioner and Oncology.
The Cancer Center is staffed with a Nurse Navigator, research nurses, data collectors and Certified Oncology Nurses. Dietitians, Social Work, Home Health, Hospice, and Rehabilitation, as well as other support services of the hospital participate in the care of our cancer patients. Patient support groups, educational programs and retreats are provided on a regular and continuous basis.
Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center links with major cancer research centers throughout the nation and provides the benefit of cutting edge cancer research to Grand Island and the surrounding communities.
Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center is the only organization in Central Nebraska participating in National Cooperative Group Network for clinical trials. Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), University of Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group (UNLSG), and National Cancer Institute Research protocols as well as our own institutional protocols are offered. As one of the clinical trial centers located throughout the country, we recruit patients to participate in the investigational cancer studies designed to determine novel ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and control cancer. Regular Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Conferences are attended by primary care physicians, surgeons, pathologists and medical and radiation oncology department staff. Frequently, guest faculty members from the University of Nebraska Medical Center participate in these conferences. Patients cases are presented anonymously for open discussions about diagnosis and treatment options. The tumor registry documents the number and types of cancers affecting the local community to generate and maintain the database for cancer at the local and national level.
For further information regarding the Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center Clinical Oncology Program, clinical trials or appointments please call 308-398-5450 or 1-800-998-2119.