Comprehensive Cancer Care in One Place
It’s easy to see that cancer services have become increasingly more advanced and effective, but this also means that the myriad of services a person needs relating to cancer treatment have become more complicated – and sometimes confusing for patients. That’s an issue that Coastal Cancer Center is working to solve by offering almost fully comprehensive services – all at the same location.
Coastal Cancer Center’s services have become so popular that it had to expand and is currently finishing construction of a brand-new radiation oncology center that is set to open in November 2025.
A Legacy of Community-Based Cancer Care
Founded in 1982, Coastal Cancer Center has served Horry and Georgetown counties since its inception, and, according to President and CEO Dr. Emily Touloukian, they are just getting started.
What began as a medical oncology practice expanded to include radiation services in 2024, accelerating the need for the new center’s construction. The facility will replace a previous building that was in need of updates, including two new linear accelerators that will serve patients’ radiation needs. Building it from the ground up ensures it will be the most innovative and state-of-the-art center possible.
The overall aesthetic of the facility was chosen to be warm, welcoming and offer a relaxing coastal feel. There will also be ample parking for the highly accessible location.
Physician-Led and Patient-Focused
As an independent community oncology practice, Coastal Cancer Center is physician-owned and physician-run and isn’t affiliated with a hospital. Dr. Touloukian explained that having physicians in leadership roles means they can treat patients the way they need to be treated without the unnecessary fees and red tape often associated with hospitals.
Community oncology practices are reimbursed at lower rates than hospitals and also charge lower rates with no facility fees, according to Dr. Touloukian. “This means we aren’t making decisions that are regulated by an administrator who has no medical training,” she said.
Dr. Touloukian elaborated further: “Let’s say we have two options for a piece of equipment we could use in a patient’s treatment. One option is less expensive for us to use while the other one is better quality but slightly more expensive. So obviously I’d use the option that’s better quality, and, therefore, better for my patient. As a physician, I have the knowledge and experience to make that decision.”
It’s this freedom that’s driven the continuous growth of Coastal Cancer Center since 1982, and, with many community oncology facilities being bought by larger hospitals, it stands as a testament to the approach’s efficacy.
Care Close to Home
Coastal Cancer Center offers four convenient locations for its patients to visit. “You don’t have to travel to some major hub in a big city to get treatment. That’s one of the best things about our approach. We are directly in the community. Our patients are our neighbors, our family, our friends,” Dr. Touloukian said.
Coastal Cancer Center also provides a “one-stop-shop” variety of services, often all under one roof, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion centers, imaging services and even a full pharmacy in its Myrtle Beach office.
Commitment to Early Detection and Education
Coastal Cancer Center also works to educate its community through initiatives such as colon cancer awareness, free head and neck cancer screenings and other interactive programs that focus on early detection.
“I love what I do. Helping patients understand their diagnosis and setting realistic expectations and goals. No two patients are the same,” Dr. Touloukian added.
To keep track of the new facility’s progress, learn more about Coastal Cancer Center’s treatment options or schedule an appointment for cancer care, visit coastalcancercenter.com.
By Colby Denton
