33 Years! In September of 1976, the Northern Rockies Cancer Center (now the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center) opened its doors and began treating patients from Montana and Northern Wyoming. Prior to this, in the late 60's and early 70's, modern radiation therapy was a hopeful vision shared by community leaders, physicians, and concerned citizens throughout the region.
We pause today to thank these people
for their vision and for the continuing honor
of helping folks from all walks of life in the
75,000 square miles we serve.
Although we're based in a very supportive environment here in Billings, the Center also owes a great deal to the people from smaller communities in eastern Montana and Northern Wyoming who saw the value in creating a regional resource for cancer care. To these people - in towns like Glendive, Lovell, Bridger, Big Timber, Lewistown, and dozens more - we are deeply grateful.
Before the 1970s, radiation therapy treatment in Billings was provided by two cobalt machines, first at Dr. Grant Raitt's office and later also at Billings Deaconess Hospital. Often called the "pioneers" of radiation therapy, the cobalt machines were a helpful addition to local cancer care. Purchased in the 1950s, however, they soon became outdated.
Patients needing more sophisticated radiation therapy had to travel to medical centers out-of-state. After watching family members and friends travel to Denver or Salt Lake for treatment (often "too little or too late," as one early trustee described the situation), the region began to envision modern cancer care accessible at a geographical focal point--Billings.
From everywhere came a groundswell of support for the idea. Through public meetings, word of mouth, and publicity, the concept took hold and fund-raising efforts made increasing headway. The Northern Rockies Cancer Center was incorporated in 1973 and opened its doors in September of 1976.
In the years since, dramatic improvements have been made in radiation therapy technology, in the breadth and depth of the Center's professional staff, and in the range of services the Center offers its patients and their families. In 1985, Saint Vincent Hospital and Health Center and Deaconess Medical Center agreed to a joint and cooperative venture and assumed mutual guidance of the Cancer Center. The center remained a joint venture of the two hospitals - now known as Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare - until January 1, 2009, at which time St. Vincent Healthcare took over as sole owner of the NRROC.
In 1986, the decision was made to construct a new facility in the heart of the medical corridor at 1041 North 29th Street, mid-way between the two hospitals. On August 14, 1989, the Cancer Center treated its first patient at the new facility.
In the 1980s and 90s, the Center operated Big Sky Hospice, care of the terminally ill. The hospice program grew substantially and, in early 1996, left to become part of Yellowstone City-County Health Department.
PEAKS ("People Everywhere Are Kind and Sharing"), the Center’s volunteer fund-raising auxiliary, was formed in 1988, and has contributed over $500,000 to the PEAKS Grant Fund, helping cancer patients in financial crisis.
In addition to housing the Cancer Center and its new radiation therapy equipment, the new building provides space for the Billings MRI Center, another well-known joint venture of the two local hospitals.
The Center has enlarged its medical staff and now offers free in-town transportation courtesy of the Scottish Rite, low-cost air fares for eastern Montana patients, free daily van service from Cody/Powell, financial aid through PEAKS, in-house volunteer help (Friends of the Radiation Oncology Center), and more.
In 1994-95, the Center added square footage, creating space for additional treatment equipment and a new Donor Relations area, conference room, and offices.
In 1998, the Northern Rockies Cancer Center partnered with West Park Hospital of Cody to create the Big Horn Basin Cancer Center, located at 1025 Ninth Street in Cody. The BHBCC began treating patients on January 18, 1999. For more information on radiation therapy for Big Horn Basin residents, click on Big Horn Basin Radiation Oncology Center, or call the Center at 307-587-2955. Their toll-free number is 877-587-2955.
The range of treatment programs at both facilities is constantly upgraded. In 2003, a new form of radiation therapy delivery called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) was implemented, increasing treatment options for patients with prostate cancer and cancers of the head and neck.
Another form of treatment, the Prostate Seed Implant Program, involves the use of temporarily radioactive "seeds" implanted into the prostate to treat certain forms and stages of prostate cancer.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery is actually a highly-focused form of radiation therapy. While it is not true surgery, the radiation dose is delivered so precisely that the process was dubbed "radiosurgery."
On January 1, 2004, the Northern Rockies Cancer Center became the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center. The new name more accurately reflects the range of treatment skills that have always been at the heart of our care. Radiation therapy has become a sophisticated and increasingly more effective method of giving patients and families the upper hand in their fight with cancer.
The Center opened a cancer patient lodging facility called Meadowlark House in the spring of 2004. These four apartments were gifted to the Center by the late Kathryn and Preston Maynard and, according to Mrs. Maynard’s wishes, will be offered free of charge - first come, first serve - to cancer patients in need receiving treatment at a licensed cancer care provider in Billings (not just patients of the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center). For more information on Meadowlark House, or to make a gift to support this important service to patients, please call us at 1-800-358-8818, or in Billings, 248-2212.
"Positive Change" is the password at the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center, where optimum cancer care is achieved through dedication, innovation, and compassion. Our heartfelt thanks go out to past and present supporters who have made our growth possible. For more information on the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center and its services, call 248-2212 (in Billings) or 1-800-358-8818 
