About
Dr. Colvin Douglas Springer, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Windsor, ON, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive cancer care. His practice is guided by the standards and ethical principles of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Springer’s expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, ensuring targeted and effective treatment options for adult patients with suspected or diagnosed cancer or blood disorders. Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities allows Dr. Springer to offer optimal care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the West Indies in 1978 (Jamaica) and has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist for over 40 years since 1984. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation), reflecting his extensive training and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
Dr. Springer is dedicated to providing patient-centered care within a multidisciplinary framework, emphasizing evidence-based treatments, patient and family support, and ongoing professional development. He speaks English fluently and is committed to addressing the needs of his patients in Windsor with compassion and clinical excellence.
Dr. Colvin Springer has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology
- Sarcomas (Bone & Soft Tissue - Radiation Aspects): Role of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of sarcomas, often used before or after surgery.
- Genitourinary Cancers (e.g., Prostate, Bladder, Testicular): Using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to treat cancers of the male and female urinary and reproductive systems.
- Head & Neck Cancers (e.g., Laryngeal, Pharyngeal, Oral Cavity): Utilizing radiation therapy as a primary treatment, or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy for cancers of the head and neck region.
Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated
- Sarcomas (Bone & Soft Tissue - Systemic Therapy): Rare cancers arising from connective tissues, where medical oncologists administer chemotherapy or targeted therapies for advanced or metastatic disease.
- Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.
- Genitourinary Cancers (Bladder, Kidney, Testicular, Penile): Cancers affecting the urinary system (kidneys, bladder) or male reproductive organs (testes, penis), managed with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted agents.
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL): A type of cancer that starts from white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow, typically slow-growing.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Colvin Springer or your referring physician.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivering highly focused, high-dose radiation to precisely targeted tumors or lesions in the brain or body, often in a few treatment sessions.
- Genetic Counseling & Testing Referrals for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Assessment of family history and risk factors, and coordination of referrals for genetic counseling and testing for inherited predispositions to cancer (e.g., BRCA).
- Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
- Total Body Irradiation (TBI) - Component of Stem Cell Transplant Regimens: Radiation therapy delivered to the entire body, often used as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- Comprehensive Oncologic & Hematologic Consultation: In-depth evaluation of medical history, review of diagnostic imaging and pathology, cancer staging (if applicable), and development of personalized treatment plans for various cancers and blood disorders.
- Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
- Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation - LDR/HDR) for Specific Cancers: Planning and performing procedures where radioactive sources are placed directly into or near a tumor (e.g., for prostate, cervical, breast cancer).
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Springer provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Springer or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.
All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Springer practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the South Central Windsor neighbourhood of Windsor, ON. The facility is easily accessible via Highway 3 Access and is served by Transit Windsor, making it convenient for patients travelling by public transit. The centre is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing flexible options for parking during visits. The location offers a welcoming environment equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities designed to support comprehensive cancer care.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Springer, an Radiation Oncologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Radiation Oncologist such as Dr. Springer are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Dr. Springer's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Springer, an Radiation Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Springer for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.
- What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Springer help manage them?
- Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, which differ depending on the specific drugs used, the dose, and individual patient factors. Common ones include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and increased risk of infection due to low blood counts. Dr. Springer and the oncology nursing team will discuss potential side effects of your specific treatment plan in detail and will actively work to prevent and manage them with medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost blood counts), supportive care advice (nutrition, hydration, rest), and regular monitoring. Open communication about any side effects you experience is very important for effective management.
- What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Springer specialize in?
- An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This can include Medical Oncologists who use systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Radiation Oncologists who use radiation therapy, and Surgical Oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumors. A Hematologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands; this includes benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant conditions (blood cancers) like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Springer has expertise in both Radiation Oncology, focusing on radiation treatments for cancer, and Hematology, managing a wide spectrum of blood disorders and blood cancers.
- Does a Hematologist only treat blood cancers?
- No, Hematologists treat a wide range of blood disorders, not just cancers. This includes benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as various types of anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), bleeding disorders (like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease), clotting disorders (thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), and issues with white blood cells (like neutropenia) or platelets (like ITP). Dr. Springer, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these conditions.
1995 Lens Ave
Windsor, ON N8W 1L9
Phone: (519) 254-5577 | Fax: (519) 255-8679
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Springer is a licensed Radiation Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Springer-Colvin-Douglas/0038339-52315