New center brings additional tools to fighting cancer

A major new resource in the fight against cancer is coming to Las Vegas.

More than one in three people get some form of cancer during their lifetime, making the disease one of the most prevalent and costly medical conditions, according to the American Cancer Society. Estimates from the American Cancer Society say in 2018 there will be more than 1.7 million new cancer cases diagnosed and over 609,000 cancer deaths in the United States.

In Nevada, it’s estimated that more than 14,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2018, according to the American Cancer Society. Recent data from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health shows that cancer, along with heart disease, is more likely to kill Nevadans than any other causes of death.

Unfortunately, the surging population of Southern Nevada in recent years has outpaced available health care options.

To help combat this deadly disease and improve access to health care choices locally, OptumCare is opening the Cancer Center — a 55,000-square-foot treatment center that provides a new treatment option for patients. The Cancer Center will open its doors in December at the gateway to the Las Vegas Medical District at Charleston Boulevard and Rancho Drive, providing local patients with the care they need and deserve. The center will open in three phases, with medical oncology coming in the first phase in December and additional cancer care services and treatments expected to be in place by spring 2019.

As an oncologist treating cancer patients for more than 20 years, I have seen first-hand the impact the disease has on patients and their families. I’m thrilled that the services and level of care offered at the Cancer Center will promote a higher level of cancer care in Nevada and provide patients with another local choice when seeking the right treatment.

Services offered include medical oncology, surgical oncology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, breast care, imaging, nutrition and psychiatric services, palliative care laboratory services, and a patient and family resource library.

The Cancer Center will feature dozens of private infusion centers for people undergoing chemotherapy, with plenty of natural light and space for friends and family. The infusion centers were built to maximize comfort and allow patients to connect while undergoing chemotherapy. The resource library will offer patients and their families the opportunity to conduct research and remain as informed as possible. Another interesting aspect of the Cancer Center will be the cause-based art that will decorate the building. The artwork, from the arts program at the nonprofit Opportunity Village, will be created by artists with intellectual and related disabilities.

While the center will treat all forms of cancer, breast cancer diagnoses will be the most common cancer diagnosis in Nevada in 2018, according to the American Cancer Society, so it’s crucial we have excellent breast care services and treatment options in Las Vegas.

When the center is complete, breast care and surgery will be offered to patients in one location. Working with me to oversee and manage the new Cancer Center is Dr. Courtney Vito, medical director of OptumCare Breast Care. Vito, a Las Vegas native, has spent her career researching new and innovative ways to treat breast cancer, with a tireless focus on bringing the latest advancements to her patients, and the Cancer Center and its services will help advance that mission.

Besides offering uniquely personalized and coordinated care for each patient, all of us involved in the Cancer Center are committed to making the patient experience as pleasant and encouraging as possible. The services and treatments offer Nevadans a close-to-home support and treatment option, rather than requiring them to leave Nevada to seek care.

The Cancer Center is more than just a place for doctor visits and treatment. It’s a community that will be an important proud addition to the Las Vegas Medical District. As one of the larger recent development projects within the Medical District, the Cancer Center will help advance the life-changing work being done in the area and serve as a catalyst for more growth in this vital part of Southern Nevada. With help from the Medical District and its partnering organizations, the Cancer Center and its staff are committed to helping to transform the medical landscape of Las Vegas.

We understand residents of Las Vegas have had significant challenges when it comes to accessing the health care they need over the years in our rapidly growing community. It’s something we are working to improve on a daily basis. That’s why we are excited to introduce the Cancer Center to the community and work to improve the quality of life, longevity and well-being of patients here in Southern Nevada.

 

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