Huntsman Cancer Institute and Carson Tahoe Cancer Center: Working Together to Advance the Cancer Moonshot

By: Dr. Sweetenham, Executive Medical Director of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

When a national “moonshot” to defeat cancer was announced at the State of the Union earlier this year, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah had a priority to ensure that individuals who live in rural areas (<100 persons per square mile) can conveniently access cancer screening, treatment, and prevention resources. We knew this would be a challenge, but with commitment from other high quality health care organizations, we could meet community needs.

Our dynamic alliance with the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center (CTCC) is a key example of this commitment to ensure patients in Northern Nevada, who receive a cancer diagnosis, have the opportunity to access the highest quality care, much closer to home.

So why did HCI choose Carson Tahoe Health as an affiliate partner?

HCI saw CTH share our same commitment to cancer patients and standards of excellence in cancer care. From January to July 2016, 24 patients from CTH received cancer treatment at HCI, and 20 of those patients returned home and received continued treatment at CTCC. We know when patients return to CTCC, they will receive the same level of outstanding cancer care.

CTCC has won multiple awards and is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. It is also Northern Nevada’s only freestanding facility providing complete cancer treatment, intervention, support and after-care resources under one roof. The cancer facilities are state of the art, fostering an atmosphere of healing for patients and their families during difficult times.

Through our affiliation, HCI and CTH are providing expanded access to a higher level of specialty cancer care and resources to our community.  We are collaborating to improve coordination in treatment and offer opportunities for patients in Northern Nevada to participate in world-class clinical trials.

Working together, we can advance our knowledge of innovative ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer, right here at home.