New Medford cancer center sees first patients

Nick Morgan, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·2 min read

Jan. 6—Asante's $64 million cancer center in Medford is weeks away from fully opening, but the center is already seeing its first patients.

The Heimann Cancer Center will officially open Jan. 17, according to Asante spokesperson Lauren Van Sickle.

"It's just radiation oncology at this point," she said, adding that lab technicians are seeing a handful of patients in the afternoons this week.

Asante won't be able to offer a public open house of the 80,160-square-foot oncology center ahead of its grand opening because of coronavirus concerns and immune sensitivities of patients who will be treated in the building, Van Sickle said.

Crews broke ground on the center in February 2020. It contains 4,500 cubic yards of concrete — enough to pour a sidewalk that would stretch from its location all the way to Ashland — and 1.3 million pounds of steel, according to Asante's website.

Van Sickle said more than 2,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in Jackson and Josephine counties every year and is expected to grow nearly 20% over the next decade.

The center offers technology able to deliver precise radiation doses to cancer patients, and will include multiple cancer resources under one roof.

Asante cancer patients have previously had to travel several places for needs such as lab tests, imaging, radiation, chemotherapy and doctor visits, according to Van Sickle. The new regional center consolidates those outpatient services under one roof.

The center includes 45 infusion chairs and six private rooms with beds, a research department for clinical trials, diagnostic imaging equipment including PET/CT scanners, on-site laboratory and pharmacy services and complementary care services such as support groups.

The Heimann Cancer Center takes its name from local philanthropists Mary and Dick Heimann, who donated $5 million to the Asante Foundation — the largest donation in the foundation's history.

Reach web editor Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or nmorgan@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MTwebeditor.