Becker’s Hospital Review recognizes the following 30 hospitals as the nation’s leaders in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis). The Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine cares for approximately 8,000 patients per year and is the only cancer center in Missouri to hold the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. The center's Hereditary Cancer Program offers clinical genetic testing to those with a family history of cancer, serving more than 150 families a year. The center's community outreach programs are widespread, including its Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities, which aims to reduce barriers underserved populations may face when it comes to cancer education, care and research.
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center (Duarte, Calif.). The non-profit City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the only NCCN center in Southern California. It was the first institution in the world to perform a clinical study that used genetically engineered T cells to attack glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer. At any given time, there are more than 300 open clinical studies, involving 30 to 40 percent of patients. The center is a leader in research of lung and prostate cancer, and runs one of the most successful bone marrow and stem cell transplant programs of its kind.
Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland). The Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center has one of the highest levels of nurse staffing and offers several hundred clinical trials to patients. The center, located in the Clinic, offers extensive support services, such as art therapy, pain management and social work services. The Clinic is accredited with Magnet status, which is issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In May 2010, Cleveland Clinic researchers developed a prototype vaccine to prevent breast cancer and reported favorable results in animal subjects.
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston). Boston is home to many of the leaders in cancer research and care, and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center is leading the pack. Generally, outpatient care occurs at Dana-Farber while inpatient care takes place and Brigham and Women's Hospital — the two institutions are physically linked by bridges. Furthermore, Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital are founding members of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, which brings together seven cancer institutions and Harvard-affiliated hospitals to form the largest comprehensive center in the world.
Duke University Medical Center (Durham, N.C.). Established in 1972, Duke's Comprehensive Cancer Center was one of the original cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute. It has more than 500 clinical trials open for patients, with more than 20 percent of cancer patients visiting from outside of North Carolina. The Duke Oncology Network, a system of affiliated practices throughout the southeast, extends Duke's community outreach and geographical breadth. In Oct. 2010, Duke researchers announced the development of a vaccine to extend the life of patients with deadly brain cancers.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (Tampa, Fla.). Founded in 1986, the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute has an upstanding reputation for compassionate cancer care. The center has one of the largest blood and marrow transplantation programs in the Southeast and its Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center was the first in the region to offer genetic screening services. The center is a leader when it comes to personalized cancer care. Recent research at Moffitt includes a study for patients with ovarian cancer who undergo chemotherapy personalized based on the genetic "fingerprint" of their cancer.
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). The Abramsom Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania was designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute in 1973 and offers more than 400 basic, translational and clinical scientists. It is a cornerstone of the Penn Cancer Network, a collaboration of community hospitals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The center offers 25 diagnostic treatments and care programs, meeting the needs of specific types of cancers.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore). Since it opened in 1973, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins has been a leader in cancer research and treatment. The center is attentive in its offering of family and patient services, such as a Cancer Counseling Center, residence facilities for patients who traveled out-of-town to receive treatment and palliative care for patients. Johns Hopkins continues to earn more federal research money than any other medical institution in the country. Recently, the Cancer Center earned recognition for its melanoma program and research, which studied the link between melanoma and tanning beds.
Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston). Boston offers another top cancer facility with Massachusetts General’s Cancer Center. In 1925, Mass General opened the first tumor clinic in the United States. Now, 85 years later, Mass General's Cancer Center is the largest hospital-based cancer research program in the country, according to its website. Mass General Cancer Center's work is strengthened through its collaboration with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center on joint clinical trials, education, training programs and quality of care improvements.
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.). Mayo Clinic's Cancer Center is remarkable for many reasons, of being its geographic breadth. The Center is comprised of three campuses, alleviating the burden of travel for many cancer patients. Mayo includes a Cancer Education Center, which offers complimentary classes to help patients and the public learn about all aspects of the disease. This past spring, Mayo Clinic researchers made strides in breast cancer research, conducting the first study on the link between breast density and cancer over time.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City). Located in the borough of Manhattan, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center touts the title of the world's oldest and largest private cancer center. It is comprised of the Sloan-Kettering Institute and Memorial Hospital, with other outpatient facilities located throughout the tri-state area. The center has undergone recent renovations, including The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Research Center and The Claire Tow Pediatric Pavilion. The Pediatric Pavilion is state-of-the-art, designed as a piazza with plenty of natural light and advanced teleconferencing technology. It also features a school program with five full-time teachers that are certified by the New York City Board of Education.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital/University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell (New York City). Located in Manhattan, New York-Presbyterian Hospital has two cancer centers — the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NYPH/Columbia University Medical Center and the Weill Cornell Cancer Center of NYPH/Cornell Medical Center. Each of the Hospital's pediatric oncology programs is a charter member of the Children's Oncology Group, the nation's largest system of medical centers for pediatric cancer therapy that collaborate on clinical trials. NYPH Cancer Centers are among the leaders for skin cancer technology, such as gamma knife radiation and mohs micrographic surgery.
Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, Ohio). The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, otherwise known as OSUCCC-James, is the only fully dedicated cancer hospital and research institute in Ohio. Located in Columbus, the facility is home to 21 private chemotherapy suites, a 24-bed bone and marrow transplantation unit, 26 research labs and 172 patient beds. OSUCCC-James is one of five centers in the nation approved by the National Cancer Institute to conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials for anti-cancer drugs.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University (Chicago). The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University is affiliated with four teaching hospitals in the city, one of them being Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The center treats more than 10,000 new cancer patients each year. The Maggie Daley Center for Women's Cancer, which opened in April 2010, is the premier women's cancer program of its kind, offering a holistic approach to care that recognizes unique medical, emotional, cosmetic and genetic needs. In Oct. 2010, Northwestern received a $12 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to research improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles). The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is home to more than 350 physicians and scientists, who provide patients with comprehensive, specialized treatment and extensive support services. JCCC also provides patient care for survivors, with its UCLA-LIVESTRONG™ Survivorship Center of Excellence and Simms/Mann-UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. JCCC researchers recently found a link between chronic stress and cancer acceleration in mice.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, N.Y.). Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, Roswell Park Cancer Institute is the country's first cancer center. The institute is known for its exemplary basic and translational research and seamlessly combines scientific studies to clinical care. The institute's Center for Pharmacology & Therapeutics is one of a handful of centers in the country that can carry drug development from conception through clinical trials to FDA approval — all within the confines of a single facility. RPCI researchers have taken national leadership roles in the studies of vitamin D and prostate cancer.
Stanford Hospital and Clinics (Palo Alto, Calif.). With the expertise of more than 300 researchers and clinicians, the Stanford Cancer Center offers comprehensive patient care, state-of-the-art facilities and community outreach. Clinician scientists of Stanford are engaged in more than 250 clinical trials and in Oct. 2010, Stanford's School of Medicine received more than $25 million from the National Cancer Institute to develop new diagnosis methods. Stanford has a Cancer Stem Cell Research Program, in which scientists are focused on isolating and characterizing stem cells for each human cancer.
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (San Francisco). The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center became affiliated with Renown Institute for Cancer in Reno, Nev., in Sept. 2010. Now, with expanded access to clinical trials and increased expertise, UCSF's cancer center has bolstered its already rich resources. UCSF receives more than $214 million in grant funding for cancer research each year. It has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a designated comprehensive cancer center and offers specialized programs for patients, such as the Cancer Risk Program, which offers genetic counseling for patients with a family history of cancer. The UCSF team is also renowned for researching and treating AIDS-related cancer.
University of Chicago Medical Center (Chicago). The Cancer Center at University of Chicago Medical Center has adopted an especially holistic approach to cancer care, preserving patients' quality of life while conquering the disease. For instance, the center treated Grant Achatz, a chef and restaurateur who had tongue cancer, and helped maintain his sense of taste. Additionally, special facilities for children and elderly patients ensure their unique needs are met. The center leads the way for research in Phase I and other early-phase clinical trials, and it receives more research funding from the National Cancer Institute than any other organization in Illinois.
University of Florida Shands Cancer Center (Gainesville, Fla.). The University of Florida Shands Cancer Center recently found a compound that shows early promise for colon cancer treatment. The centers offer a range of preventative, diagnostic, treatment and after care services, along with the Cancer Survivor Program, a multidisciplinary clinical, educational and research program for cancer survivors of all ages. Shands' translational research takes place on the Gainesville campus, where findings go from the lab to clinical trials to patient care.
University of Iowa Health Care (Iowa City, Iowa). University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education and patient care throughout the university, including 36 departments and six colleges, as well as UI Hospitals and Clinics. Founded in 1980, the center has treated more than 32,000 unique cancer patients as of 2009. It was recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a designated cancer center, and offers services for patients including palliative care, a pain clinic and an oncology registry.
University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore). The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center has taken the "bench to bedside" approach literally, linking the research laboratories to the clinical area of the UM Medical Center with a bridge. Fortunately, UMGCC has implemented this philosophy to its care as well, offering more than 175 clinical trials and immediate access to care, which ensures patients have an appointment within one week of their first call. UMGCC researcher Angela Hartley Brodie, PhD, is distinguished for her groundbreaking work in the 1994 development of aromatoase inhibitors, which have since become standard care for breast cancer patients.
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (Ann Arbor, Mich.). The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center opened its doors in 1986 and is home to more than 350 physicians and researchers in 20 basic, clinical and prevention research programs. UMCCC ranked third in research funding from the National Cancer Institute in 2008, and its researchers were the first to identify stem cells in tumors that could lead to the development of effective cancer treatments. The facility offers diagnostics, treatment and support services for cancer patients — all under one roof. The center also offers extensive support services, including nutrition counseling, art therapy and education resources.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh). UPMC's Cancer Centers have been recognized for 13 areas of cancer expertise, including stem cell transplantation and brain cancers. UPMC's center is far-reaching, with a domestic network covering more than 200 miles around greater Pittsburgh and 180 affiliated oncologists at more than 35 locations throughout western Pennsylvania. The centers work in tandem with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and just saw the renewal of a $27 million grant from the National Cancer Institute in Oct. 2010.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was created in 1941 and is now comprised of more than 30 buildings in the greater Houston area, making it the largest freestanding cancer center in the world, according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network. It has expanded research efforts by founding the McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, a facility comprised of seven research programs including cancer metastasis, targeted therapy and proton therapy.
University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle). The University of Washington Medical Center is involved in a two important alliances and consortiums, expanding research and care efforts by collaborating with other healthcare organizations in Seattle. For instance, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a treatment center with a collaboration of doctors from the city's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Children's Hospital. Furthermore, the Fred Hutchinson and UW Cancer Consortium brings together more than 400 faculty members, offers 13 research programs and received $97.6 million in funds from the National Cancer Institute in 2009.
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (Madison, Wisc.). The UW Carbone Cancer Center is the only comprehensive cancer center in the state, founded in 1973. Annually, the center sees more than 20,000 patients for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up or consultations. A component of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, UWCCC is comprised of more than 250 physicians and scientists who translate research from the lab to treatment. UWCC offers between 200 to 250 clinical trials to patients, and is funded by the National Cancer Institute for Phase I clinical trials. The center offers holistic care, as well, with UW Health offering products for women who are receiving treatment for cancer, such as breast prostheses and high-quality wigs.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tenn.). The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is located right in the "buckle" of the country's "cancer belt" — the seven contiguous states with the highest death rates from cancer. VICC is determined to change this statistic. The center sees more than 4,000 new cancer patients each year and is the only center in Tennessee that conducts research and offers treatment for all types of adult and pediatric cancers. Currently, a comprehensive survivorship program is underway, which will focus on the long-term issues facing cancer survivors and their families, regardless of where the survivor was treated. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Affiliate Network offers clinical trials in more than a dozen locations.
Yale-New Haven Hospital (New Haven, Conn.). The Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven just opened in 2009 but already treats more cancer patients than any other hospital in the state. The hospital has 12 multidisciplinary cancer teams which offer personalized care, and its state-of-the-art facilities include a roof-top healing garden. Smilow has implemented a patient- and family-centered care philosophy to its care, which means families are not considered "visitors" but rather participants in the care and decisions of the patient.
Read more hospital lists:
-30 Best Hospitals in America
-20 Best Community Hospitals in America
-50 Top Grossing Hospitals in America
Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis). The Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine cares for approximately 8,000 patients per year and is the only cancer center in Missouri to hold the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. The center's Hereditary Cancer Program offers clinical genetic testing to those with a family history of cancer, serving more than 150 families a year. The center's community outreach programs are widespread, including its Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities, which aims to reduce barriers underserved populations may face when it comes to cancer education, care and research.
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center (Duarte, Calif.). The non-profit City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the only NCCN center in Southern California. It was the first institution in the world to perform a clinical study that used genetically engineered T cells to attack glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer. At any given time, there are more than 300 open clinical studies, involving 30 to 40 percent of patients. The center is a leader in research of lung and prostate cancer, and runs one of the most successful bone marrow and stem cell transplant programs of its kind.
Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland). The Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center has one of the highest levels of nurse staffing and offers several hundred clinical trials to patients. The center, located in the Clinic, offers extensive support services, such as art therapy, pain management and social work services. The Clinic is accredited with Magnet status, which is issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In May 2010, Cleveland Clinic researchers developed a prototype vaccine to prevent breast cancer and reported favorable results in animal subjects.
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston). Boston is home to many of the leaders in cancer research and care, and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center is leading the pack. Generally, outpatient care occurs at Dana-Farber while inpatient care takes place and Brigham and Women's Hospital — the two institutions are physically linked by bridges. Furthermore, Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital are founding members of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, which brings together seven cancer institutions and Harvard-affiliated hospitals to form the largest comprehensive center in the world.
Duke University Medical Center (Durham, N.C.). Established in 1972, Duke's Comprehensive Cancer Center was one of the original cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute. It has more than 500 clinical trials open for patients, with more than 20 percent of cancer patients visiting from outside of North Carolina. The Duke Oncology Network, a system of affiliated practices throughout the southeast, extends Duke's community outreach and geographical breadth. In Oct. 2010, Duke researchers announced the development of a vaccine to extend the life of patients with deadly brain cancers.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (Tampa, Fla.). Founded in 1986, the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute has an upstanding reputation for compassionate cancer care. The center has one of the largest blood and marrow transplantation programs in the Southeast and its Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center was the first in the region to offer genetic screening services. The center is a leader when it comes to personalized cancer care. Recent research at Moffitt includes a study for patients with ovarian cancer who undergo chemotherapy personalized based on the genetic "fingerprint" of their cancer.
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). The Abramsom Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania was designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute in 1973 and offers more than 400 basic, translational and clinical scientists. It is a cornerstone of the Penn Cancer Network, a collaboration of community hospitals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The center offers 25 diagnostic treatments and care programs, meeting the needs of specific types of cancers.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore). Since it opened in 1973, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins has been a leader in cancer research and treatment. The center is attentive in its offering of family and patient services, such as a Cancer Counseling Center, residence facilities for patients who traveled out-of-town to receive treatment and palliative care for patients. Johns Hopkins continues to earn more federal research money than any other medical institution in the country. Recently, the Cancer Center earned recognition for its melanoma program and research, which studied the link between melanoma and tanning beds.
Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston). Boston offers another top cancer facility with Massachusetts General’s Cancer Center. In 1925, Mass General opened the first tumor clinic in the United States. Now, 85 years later, Mass General's Cancer Center is the largest hospital-based cancer research program in the country, according to its website. Mass General Cancer Center's work is strengthened through its collaboration with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center on joint clinical trials, education, training programs and quality of care improvements.
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.). Mayo Clinic's Cancer Center is remarkable for many reasons, of being its geographic breadth. The Center is comprised of three campuses, alleviating the burden of travel for many cancer patients. Mayo includes a Cancer Education Center, which offers complimentary classes to help patients and the public learn about all aspects of the disease. This past spring, Mayo Clinic researchers made strides in breast cancer research, conducting the first study on the link between breast density and cancer over time.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City). Located in the borough of Manhattan, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center touts the title of the world's oldest and largest private cancer center. It is comprised of the Sloan-Kettering Institute and Memorial Hospital, with other outpatient facilities located throughout the tri-state area. The center has undergone recent renovations, including The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Research Center and The Claire Tow Pediatric Pavilion. The Pediatric Pavilion is state-of-the-art, designed as a piazza with plenty of natural light and advanced teleconferencing technology. It also features a school program with five full-time teachers that are certified by the New York City Board of Education.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital/University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell (New York City). Located in Manhattan, New York-Presbyterian Hospital has two cancer centers — the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NYPH/Columbia University Medical Center and the Weill Cornell Cancer Center of NYPH/Cornell Medical Center. Each of the Hospital's pediatric oncology programs is a charter member of the Children's Oncology Group, the nation's largest system of medical centers for pediatric cancer therapy that collaborate on clinical trials. NYPH Cancer Centers are among the leaders for skin cancer technology, such as gamma knife radiation and mohs micrographic surgery.
Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, Ohio). The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, otherwise known as OSUCCC-James, is the only fully dedicated cancer hospital and research institute in Ohio. Located in Columbus, the facility is home to 21 private chemotherapy suites, a 24-bed bone and marrow transplantation unit, 26 research labs and 172 patient beds. OSUCCC-James is one of five centers in the nation approved by the National Cancer Institute to conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials for anti-cancer drugs.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University (Chicago). The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University is affiliated with four teaching hospitals in the city, one of them being Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The center treats more than 10,000 new cancer patients each year. The Maggie Daley Center for Women's Cancer, which opened in April 2010, is the premier women's cancer program of its kind, offering a holistic approach to care that recognizes unique medical, emotional, cosmetic and genetic needs. In Oct. 2010, Northwestern received a $12 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to research improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles). The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is home to more than 350 physicians and scientists, who provide patients with comprehensive, specialized treatment and extensive support services. JCCC also provides patient care for survivors, with its UCLA-LIVESTRONG™ Survivorship Center of Excellence and Simms/Mann-UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. JCCC researchers recently found a link between chronic stress and cancer acceleration in mice.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, N.Y.). Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, Roswell Park Cancer Institute is the country's first cancer center. The institute is known for its exemplary basic and translational research and seamlessly combines scientific studies to clinical care. The institute's Center for Pharmacology & Therapeutics is one of a handful of centers in the country that can carry drug development from conception through clinical trials to FDA approval — all within the confines of a single facility. RPCI researchers have taken national leadership roles in the studies of vitamin D and prostate cancer.
Stanford Hospital and Clinics (Palo Alto, Calif.). With the expertise of more than 300 researchers and clinicians, the Stanford Cancer Center offers comprehensive patient care, state-of-the-art facilities and community outreach. Clinician scientists of Stanford are engaged in more than 250 clinical trials and in Oct. 2010, Stanford's School of Medicine received more than $25 million from the National Cancer Institute to develop new diagnosis methods. Stanford has a Cancer Stem Cell Research Program, in which scientists are focused on isolating and characterizing stem cells for each human cancer.
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (San Francisco). The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center became affiliated with Renown Institute for Cancer in Reno, Nev., in Sept. 2010. Now, with expanded access to clinical trials and increased expertise, UCSF's cancer center has bolstered its already rich resources. UCSF receives more than $214 million in grant funding for cancer research each year. It has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a designated comprehensive cancer center and offers specialized programs for patients, such as the Cancer Risk Program, which offers genetic counseling for patients with a family history of cancer. The UCSF team is also renowned for researching and treating AIDS-related cancer.
University of Chicago Medical Center (Chicago). The Cancer Center at University of Chicago Medical Center has adopted an especially holistic approach to cancer care, preserving patients' quality of life while conquering the disease. For instance, the center treated Grant Achatz, a chef and restaurateur who had tongue cancer, and helped maintain his sense of taste. Additionally, special facilities for children and elderly patients ensure their unique needs are met. The center leads the way for research in Phase I and other early-phase clinical trials, and it receives more research funding from the National Cancer Institute than any other organization in Illinois.
University of Florida Shands Cancer Center (Gainesville, Fla.). The University of Florida Shands Cancer Center recently found a compound that shows early promise for colon cancer treatment. The centers offer a range of preventative, diagnostic, treatment and after care services, along with the Cancer Survivor Program, a multidisciplinary clinical, educational and research program for cancer survivors of all ages. Shands' translational research takes place on the Gainesville campus, where findings go from the lab to clinical trials to patient care.
University of Iowa Health Care (Iowa City, Iowa). University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education and patient care throughout the university, including 36 departments and six colleges, as well as UI Hospitals and Clinics. Founded in 1980, the center has treated more than 32,000 unique cancer patients as of 2009. It was recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a designated cancer center, and offers services for patients including palliative care, a pain clinic and an oncology registry.
University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore). The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center has taken the "bench to bedside" approach literally, linking the research laboratories to the clinical area of the UM Medical Center with a bridge. Fortunately, UMGCC has implemented this philosophy to its care as well, offering more than 175 clinical trials and immediate access to care, which ensures patients have an appointment within one week of their first call. UMGCC researcher Angela Hartley Brodie, PhD, is distinguished for her groundbreaking work in the 1994 development of aromatoase inhibitors, which have since become standard care for breast cancer patients.
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (Ann Arbor, Mich.). The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center opened its doors in 1986 and is home to more than 350 physicians and researchers in 20 basic, clinical and prevention research programs. UMCCC ranked third in research funding from the National Cancer Institute in 2008, and its researchers were the first to identify stem cells in tumors that could lead to the development of effective cancer treatments. The facility offers diagnostics, treatment and support services for cancer patients — all under one roof. The center also offers extensive support services, including nutrition counseling, art therapy and education resources.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh). UPMC's Cancer Centers have been recognized for 13 areas of cancer expertise, including stem cell transplantation and brain cancers. UPMC's center is far-reaching, with a domestic network covering more than 200 miles around greater Pittsburgh and 180 affiliated oncologists at more than 35 locations throughout western Pennsylvania. The centers work in tandem with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and just saw the renewal of a $27 million grant from the National Cancer Institute in Oct. 2010.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was created in 1941 and is now comprised of more than 30 buildings in the greater Houston area, making it the largest freestanding cancer center in the world, according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network. It has expanded research efforts by founding the McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, a facility comprised of seven research programs including cancer metastasis, targeted therapy and proton therapy.
University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle). The University of Washington Medical Center is involved in a two important alliances and consortiums, expanding research and care efforts by collaborating with other healthcare organizations in Seattle. For instance, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a treatment center with a collaboration of doctors from the city's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Children's Hospital. Furthermore, the Fred Hutchinson and UW Cancer Consortium brings together more than 400 faculty members, offers 13 research programs and received $97.6 million in funds from the National Cancer Institute in 2009.
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (Madison, Wisc.). The UW Carbone Cancer Center is the only comprehensive cancer center in the state, founded in 1973. Annually, the center sees more than 20,000 patients for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up or consultations. A component of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, UWCCC is comprised of more than 250 physicians and scientists who translate research from the lab to treatment. UWCC offers between 200 to 250 clinical trials to patients, and is funded by the National Cancer Institute for Phase I clinical trials. The center offers holistic care, as well, with UW Health offering products for women who are receiving treatment for cancer, such as breast prostheses and high-quality wigs.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tenn.). The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is located right in the "buckle" of the country's "cancer belt" — the seven contiguous states with the highest death rates from cancer. VICC is determined to change this statistic. The center sees more than 4,000 new cancer patients each year and is the only center in Tennessee that conducts research and offers treatment for all types of adult and pediatric cancers. Currently, a comprehensive survivorship program is underway, which will focus on the long-term issues facing cancer survivors and their families, regardless of where the survivor was treated. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Affiliate Network offers clinical trials in more than a dozen locations.
Yale-New Haven Hospital (New Haven, Conn.). The Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven just opened in 2009 but already treats more cancer patients than any other hospital in the state. The hospital has 12 multidisciplinary cancer teams which offer personalized care, and its state-of-the-art facilities include a roof-top healing garden. Smilow has implemented a patient- and family-centered care philosophy to its care, which means families are not considered "visitors" but rather participants in the care and decisions of the patient.
Read more hospital lists:
-30 Best Hospitals in America
-20 Best Community Hospitals in America
-50 Top Grossing Hospitals in America