It is the second leading cause of death. It will affect one in three people directly and countless others indirectly. It is cancer.
“There is no disease that is more personal and touches more people than cancer,” said Phillip Schaengold, CEO of Tenet Saint Louis Hospital.
Yesterday, Saint Louis University and Tenet Healthcare Corp. announced the creation of SLU Cancer Center, a facility that will offer comprehensive services that link clinical research, education, prevention and treatment.
“The greatest benefit will be to the metropolitan St. Louis community. Currently, one in every three St. Louisans dies of cancer or cancer-related illnesses,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. in a press conference announcing the center.
The center will be located in the former Bethesda General Hospital located just west of SLU Hospital. Tenet recently purchased the building and will lease part of it to SLU for the Cancer Center.
“From a geographic, patient-convenience, access standpoint, this was an ideal location,” Schaengold said referring to the proximity of SLU Hospital, SLU School of Medicine and various other nearby SLUCare facilities.
Unlike many cancer centers across the nation, the SLU Cancer Center medical staff will work together as a team regardless of subspecialty. “To be successful in the modern era, cancer centers must foster a multidisciplinary team approach, combining the best of research and best of clinical care,” explained SLU Cancer Center Interim Director D. Douglas Miller, M.D.
Medical students, both undergraduate and graduate, as well as nursing students and allied health program students will all be able to utilize the center for learning.
“It’s an opportunity to learn in an environment conducive to learning,” said Patricia Monteleone, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and president and CEO of SLUCare.
Several cancer survivors were present during the announcement. One survivor, Jerry Browning, explained that the key to the center will be the services it provides whether patient care, pastoral care or emotional support.
The center will take a leadership role in educating the public about cancer risk factors and prevention. One example of this education is the free, at-home colon cancer screening kits being provided in conjunction with the creation of the center.
While Tenet begins renovations on the building, SLU Cancer Center has begun a national search to find a physician scientist to serve as director of the program. They are also searching for a nationally recognized researcher to serve as deputy director.
The center is expected to open in Fall 2001.
