SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. – After more than three years of planning, fundraising and construction, the PeaceHealth United General Cancer Center has completed installation of its new, high-precision linear accelerator (LINAC) and treated its first patient with the new technology on May 21.
To celebrate this major milestone in the Center’s evolution, PeaceHealth leaders, caregivers, physicians, project partners and donors will gather for a ribbon-cutting and tours next Thursday, June 12, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Media are welcome.
The new and highly versatile Varian TrueBeam offers the most advanced radiation therapy treatment for cancer patients available in the region, giving clinicians the ability to tailor treatments for each patient’s unique condition. It replaces an older-model linear accelerator.
The TrueBeam provides a noninvasive alternative to traditional surgery, improving the accuracy and treatment of tumors that are often difficult to treat surgically, such as those in the brain, lung, spine, prostate or elsewhere. It generates 3-D images in 60 percent less time than other imaging technologies and can offer sub-millimeter precision in treatment delivery. The TrueBeam offers tumor tracking in real time to ensure the radiation beam accurately targets the tumor and avoids normal tissue.
The installation of the LINAC is the centerpiece of a broader plan to meet growing local demand by boosting capacity, expanding services and upgrading equipment at PeaceHealth United General's 50-year-old Cancer Center.
“Bringing this leading-edge technology here to Sedro-Woolley means our neighbors can get the most advanced treatment available anywhere in the region, close to home,” said Chris Johnston, chief administrative officer at United General. “We’re incredibly proud to offer this level of care, and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
Johnston noted that PeaceHealth United General continues to buck the trend in rural-urban cancer disparities by continuing to invest in cancer specialists, advanced equipment and a full range of support services.
Speakers at the upcoming celebration will include Nicholas Muff, MD, a pioneering radiation oncologist who founded what was then called the North Puget Cancer Center at United General Hospital in 1975. Under his leadership, the center grew to serve a five-county region, offering the latest chemotherapy and radiation treatment as well as a variety of related therapies.
Dr. Muff worked at United General for 30 years and in 1985 oversaw installation of the region’s first linear accelerator. The hospital’s main conference room carries his name.
“We owe Dr. Muff a huge debt of gratitude,” said Lisa Hazard, MD, radiation oncologist at United General. “It’s hard to imagine this day would have come without his vision, leadership and determination to make United General a standout oncology treatment center for Northwest Washington.”
The Cancer Center expansion at PeaceHealth United General is being funded through a mix of PeaceHealth capital funds, grants and philanthropy. Thanks to the Muffs and other generous donors – including leadership gifts from Skagit-based TRICO Design-Build General Contractor; Handy's Heating owner William Handy, Jr.; Dr. Robert and Rebecca Gates; United General Hospital Auxiliary; Mike Perry; the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust; VECA Electric & Technologies; and Community Cancer Fund-San Juan Islands, LLC – the project surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal.
Services available at the United General Cancer Center include medical and radiation oncology, 3D mammography, breast cancer surgery, infusion therapy, nurse navigators, nutrition management and wellness programs. New this spring is an onsite support group for cancer patients and their families.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
