ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Mexico Cancer Center today announced that it is building a new cancer treatment center in Gallup to provide chemotherapy and radiation oncology treatment in a region that has been historically underserved for cancer care. NMCC - Gallup will offer radiation and medical oncology to residents of Gallup, Grants, Window Rock, AZ and others in the region. It marks the first time that radiation cancer treatment will be available in Western New Mexico.
"Over the years, we've seen lower survival rates among people from the Gallup area because they have to drive two hours each way to stick to their treatment regime," said Dr. Barbara L. McAneny, CEO of NMCC. "Our research with the Indian Health Service estimates that more than 200,000 people in that area need improved access to high-quality cancer care, and we plan to make it easier for them to get it."
The $4 million NMCC Gallup project is a partnership between NMCC and the Gallup-based McKinley Development Foundation. The state will contribute $400,000 from the Governor's Capital Outlay Fund to support the project, thanks to the efforts of State Senator Lidio G. Rainaldi.
"This will drastically improve the quality of life for the people in this area," said John Dowling, board chairman of the McKinley Development Foundation. "This cancer center will alleviate many of the hardships faced by the families in our community."
The 16,000 square foot facility will provide radiation and medical oncology services, chemotherapy administration, High Dose Rate Brachytherapy and radiation treatments via a Linear Accelerator. Patients will also have improved access to clinical trials, social services and financial support from the NMCC Foundation. Gallup oncologist Dr. Nelson Lim will join the new center.
A traditional Navajo blessing ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 9 in Gallup.
About The New Mexico Cancer Center
The physicians of the New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd established NMCC in 2002 as a freestanding cancer treatment facility in Albuquerque. It provides multidisciplinary cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, and brings state-of-the-art technology and the latest therapies to cancer patients throughout New Mexico. The medical team practices throughout the state, including Albuquerque, Silver City, Farmington and Ruidoso.
New Mexico Cancer CenterCONTACT: Su Avasthi of The Bosque Group, +1-505-255-5211,su@bosquegroup.com, for New Mexico Cancer Center