Image via cCARE website. Illustration by Cecilia Lopez

The California Cancer Association for Research & Excellence (cCARE), last month, announced two new partnerships with California Urology and Central Valley Medical & Women’s Imaging, joining together to extend cCARE’s ability to treat patients in the Central Valley.

The partnership saw six urologists and three advanced practice providers join the team; the partnership will extend cCARE’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in urology and imaging, providing patients with convenient, personalized care.

Fresno has long suffered from a shortage in health care workers, with Northern and Southern California assuming a large number of high-tech and specialized centers in the state. However, cCARE Board President and Medical Director of Radiation/Imaging, Jedidiah Monson, MD, said that the Central Valley is home to centers that are capable of treating nearly every type of cancer.

“Fresno has impressive academic centers to the north and south, so it’s not surprising that when residents receive a serious cancer diagnosis, they sometimes seek treatment at these other locations,” Monson said. “The good news is that almost all cancer treatments can be safely provided here in Fresno. Our technology is advancing rapidly, our doctors are well-trained and board-certified, and everything needed for comprehensive cancer care is available close to home.”

Monson said that, while some cases are best handled by specialized teams and academic health centers, he estimates that fewer than 5% of patients should need to leave the Valley for treatment.

“It’s a bit sad for me to see patients leaving Fresno — where effective, expert therapy can be delivered — and traveling far away, often with great hardship,” Monson said. “I believe it’s important that we encourage patients to receive care locally, especially since our providers are well-trained practitioners, interns, and fellows.”

The partnership looks to do just that; by expanding the team and working to bring high-volume centers to Fresno, Monson said that the coordination allowing health care workers to seamlessly integrate surgery, systemic therapy, imaging, radiation and more, helps better meet the needs of the community.

cCARE functions as an alliance member of Navista. As part of Navista, Cardinal Health’s oncology practice alliance, cCARE continues to expand throughout the state, including the Central Valley.

“We’re excited to be part of the growth,” Monson said.