Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron Celebrates 10 Years of Cancer Care Close to Home

For a decade, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron has served the patients and families throughout St. Clair County and surrounding communities as the area's first and only comprehensive cancer center.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary of service to the community, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron has established itself as a critical resource for the Blue Water Area, caring for patients as far north as Salinac County.

Since opening, the center has expanded its services and care capabilities while treating thousands of patients, helping more people receive coordinated specialty care with the benefit of receiving that care close to home and near their families, support networks, and daily lives.

The community is welcome to take part and recognize the decade of this vital care resource. Potentially lifesaving information on screenings and the latest treatment advances will be hosted in cancer center's lobby on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Treats will be provided.

"This anniversary reflects the trust patients and families have placed in our team over the past 10 years," said Dr. John Brooks, McLaren Port Huron Chief Medical Officer. "Cancer care is deeply personal, and having comprehensive services available close to home can make an important difference for patients throughout treatment. We are proud of the compassionate, skilled care our team provides and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community."

It was on July 27, 2015, that shovels in the ground marked the beginning of an overall $162 million investment by McLaren Port Huron to expand its campus with a newly constructed tower, with $25 million and 15,000-square feet designated for the county's first cancer center.

Opening almost one year later in July 2016, the demand for care was felt immediately, with 246 new cancer patients seen in its first week.

Since that opening week, the oncologists, caregivers, and support teams have gone on to diagnose, treat, and care for more than 7,500 patients, impacting the lives of countless loved ones who share in their hope for more milestones, more memories, and more time together.

As part of the statewide Karmanos Cancer Network, the center connects local patients and physicians with the expertise of one of Michigan's leading cancer programs. This network supports collaboration among cancer specialists and provides access to a broad range of cancer services, advanced treatment approaches, and clinical trials, while allowing patients to remain close to home whenever possible.

The center's commitment to treating the whole patient extends from diagnosis through survivorship. Resources from the McLaren Port Huron Foundation help support programs such as Look Good, Feel Better and complimentary massages for patients undergoing treatment, complementing clinical care with added comfort and support.

"It is regrettable that cancer is so prevalent, and more is still needed to prevent cancer before it occurs, though the growth of cancer care at McLaren Port Huron demonstrates what is possible when local clinical teams are supported by the depth of expertise across the Karmanos Cancer Network," said Dr. Justin Klamerus, McLaren Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, a medical oncologist by training and experience. "For a decade, this center has expanded access, strengthened services, and cared for thousands of patients. Together, we can continue to building on that foundation, bolster care, and continue to bring innovative cancer care to patients in the Blue Water Area."

The 10-year milestone recognizes the physicians, nurses, team members, patients, families, and community supporters who have shaped the center's first decade. McLaren Port Huron remains committed to expanding access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services for residents of St. Clair and surrounding counties.

To support local cancer care and programs aiding patients going through treatment, donations can be made at mclaren.org/phdonate.

About McLaren Port Huron
McLaren Port Huron is a 186-bed acute care hospital located in Port Huron, Michigan, serving all of St. Clair and Sanilac counties. Part of statewide McLaren Health Care, McLaren Port Huron provides a range of patient-centered care offerings, including primary, preventive, and diagnostic services, trauma (verified Level III) and emergency medicine, and specialty care, including surgical, cardiovascular, orthopedics, neurosciences, bariatrics, and women's health services. A branch of the Karmanos Cancer Network, the largest network of cancer providers in the state, cancer care provided at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron is anchored by the world-renowned Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. An ACGME-accredited facility, the hospital's graduate medical education department trains dozens of tomorrow's health care providers across three residency programs. McLaren Port Huron is accredited by The Joint Commission and has a strong history of providing high-quality, compassionate care to its patients and the community it is privileged to serve. Learn more at mclaren.org/porthuron.

About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a $6.9 billion, fully integrated health care delivery system committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 12 hospitals across the state, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 730-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 242,000 Michigan lives, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan's largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. McLaren has 20,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 93,000 network providers throughout Michigan. Learn more at mclaren.org.