AtlantiCare, The Cancer Care Institute, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, plans to expand the world-class cancer diagnosis and treatment it provides. It will do so in a comfortable, patient/family-centered outpatient environ­ment. AtlantiCare held a sym­bolic groundbreaking Monday, April 14 for its new Cancer Center. The $32,539,000 facili­ty is expected to be completed in summer 2009.

Nearly 200 invited guests attended the event. They received a lav­ender ribbon pin, symbol­izing cancer awareness, and an eco-friendly tote bag, in recognition of AtlantiCare’s environmen­tally friendly approach to building the facility.

The two-story, 39,600-square-foot facility will be in the AtlantiCare Health Park, 2500 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, next to the AtlantiCare LifeCenter. Ground clearing began in March. Once complete, out­patient oncology and radiation services currently offered at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Mainland campus in Pomona will relocate to AtlantiCare’s Cancer Center.

“We continue to commit our skills, resources and passion to fighting cancer for our current and future patients,” said David P. Tilton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “Our new Cancer Center will provide patients and their families and loved ones convenient, easy access to multi­disciplinary clinical teams.”

“AtlantiCare’s commitment to giving cancer patients access to the most advanced care is evident in its bringing this can­cer center to the region,” said Paul F. Engstrom, MD, senior vice president for extramural research programs at Fox Chase. “Providing treatment while focusing on the patient’s overall comfort and cancer experience is vital to the well-being of those affected by cancer.”

Services at AtlantiCare’s Cancer Center will include chemotherapy/infusion therapy. There will be 12 chemotherapy infusion bays. Eight will be pri­vate for those who prefer to be alone or with their loved ones during treatment. The other four, called “buddy bays,” will allow the company of others for those who prefer to be with other patients during treatment.

Radiation therapy will include linear accelerator treatment, including exter­nal-beam radiation treatment, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), ste­reotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and electronic brachytherapy. Diagnostic services will include computed tomography (CT) simulation scanning and positive emission tomography (PET) scanning - a form of nuclear medicine imaging.

As they do now, patients will also have access to clinical cancer trials through AtlantiCare’s Fox Chase Cancer Center partnership. AtlantiCare will also offer its Preparing for Chemotherapy and Preparing for Radiation Therapy classes, breast cancer survivor support groups and other educational and community events in the Cancer Center.

AtlantiCare’s Cancer Center will offer this advanced technol­ogy in a setting that maximizes patient comfort and privacy. Natural colors, access to nature and natural light and natural building materials will add to a soft environment. Zen gar­den, beach, neighborhood and woodlands themes will desig­nate different areas of the cen­ter. Thirty percent of the façade of the building will be glass to allow natural light and a view of the outdoors.

“Our experienced, compas­sionate team uses the most advanced technology to diag­nose and treat cancer patients,” said Lauren Ochs, executive director, Oncology Services, AtlantiCare. “Through the Cancer Center, we will expand our programs and services. We’ve designed the facility with the goal of meeting the physical and emotional healing needs of patients and their families, friends and caregivers.”

In keeping with a natural theme, AtlantiCare is taking an environmentally friendly building approach. It is con­structing the Cancer Center with a goal of achieving the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Roofing and other materials will contribute to energy conservation. High-effi­ciency cooling and pumping systems will operate in response to environmental needs. Interior finishes and materials will be eco-friendly.

“Our community wants and deserves this high level of care,” said Craig Keyser, chairman, ARMC Board of Trustees. “Their voices guide the development of new services, programs and facilities – including this Cancer Center we begin to build today.”