Apr 7

Apr 7 New Cancer Center Coming Spring 2024

UM Capital Region Health Hosts Groundbreaking Celebration for New Regional Cancer Center in Prince George’s County

By Tiffany Young // PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA ADAMS

It's about excellence in cancer care. It's a promising center for where loved ones who live in the county, can get care. It will be a driving force in care for cancer patients. University of Maryland Capital Region Health held a groundbreaking celebration on April 7 to open a new Regional Cancer Center in Largo, MD. The event was well attended by elected officials, medical, civic, business leaders and community stakeholders.

Nearly one year after opening the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, the first new hospital in the region in more than 30 years, the plan to expand the campus to include a Regional Cancer Center has begun.

Recently, Governor Hogan announced his commitment to fund $216 million for cancer research, including the new cancer center, which has a $67 million dollar price tag. The cancer center, attached to UM Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, will provide high-quality diagnostic, treatment and support services, with an initial focus on breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.

But for many, the single best news about the new cancer center is that it will be local.

“We went into this current legislative session in Annapolis as a partner with the University of Maryland Medical System to advocate for a cancer center in Prince George’s, so we are proud that we have officially secured this funding,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “For too long, Prince Georgians have often had to leave the County to receive quality cancer care, despite the fact that cancer is the second-leading cause of death for County residents. We want to thank the Governor and the State Legislature for investing in our County and expanding access to health care for Prince Georgians.”

The new location will also create the advantage of early detection, intervention and therefore life- saving opportunities.

“Seeing our plans for a Regional Cancer Center materialize is indeed a proud moment,” said Nathaniel Richardson, Jr. President & CEO, UM Capital Region Health. “In a county that has the highest percentage of cancer incidences and mortalities amongst African-Americans, it is critically important to have resources that encourage conversations about cancer— early detection and intervention. Improving the health and well-being of residents in Prince George’s County is a

step in the right direction, and for the first time we will be expanding the reach of life-saving clinical trials and partnering with our colleagues at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, which is exciting.”

Prince George’s County Delegate Nicholas Charles said the financial commitment that the state is making demonstrates its commitment to the health of County residents.

“This level of investment for the Cancer Center is a true indicator of our commitment at the State level to the health and welfare of Prince Georgian's and Marylanders,” said Hon. Delegate Nicholas Charles, Chair of the Prince George’s County Delegation.

The new Regional Cancer Center is being developed to reduce the cancer disease burden in the local community, providing greater access to cancer screenings, leading to earlier detection and diagnosis of cancer and better outcomes for patients. Additionally, experts will address health disparities in Prince George’s County by expanding the reach of life-saving clinical trials into the county for the first time.

Said Derrick Leon Davis, Prince George’s County Council Member representing the sixth district: “University of Maryland Capital Region Health continues to be an exciting game-changer for Prince George’s County. Today’s groundbreaking for the new Cancer Center further affirms the important healthcare and economic development benefits of our partnership on behalf of County residents and communities,” said Davis. “District 6 is proud to host such vibrant, transformative economic development here in Largo, the heart of our County – spurring job creation, transit-oriented development, and investment in our community for many years to come.”