Yuma Regional Cancer Center (YRMC) Cancer Center is delighted to announce that funding for the advancement of cancer care in Yuma has been included in the Senate Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill going before congress appropriations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema for their unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of healthcare in rural areas.
If approved, awarded funds will be used to expand radiation therapy at the YRMC Cancer Center and modernize its current linear accelerator (LINAC) equipment. The acquisition of a new Varian TrueBeam LINAC will empower patients with access to cutting-edge technology, enabling the provision of state-of-the-art radiation therapy services. The Varian TrueBeam LINAC provides finely tuned radiation therapy, allowing higher doses of radiation to specifically targeted areas while sparing the healthy tissue that surrounds the cancer-affected area.
Included in the Senate Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, these funds stand as a testament to YRMC’s commitment to exceptional cancer care. Among more than 6,000 projects submitted for funding, YRMC’s initiative shone brightly and was selected as one of fewer than 1,000 initiatives, underscoring the significance of this remarkable achievement.
“This grant supports our commitment to the Yuma community to enhance cancer care close to home,” said Robert Trenchel, DO, President & CEO at YRMC. “Thanks to the support of Senators Kelly and Sinema, we are continuing to advance healthcare technologies and delivering comprehensive cancer care for our community.”
Starting in 2023, YRMC Cancer Center will buildout a new vault to house the Varian TrueBeam LINAC. A new vault is required to eliminate disruptions to therapy and treatments while the outdated LINAC is retired. Once the new LINAC is in service in the new vault, YRMCh Cancer Center will replace the outdated LINAC with a second Varian TrueBeam LINAC. The new LINAC will be purchased from Varian during the latter part of 2024.
“We are deeply grateful to Senators Kelly and Sinema for their dedicated efforts, as YRMC will be better equipped to provide our oncology patients with the highest level of cancer care,” said Abhinav B. Chandra, MD, oncologist and YRMC Cancer Center Medical Director. “In 2022, YRMC Cancer Center provided more than 17,000 Radiation Oncology procedures. Having two LINACs in service will increase our ability to continue providing state-of-the-art cancer treatments to our community members who need it most.”
For more information about YRMC and its enhanced cancer care services, please visit www.onvidahealth.org/services/cancer-care/.
