The Lexington VA Health Care System has announced its affiliation with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
This partnership will enable the Lexington VA Health Care System, now one of 20 affiliated hospitals in Kentucky, to provide veterans with expanded access to specialised cancer care.
It is set to offer comprehensive cancer care, including clinical trials and technology exclusive to NCI-designated centres.
Veterans will be able to receive care from prevention to survivorship within the VA network and closer to home.
The Lexington VA Health Care System, with its two campuses and community clinics, serves nearly 83,000 veterans in Central Kentucky.
Established in 2015, the Lexington VA Health Care System has, so far, recorded an average of more than 500 new cancer cases every year.
It has provided care for more than 12,000 veterans diagnosed with cancer, with nearly 150,000 visits.
The system provides a broad spectrum of cancer services, such as medical oncology, surgery, and chemotherapy infusion, complemented by ancillary services, including physical therapy and mental health support.
This new affiliation builds upon the existing partnership between the University of Kentucky and the VA, which includes joint research, education, and patient care initiatives.
Many University of Kentucky faculty members also hold joint appointments at the VA.
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, which was established in 2006, aims to deliver high-quality cancer care and minimise the impact of cancer through prevention, education, and access to research.
Lexington VA Health Care System executive director Russell Armstead said: “This groundbreaking partnership between a VA hospital and an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center is a powerful step forward in fulfilling our duty to provide the highest quality care to our veterans. Their sacrifices for our nation are immeasurable, and through this collaboration, we’re ensuring they receive the excellence in cancer care they deserve.”
The Lexington VA Health Care System frequently diagnoses prostate, lung, and melanoma cancers, mirroring national veteran statistics and informing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Markey Cancer Center holds the NCI’s Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, one of only 57 in the US, providing patients with the latest treatments and clinical trials.
The Lexington VA Health Care System will receive support to pursue Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation, which recognises cancer care programmes that meet stringent quality standards and ensures multidisciplinary, patient-centred care.
