Salem Cancer Institute holds special open house Sept. 25

Salem Cancer Institute will showcase its newly remodeled space with a grand opening on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the Salem Hospital campus.

Guided tours will happen at 4:30, 5:15 and 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a healthy menu sampler from the new Garden Bistro, learn about Salem Cancer Institute’s partnership with OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute, discover advanced treatment technology, and be introduced to the new Center for Integrative Medicine. Local cancer survivors will also be on hand at the event to share what has inspired them, including several artists showcasing their work.

The cancer center at Salem Hospital has been accredited as a comprehensive community cancer program by the Commission on Cancer since 1952 and by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers since 2010. Salem Cancer Institute has been affiliated with Oregon Health and Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute since 2007, which strengthens diagnosis and treatment through shared expertise, research knowledge and records.

Salem Cancer Institute treated 2,000 patients last year, seeing an average 325 patients per day. When the institute first opened, door-to-diagnosis for breast cancer was 30 days; now it is four days. A cancer nurse navigator can see newly diagnosed patients “same day.”

Salem Cancer Institute has been remodeled to be a restorative, community gathering place—and far more than a medical clinic, according to Steven Taylor, director of cancer services. Anyone coming into the lobby can start a journal, knit, research cancer topics online and find support groups and classes. The Garden Bistro specializes in offering nutritious cancer-fighting foods.

To register for the open house and tours, call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-2432 (CHEC). Salem Cancer Institute is located in Building C on the Salem Hospital campus, 875 Oak St. SE. Parking is available under Building C using the Winter St. entrance, or in the campus parking garage.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ from Healthgrades in 2014, placing it among the top 5 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide. “Like” us on facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/salemhealth.