University of Arizona cancer center in Phoenix 'topped off'

By Sariah Schroader, Tucson News Now intern

PHOENIX, AZ (Tucson News Now) – The final beam has been set on top of the outpatient facility in the new University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health's St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in downtown Phoenix.

The center will offer a variety of comprehensive cancer services including specialized clinics for different cancers, radiation oncology, radiology, patient wellness and support services and a prevention center, according to a news release.

The UA is leasing the land in Phoenix for this 220,000 square foot building set to open sometime in 2015.

An affiliation agreement approved by the Arizona Board of Regents and Dignity Health in Arizona allows St. Joseph's to continue inpatient operations for clinical cancer services at the main hospital and outpatient services at the new downtown facility.

"Seeing this beam go up today, we know that in a short time this facility will play host to cutting-edge research, the hallmark of our great university, and exemplary patient care with our partners from St. Joseph's," said UA President Ann Weaver Hart in the release. "We are grateful to the city of Phoenix for its leadership in developing the plans for the next great academic medical center."

While this UA cancer center is only one of 41 similar comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute, it is the only one in Arizona.

You can follow the projects construction progress at http://www.phoenixcancercenter.org.