Why Southeast Michigan's Only Comprehensive Cancer Center Is Expanding Access to Prevention and Clinical Trials

Karmanos Cancer Institute has opened a 5,000-square-foot facility in Dearborn that brings world-class cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services to Wayne County residents who previously had to travel for specialized oncology care. As an extension of Michigan's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, the Dearborn location offers patients access to exclusive treatments, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary cancer specialist teams—a comprehensive approach that community hospitals cannot provide.

What Services Are Available at the Dearborn Location?

The Karmanos Cancer Institute—Dearborn facility combines multiple oncology specialties under one roof, making it easier for patients to access coordinated care. The center is staffed by board-certified oncologists and specialists who can address various cancer types and treatment needs without requiring patients to navigate multiple locations.

• Screening and Prevention Programs: Early detection services designed to identify cancer before symptoms develop, including digital mammography for breast cancer screening and other preventive assessments.
• Surgical Oncology: Specialized surgeons trained in cancer-specific surgical techniques to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue and function.
• Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other systemic cancer treatments administered by medical oncologists with expertise in tumor biology and treatment planning.
• Genetic Counseling: Personalized risk assessment for patients with family histories of cancer, helping identify inherited genetic mutations that increase cancer susceptibility.
• Hematology Oncology: Specialized care for blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
• Radiation Oncology: Targeted radiation therapy delivered by radiation oncologists to destroy cancer cells with precision.

Why Does Access to Comprehensive Cancer Centers Matter?

Patients who receive care at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and research-backed treatment protocols that may not be available at community hospitals. The Dearborn location connects Wayne County residents to Karmanos's broader network of oncology resources, including participation in collaborative research initiatives. This matters because clinical trials often provide access to newer immunotherapy approaches and combination drug therapies that show promise in treating difficult-to-manage cancers before they become widely available.

The facility's emphasis on cancer prevention and screening reflects a fundamental shift in oncology: catching cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Digital mammography, colonoscopy, and other screening tools can detect tumors at earlier stages when survival rates are significantly higher. Genetic counseling helps high-risk patients understand their cancer susceptibility and develop personalized prevention strategies.

What Recent Advances Are Shaping Cancer Care at Karmanos?

Karmanos has been recognized as one of the best oncology programs in the United States, with over 80 physicians listed among the nation's top cancer specialists. The institute has also launched collaborative research partnerships to advance cancer treatment understanding. For example, Karmanos and the McLaren Center for Research and Innovation recently partnered on their first joint oncology study, strengthening clinical trial communication and expanding research opportunities for patients in the region.

One area of particular focus is cervical cancer prevention through human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and awareness. Dr.Radhika Gogoi, a gynecologic oncologist at Karmanos, has highlighted important information about HPV and cervical cancer screening that many patients don't know—emphasizing the role of preventive screening in reducing cancer incidence. This reflects the broader oncology trend toward immunotherapy and prevention-based approaches rather than relying solely on treatment after diagnosis.

The Dearborn expansion demonstrates Karmanos's commitment to bringing comprehensive cancer care closer to patients in Wayne County. By combining screening, prevention, surgical expertise, medical oncology, genetic counseling, and access to clinical trials in one location, the institute gives patients "your best chance forward in the fight against cancer," as the organization states. For residents who previously faced long commutes to access NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center services, this expansion represents a significant improvement in cancer care accessibility and convenience.