New Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton Will Offer Comprehensive Services in One Location

Avera is pleased to announce a new Avera Cancer Institute site in Yankton that will offer comprehensive oncology services in one location.

The Avera Surgical Hospital, located on the Avera Fox Run Health Campus at 2601 Fox Run Parkway, will undergo an approximately $16 million renovation beginning this summer. When completed, the Avera Cancer Institute will offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical research, genetic counseling and other support services.

“We are excited to bring hope and comfort to those living with a cancer diagnosis by creating a new home for comprehensive cancer services in Yankton,” said Doug Ekeren, Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. “Along with our providers and staff, this one-stop facility for oncology services will streamline the patient experience and offer the highest quality cancer care right here in Yankton.”

Currently, cancer services are split between two locations. The Avera Cancer Institute, located at 1115 W. 9th St., offers radiation oncology. Meanwhile, medical oncology, hematology and chemo infusion services are at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 501 Summit St. The new Avera Cancer Institute with all services in one location will bring the facility into alignment with Avera’s oncology locations in Aberdeen, Marshall (MN), Mitchell, Pierre and Sioux Falls, ensuring that patients receive the same, consistent experience. Avera Cancer Institute’s six regional centers and dozens of outreach and telemedicine sites make up the only accredited cancer care network in the region. Those accreditations are from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI).   

“Many of our patients travel an hour or more for care, and some patients can make up to 100 visits within the first year of a cancer diagnosis,” said Mary Lee Villanueva, MD, who is with Avera Medical Group Oncology and Hematology at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and has provided medical oncology and hematology care in Yankton for almost two decades. “This state-of-the-art facility will offer them convenience and the resources they need for healing the mind, body and spirit.”

Patients will have assurance from the fact that not only can they find comprehensive care within the new Avera Cancer Institute, but also that they will continue to benefit from Avera’s extensive network of oncology services, according to Michael Peterson, MD, radiation oncologist at the Avera Cancer Institute. who has served in that role for more than two decades.

“We are able to easily review cases and ask our peers for input – including specialists who aren’t located in Yankton – through Avera’s Oncology Service Line,” he said. “From experience, I know this gives patients comfort and confidence that a group of doctors has been able to weigh in on their treatment as needed.”

Avera Cancer Institute locations are designed to help patients focus on healing.

The project will involve a full renovation of the former Avera Surgical Hospital, including installation of the latest radiation treatment technology. On this front, the new linear accelerator will feature custom delivery techniques to tailor radiation procedures with highly precise beams. They treat the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and organs nearby to diminish side effects. Other features of the project will be a pharmacy, laboratory, chapel/meditation room, wig salon and more natural light.

The new Avera Cancer Institute will also include more robust telemedicine services, which will include access to genetic counseling and outpatient oncology mental health counseling. This equipment will allow health care professionals from other locations to assist patients in Yankton, and will also allow caregivers in Yankton to better serve area rural communities.

Physicians, advanced practice providers, radiation therapists, nurses, pharmacists, research coordinator, patient financial advocate, dietitian and social worker, along with other oncology support staff, will be located in the new Avera Cancer Institute, making it easier for all of them to coordinate care. It is also anticipated that this arrangement will offer expanded research opportunities, which provide patients with access to cutting-edge clinical trials.

“There are many new trials, new drugs and new opportunities,” said Luis Rojas, MD, Clinical Vice President of Avera’s Oncology Service Line. “We have been intentional about getting involved in these opportunities because we’ve seen the benefits to our patients. They provide excitement and hope – while also advancing what we know about cancer treatments overall.”

Opportunities for the public to make charitable contributions toward the completion of this life-giving vision for cancer care in Yankton will be shared by the Avera Foundation in the near future.