Leading Cancer Care Provider Ensuring Access to Quality Care For Nation's Vulnerable Patient Populations

FORT MYERS, Fla., June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 21^st Century Oncology, the nation's leading provider of integrated cancer care services, today released socioeconomic data documenting its strong commitment to serving patients in struggling rural communities where quality and innovative cancer care is not always available.

The majority of 21^st Century Oncology integrated cancer care centers (80 of 147) are located in small or rural communities outside major cities with populations of a million or more. Furthermore, 65 percent are in communities with median income levels below the national average, and 89 percent are in areas where the percentage of people living below the poverty threshold is above the national average.

"We believe every patient deserves access to the best cancer care available at the community level, regardless of socioeconomic status or geography," said 21^st Century Oncology's co-founder and CEO Daniel E. Dosoretz, M.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.C.R.O. "When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, the last thing he or she should have to worry about is finding a qualified specialist in the area. By locating in underserved areas, we remove the stress of traveling - and the financial burden that comes with it - so that patients can focus on recovery."

Despite a near doubling of demand for cancer care services in recent years, the number of oncologists is expected to grow by only 28 percent over the next decade, leaving a shortage of nearly 1,500 oncologists, according to a 2014 report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The same report estimates that approximately 450,000 cancer patients will face difficulty accessing life-saving care due to provider shortages, punctuating the need for ensuring access to quality cancer care services in underserved areas.

21^st Century Oncology's community-focused strategy allows patients to keep their longtime family doctors and still receive the most advanced cancer care from physicians who are experts in their fields.

For more than 30 years, 21^st Century Oncology has been committed to providing state-of-the-art radiation therapy and cancer treatments in a patient-centric setting focused on continuous innovation. 21^st Century Oncology employs a variety of leading therapies involving radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.

"Our mission at 21^st Century Oncology is two-fold," Dosoretz said. "We want to provide high quality, state-of-the-art integrated cancer care services to those battling cancer. We also want to ensure that every person has access to the same level of indispensable treatment – regardless of location or income."

In addition to ensuring that Americans have access to cancer care in their communities, the Fort-Myers-based company serves as a safety net for low-income Americans battling cancer who cannot afford life-saving treatment.  

21^st Century Oncology delivered more than $30 million in uncompensated care in 2014, and more than $100 million over the past five years.

The charity care helps low-income Americans who don't have health insurance or cannot afford treatments. It also assists middle-class Americans who find themselves in financial stress due to the unpredictability of cancer care and the costs of specialized care. 

For more information about our services, visit www.21stCenturyOncology.com.

About 21^st Century Oncology:
21^st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. As of March 31, 2015, the company operated 182 treatment centers, including 147 centers located in 17 states and 35 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.

SOURCE 21st Century Oncology

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http://www.21stCenturyOncology.com