Oncology in Minnesota

Overview

The Department of Oncology has one of the largest, most comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment programs in the world. It is closely aligned with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center. The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center ranks in the top tier of cancer centers in the United States for cancer research, clinical treatment, and education.

Each year more than 13,000 patients are diagnosed with 200+ different types of cancer and receive treatment through the department. Adults with cancer of the colon and rectum, breast, prostate, and lung comprise the largest number of patients. The department also has unique strengths and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, sarcomas, melanoma, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatoma, biliary cancer, pancreatic cancer, and neuroendocrine cancers.

Novel drug, immunologic, and gene therapies are being studied intensively within the department to determine their potential for treatment of cancers. This clinical expertise aligns strongly with the research programs of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. This alignment makes it possible for patients to enroll in cutting edge clinical cancer research studies, receive the most advanced treatments, and learn about their illness to actively participate in decisions about their treatment.

The Department of Oncology includes more than 50 oncologists and allied health professionals specializing in medical oncology. Members of the department work closely with colleagues in the Department of Radiation Oncology to provide each patient with accurate diagnosis, treatment using one or more types of cancer-killing therapies, and individualized care. They also collaborate with physicians and allied health professionals in related medical and psychosocial specialties — hematology, surgery, anesthesiology, and psychology — to ensure that cancer patients and their families have access to total care for their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Mayo Clinic's Cancer Education Center complements these efforts by providing patients and families with a large library and resource service devoted exclusively to cancer information.

Mayo Clinic has offered cancer treatment since the founding of the clinic nearly 100 years ago. During that time, more than 100,000 adults have been diagnosed and treated in the Department of Oncology. For some, coming to Mayo Clinic was a last resort. More commonly, patients choose Mayo Clinic early in their diagnosis to access more treatment options to fight their cancer, experience better outcomes, and enjoy higher rates of healing and survival.