A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently to begin
construction on the $8.6 million Sugar Land Cancer
Center. Located next to the Sugar Land Medical Center
at 15500 Southwest Freeway, the
comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer center is the
first outpatient radiation center to be constructed
in Fort Bend County. The new concept is a project
of HCA and the West Houston Medical Center.
"This project will bring world class cancer therapy
offered by board certified radiation oncologists,"
said Joan Damon, administrator for the Sugar Land
Medical Center and the new facility.
"We believe most patients prefer receiving treatments
closer to home," she added, explaining the 12,000
square foot single-story facility will bring the latest
advances in radiation therapy in the nation and the
state to the 18 acre campus.
The Sugar Land Cancer Center will offer its patients
research-based diagnostic abilities for treating over
150 cancers; including adrenal, bladder, brain, breast,
colon, head and neck, kidney, lung, rectal, and renal
cancers and liver metastasis programs.
The center will also offer the latest advances and
information in prevention, screenings, and education.
Dr. Karl W. King, one of few physicians in the United
States board certified in both Internal Medicine and
Radiation Oncology, will serve as the medical director
for the center.
"The Sugar Land Cancer Center will become an
important setting for quality, optimal cancer care,"
said King. "It will offer the latest in technology
and innovative approaches for patients undergoing
treatment."
" It will be important for the staff and family
to offer their support so the patient can reach the
highest level of care," said King, who strongly
supports a healthcare team concept. "Our goal
will be to treat the whole individual."
Dr. King is presently Chief of Breast Cancer Services
for Western Radiation Oncology Associates which services
the West Houston Medical Center, Spring Branch Medical
Center, and Conroe Medical Center. He graduated summa
cum laude from Washington University and attended
Washington University School of Medicine, which is
ranked Top Five in the nation. He completed his residency
as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at St. Luke's
Hospital in St. Louis and continued his studies in
Radiation Oncology at the prestigious Mallinckrodt
Institute of Radiology at Washington University Medical
School. He is licensed to practice in four states.
"It is our goal to select the best staff so the
Sugar Land Cancer Center will deliver quality care
comparable to top cancer centers in America,"
said King.
Completion of the Sugar Land Cancer Center is expected
in spring 2003.
