LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In March 2024, the state-of-the-art Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette opened. Since that time, the cancer center continues to expand as new co-workers have been added to the team and the roster of patients and services offered grows as well.

In just one year, nearly 4,000 new patients have entered the Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette and over 12,000 treatments have been delivered. These numbers represent more than medical care — they embody the hope and resilience of the patients that Franciscan is privileged to serve, the unwavering support and dedication of the clinical teams and the generosity of those who made the center possible.

“The last year has been transformative for our oncology services,” said Maria Vought, director, oncology service line for Franciscan Health in Western Indiana. “With the opening of the new cancer center, we have expanded access and are now serving more community members with comprehensive, multidisciplinary care in one location. Bringing key services together has strengthened care coordination and streamlined treatment planning. Our team has embraced this growth with dedication and innovation, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

In addition to treatments, the breast center within the cancer center has provided over 15,000 essential screenings and diagnostic services, ensuring early detection and peace of mind for women in the Lafayette area.

“The presence of a state-of-the-art cancer center in Lafayette is significant," said Terry Wilson, Franciscan Health Western Indiana president and CEO. “This center is not only a testament to Franciscan’s dedication to the community but also to the community itself, which invested in this vision. It represents a collective effort to offer a comprehensive range of services, from early detection to survivor support, ensuring that individuals in the Lafayette area can access the best possible care close to home, surrounded by their loved ones.”

Over the last year, a new medical oncology doctor has been welcomed to the cancer center, Dr. Costantine Albany, along with a breast surgeon, Dr. Constance Rayhrer, and a pair of nurse practitioners, Rebecca Cutchin and Laura Feller.

“Adding providers has been essential in meeting the needs of our growing patient population and the evolving demands of our community,” said Vought. “Each new team member brings a wealth of talent, specialized expertise, and diverse experiences that enrich the care we provide. Their contributions not only expand our clinical capabilities but also ensure we can accommodate increasing patient volumes while maintaining high-quality, personalized care.”

Another key addition to the team has been Danielle Hohman, a certified genetic counselor. She interprets family and medical histories to provide cancer risk assessment. Hohman also is well-versed in educating patients regarding inheritance, testing options, management, prevention, resources, and research opportunities. 

“Having a genetic counselor like Danielle on our team has been a game-changer,” Vought said. “Genetic counseling plays a vital role in identifying hereditary cancer risks, guiding patients through preventive and early detection strategies, and informing personalized treatment plans. Her work not only benefits individual patients but also their families, helping to shape long-term health outcomes through education and targeted interventions.”

The cancer center was built with the support of generous donors and a community that believes in the power of faith and healing. The center has become a place where love, hope, and expert care come together.

“The next year will focus on expanding our reach and enhancing the continuum of care for our patients,” said Vought. “We are building on health promotion programs to connect more individuals with life-saving screenings, ensuring earlier detection and intervention. Streamlining the patient journey remains a priority, with ongoing efforts to further integrate services and improve care coordination. Additionally, we are expanding access and strengthening local pathways to essential specialty surgeons, including hiring a dedicated breast surgeon and partnering with a thoracic surgeon to offer clinic services right here in our great community.”

While she received treatments prior to the new cancer center being opened and has now been cancer free for four years and counting, Annette Eichholz of Monticello visits the new cancer center for follow up tests and appointments as she is in the surveillance period.

“It is such a blessing for the community to have the new cancer center,” said Eichholz. “They have an amazing team and provide hope and support for everyone who enters the cancer center.”

 Learn more about Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette.

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