Intellect and discovery characterize growth at the  Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute (PSHCI). We continue to emphasize our state-of-the-art interdisciplinary patient care, in which medical, surgical and radiation oncologists jointly determine the best therapeutic course for each patient. We also focus our attention on becoming designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), following submission of a competitive grant application in 2009.  Among other strengths, our focus when applying for NCI designation will be underlined by the Cancer Institute’s emphasis on rural, underserved populations.  Many of these efforts are conducted through the Appalachian Cancer Network by volunteers throughout Pennsylvania who provide education and screening services, as well as behavioral interventions, to reduce cancer risk.  The addition of a new cancer facility opening in March of 2009 will further enable the integration of our research and clinical care.  More...