Quick access to oncology care at Lakewood a priority

At Lakewood Health System, we know access to timely cancer care is crucial, particularly in rural areas like those here in Minnesota. In rural communities, patients often face challenges such as long travel distances, limited healthcare facilities, and even fewer specialists. These barriers can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes. Quick access to cancer care is essential for early detection and effective treatment, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Lakewood is addressing this critical need by providing comprehensive cancer care close to home in Staples, Minnesota. Led by oncologist Dr. Wade Swenson, Lakewood now has five full time oncology providers, recently adding Dr. Emily McGovern, and a sixth, Dr. Aquino Williams, set to join the practice in the fall of 2025. Coupled with the recent groundbreaking of Lakewood’s new cancer center scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, we are doing everything we can to eliminate barriers to care by providing quick access to patients throughout the area.

It is widely acknowledged that patients with cancer living in rural areas face limited access to oncology care and providers, often traveling long distances and experiencing obstacles in clinic trial participation — all of which affect quality of care and health outcomes.

According to the National Cancer Institute, in the United States only 3% of medical oncologists practice in rural communities, and more than 70% of counties in the U.S. have no medical oncologists at all.

Lakewood is keenly focused on bringing timely, best in class oncology care to our area to ensure rural patients do not have to endure lengthy and stressful travel to urban centers for treatment.

Lakewood’s cancer care includes stateof-the-art diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and a full team of experienced providers and support staff dedicated to patient-centered care.

Lakewood’s community-based cancer care in Staples is an asset to our entire region and plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of rural Minnesotans. This service demonstrates the importance of accessible health care in rural settings, showing that proximity to medical care can significantly influence treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.