The cancer center trend
The probability of developing cancer in someone’s lifetime in the United States is 44% for men and 38% for women according to the American Cancer Society. The healthcare industry is well aware of this disease wave and as a result healthcare systems are developing more space to treat the flow of patients needing treatment.
According to an ASHE 2012 Construction survey 9% of hospital executives indicated they were currently constructing cancer center service or department projects and 11% said they were planning on constructing a cancer department in the next three years. Of these cancer center construction projects, 34% are new, 13% are replacements, and 53% are either expansion or renovation. The greatest growth is in cancer treatment hospitals with 34% of hospital executives noting them as current construction projects.
As these department projects are occurring inside the hospital, it is interesting to note that hospitals are still developing free standing cancer clinics as well, and considering them part of their integrated hospital setting.
KLMK Group’s, a hospital facilities service firm, recent projects involved cancer centers separate from the parent hospital. Both John Kemper, CEO of the KLMK Group, and Scot Latimer, a Jones Lang LaSalle’s healthcare facility planning expert, attest to health systems supplementing cancer care at the main hospital with cancer center facilities. Today’s cancer center involves a multitude of services such as exercise classes and activities, counseling and therapy. While traditional cancer care can be addressed at the hospital, these clinics demonstrate post-treatment options and a more relaxing atmosphere, putting patients at ease.
The demand to help cancer patients is strong and will continue to thrive as unfortunately more people are expected to be diagnosed. The World Health Organization states there will be 20 million new cases of cancer by 2030, but also indicate more than 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented. Treatment facilities such as cancer treatment hospitals and centers with National Cancer Institute designation will aid in combating this illness by expanding quality cancer care and research opportunities.
James Ellis, CEO, Health Care Realty Development Company, is a nationally recognized successful real estate investor and developer of medical office properties with a comprehensive knowledge of sophisticated real estate transactions, cost effective designs, and efficient property management.
Aaron Razavi is Associate Marketing Director at Health Care Realty Development.
Visit their blog at http://www.hcrealty.com/medicalrealestatedevelopment/
