Best Cancer Hospitals in the Nation

Today U.S. News and World Report announced their list of top cancer programs in the nation. Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (U of U) was again recognized among the best cancer hospitals, ranking 30th in the country for cancer care.

For this year’s rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 cancer programs. A variety of data points were reviewed, including national reputation, patient outcomes, and access to advanced cancer treatment technologies.

“We are honored to see the quality and impact of the cancer care we provide at Huntsman Cancer Institute again recognized among the top cancer programs in the country,” said Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute. “While we dream to live in a world free of cancer, it is gratifying to know that, today, patients in the Mountain West have access to the best possible cancer care that is powered by the latest scientific knowledge.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only hospital in the Mountain West to be ranked for cancer care. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, Huntsman Cancer Institute serves the largest geographic area of any such center. The region spans Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada.

Within cancer, the U.S. News review of Huntsman Cancer Institute's lung cancer surgery and colon cancer surgery programs were found to be “high performing” relative to other hospitals.

“This ranking is a reflection of the commitment of Huntsman Cancer Institute to put our patients and community first,’” said Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA, chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U of U. “We are grateful to see our cancer care recognized among best in the country. I want to acknowledge our clinical care teams for their role in delivering high quality, compassionate cancer care to our patients.”

U.S. News evaluated several aspects of cancer care to arrive at their list of the best cancer hospitals in the country, noting, “To be nationally ranked in a specialty, a hospital must excel in caring for the sickest, most medically complex patients.” In their analysis, Huntsman Cancer Institute received the highest possible scores in patient outcomes, patient experience, and access to advanced technologies and services for cancer patients. Status as an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and certification by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy were also factored into the rank as reflections of the high standard of care provided at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is part of University of Utah (U of U) Health, which was recognized as the top health system in both Utah and the Salt Lake City metro area for the eighth year in a row.