Photographer / Robert Jones
According to the American Cancer Society, as of January 2025, there were roughly 18.6 million people in the United States with a history of cancer, which equates to 1 in 18 Americans. That number is projected to exceed 22 million by 2035. For those living in Carmel who face a cancer diagnosis, they have a tremendous resource in Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center, a space that was recently transformed from a primary care pavilion.
“We were wanting to repurpose that space and thought, ‘Why not put oncology care there?’” says Marci Jones, Chief Nurse Executive at Community MD Anderson.
In 2022, a partnership formed between Community Health Network and Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s largest and most respected cancer centers.
“We saw this partnership as an opportunity to elevate oncology care,” Jones says. “Connecting with MD Anderson gives us access right here in the Midwest to state-of-the-art treatment options.”
Having more access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments is a game changer for Hoosiers.
This partnership represents a full clinical and operational integration of Community’s cancer services with MD Anderson across all five of Community’s sites of cancer care — one on the east side, the north side, the south side, and two satellite cancer centers in Kokomo and Anderson. Community MD Anderson – Carmel provides an opportunity to bring innovative oncology care to the patients within the Carmel community, which is on the cusp of a growing population in Westfield.
Officially opening in April 2025, the new Carmel site includes 17 infusion chairs, 8 clinic rooms and a VAD room for injections, port flushes, lab draws, and central line dressing changes. The location also has a large procedure room, on-site lab services and an oncology-specific pharmacy for medication needs.
“By making things as efficient, convenient and available as possible, we simplify delivery of oncology care for patients, making it a one-stop shop,” Jones says. “Patients don’t want to wait. They want to get in and get out. This facility allows them to do that.”
Speaking of waiting, at Community MD Anderson, they guarantee getting new patients in to see a provider within 48 hours of referral.
“If you’ve been referred to oncology because there is a suspicion of cancer, you want answers quickly,” Jones says. “You don’t want to hear that they’ll get you on the schedule in six weeks.”
This location also has multidisciplinary clinic space in which all members of a team consult with the patient simultaneously.
“You see your surgeon, radiation, and medical oncologist together,” says Dr. Sumeet Bhatia, Medical Director for Community MD Anderson. “This means they have better collaboration because they communicate in real time.”
“We’re coming at you with a lot of information,” Jones says. “We want you to be able to ask questions and make an informed decision about how you want to proceed with your treatment plan.”
These doctors may participate in person or virtually. This multidisciplinary approach means a patient who may need surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy won’t have to endure multiple visits to have the same conversations.
“Bringing everyone in at the same time helps the patient better understand the treatment plan, allows them to ask questions, and ensures everybody hears the same thing,” Jones says.
Patients referred for other health services may take advantage of on-site imaging, physical therapy, and rehab facilities. Specially trained therapists work with patients dealing with common side effects such as lymphedema or pelvic floor issues. The facility also offers DXA scans to help patients manage any bone loss during chemotherapy.
Navigation services are another hallmark of their cancer program.
“The cancer journey can be incredibly difficult to understand. Our team of caretakers are walking along that journey with a patient from start to finish. We can help you navigate that journey to achieve optimal results,” says Jones, noting that other available support services include dietitians, social workers, and financial counselors.
It’s important to note that all care at Community MD Anderson is delivered by subspecialties. “Essentially, this means that you see a physician who specializes in your disease,” Bhatia says.
“If I was diagnosed with cancer, I’d want to know that my medical oncologist has the knowledge and experience dealing with patients who are facing the exact same condition,” Jones says.
The care they provide is not one-size-fits-all, in which every patient is treated in the same way. Rather, they personalize the cancer journey by following an evidence-based approach to treatment that gets patients closer to a cure.
“I think that’s what everybody is looking for on their cancer journey,” Jones says. “If we can’t get them cured, we try to get them to an optimum level of living so they can continue living productive, meaningful lives. We want them to thrive despite their cancer diagnosis.”
We never know when or if cancer will affect us.
“It may not be your reality today, but it could be tomorrow,” Jones says. “If you’re diagnosed, we have some of the best physicians, nurses, and caregivers.”
Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center – Carmel is located at 11911 North Meridian Street, Suite 170, Carmel, IN 46032. For more information, call 317-621-0790 or visit eCommunity.com/CarmelCancerCare.
