Expanding Cancer Care: Bassett Healthcare’s $2M Initiative for Better Treatment Access

Most people know someone affected by cancer. My journey started years ago when my best friend was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at 19. Supporting him inspired me to enter medical school with a focus on cancer care. Today, I practice at Bassett, where we provide advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials in rural areas, backed by over a century of academic research.

Bassett Cancer Institute has one of the longest-running cancer registries in New York. Each year, more patients come to our facilities. In our eight-county area, we see higher cancer rates due to an older population, economic challenges, and other health issues. In 2022, we recorded 26,963 cancer visits.

To address this demand, we launched a $2 million fundraising campaign, led by Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, to improve our medical oncology unit at FoxCare Center in Oneonta. This cancer center, with the highest patient visits, will gain additional exam rooms, more infusion treatment bays, an updated pharmacy, and a more comfortable patient environment.

We also aim to raise $1.5 million to buy a new mobile cancer screening coach. This coach will allow us to reach many patients across our 5,600-square-mile service area, offering vital screenings at little or no cost. Our current mobile coach has been out of service since 2023, making it urgent to replace it to ensure early detection of cancer.

Every patient deserves excellent care. Bassett Healthcare Network commits to providing access to top cancer treatments in our rural region. This initiative will help us meet the growing patient demand and integrate the latest cancer treatment advancements.

I have practiced medicine for many years. Bassett is dedicated to our patients. Our mission to provide exceptional care remains strong.

To learn more about our Cancer Institute Initiative, visit friendsofbassett.org, call 607-547-3081, or email friends.office@bassett.org.

Dr. Alfred Tinger is the medical director of Bassett Cancer Institute.