Why Choose the University of Colorado Cancer Center for Melanoma Treatment?
We’re the Region’s Only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Rocky Mountain Region—and one of only 39 in the United States.
This designation means that we are recognized as leaders in providing outstanding cancer care and cancer-related education, and in driving new research. No other cancer center in the region offers the expertise we do.
We Specialize in Melanoma
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. To ensure that we are always leading care at the cutting edge, UCCC has expert teams that each specialize in a small number of different cancer types.
- Our team is a highly successful multidisciplinary clinical group that includes outstanding surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists.
- We specialize only in the treatment of melanoma.
- We are supported by world experts in the microscopic classification of cancers and experts in the interpretation of X-rays, CTs, PET/CTs and other scans—UCCC pathologists.
- We offer second opinions on melanoma.
- We have access to many new treatments, including the latest drugs and vaccines for treating melanoma, through our involvement in clinical trials.
We have the one of the biggest melanoma programs in the United States
The large number of patients we evaluate and treat ensures we have extensive expertise in all melanoma stages ranging from very early to advanced. For example:
- We have performed several hundreds sentinel lymph node biopsies specifically for melanoma and more than 1,000 cycles of biochemotherapy in hundreds of patients.
- Our pathologists review thousands of difficult cases of pigmented lesions each year—many referred from all parts of the country for consultation.
All of this experience leads to strong consistency in our diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for melanoma. It also has enabled us to develop expertise in rare forms of melanoma.
We Communicate Regularly about Your Case
Your medical team meets weekly at our Melanoma Tumor Board Conference so we can work together to evaluate your case, plan and deliver treatment, manage side effects and support you after your treatment is completed.
We Offer the Most Comprehensive Radiation Oncology Options
Our radiation oncologists and therapists offer state-of-the-art technology and the most comprehensive and advanced radiation options in the Rocky Mountain region for patients with melanoma.
We’re Part of a Larger Collaborative Team
In addition to reviewing information from outside doctors, all our doctors can:
- Instantly access computerized records within the University of Colorado system
- Instantly see all consultations and tests conducted within the University of Colorado Hospital system
- Easily make referrals between different types of doctor within the University of Colorado Hospital system, covering all specialties from A to Z
We Offer Access to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some patients choose to complement their medical treatment with lifestyle changes and other benefits available through our doctor-led Center for Integrative Medicine.
We Offer Comprehensive Patient Support
You will find the support you need through the Monfort Cancer Resource Center , our membership in the Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG Centers of Excellence Program, and the Cancer Information and Counseling Line.
We Have the Best Survival Rates in Colorado
Based on Colorado Cancer Registry data, the survival rates for patients treated within the University of Colorado Cancer Center are higher than those for the state as a whole, especially at the 5-year mark.
We’re One of the Nation’s Best Cancer Centers
U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s adult patient care center at University of Colorado Hospital among the best cancer programs in the nation.
- In 2007, we ranked 35th overall and among the ten best in the West
- 5280 Magazine consistently votes our cancer doctors among the best in Colorado
- We have more cancer doctors listed among Best Doctors in America than any other cancer center in the region