Why Choose the University of Colorado Cancer Center?
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 Skin Cancer
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 dermatologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
- We specialize only in the treatment of skin cancer.
- 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 skin cancer.
- We have access to many new treatments, including the latest drugs and vaccines for treating skin cancer, through our involvement in clinical trials.
We Offer a Multidisciplinary High-Risk Skin Cancer Program
Our doctors have unparalleled expertise in treating common, uncommon and complex skin cancers, including:
- Organ transplant recipients
- Patients with hereditary skin diseases that predispose them to skin cancers
Dermatologists and oncologists work together to treat and educate patients about skin cancer identification and prevention.
We Offer the Region’s Only Pigmented Lesions/Mole Mapping Clinic
The region’s only Pigmented Lesions/Mole Mapping Clinic for patients who have a high risk of developing melanoma based on personal or family history of melanoma, having numerous moles (nevi) or a history of atypical (dysplastic) moles.
Patients receive a complete skin examination with dermoscopy, which provides a clear and deep view into pigmented lesions in a matter of seconds. Some patients also might undergo mole mapping. Mole mapping is generally used to track a lesion that is not at the point of removal and to be sure that it isn’t growing or changing.
We Have Experienced Mohs Surgeons
Mohs surgeons are dermatologists who are specially trained to remove tumors. Mohs micrographic surgery is now recognized as the most precise method of removing skin cancer.
It is especially effective in treating cancers of the face and other cosmetically sensitive areas, because it can eliminate virtually all the cancer cell while causing minimal damage to the surrounding normal skin. It also is ideal for the removal of recurrent skin cancers.
The laboratory where the Mohs tissue is processed is certified by the College of American Pathologists.
We are an International Referral Center for Cutaneous Lymphomas
We offer world-renowned expertise in cutaneous lymphomas. These include:
- Mycosis fungoides
- B-cell lymphomas
- CD30 (Ki-1) lymphomas
- NK-cell lymphomas
- Angiocentric lymphomas
We treat more patients who suffer from mycosis fungoides—the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma —than any other cancer center in the Rocky Mountain region.
We Communicate Regularly about Your Case
Your medical team meets weekly 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