Local Providers Join Forces to Enhance Access to Integrated Cancer Care

KEY WEST, Fla. - April 22, 2014 - PRLog -- 21st Century Oncology, the nation’s leading provider of cancer care services across multiple modalities, today announces plans to work with Lower Keys Medical Center and Rural Health Network of Monroe County Florida, Inc. to provide integrated medical oncology and hematology services in our community. The alliance will provide Monroe County cancer patients with improved access to leading chemotherapy treatment options as part of a seamless continuum of care.

“At 21st Century Oncology, our goal is to consistently provide the highest standard of cancer care, close to home,” says Anesa Ahamad, M.D., MSc., F.A.C.R., D.A.B.R., Board Certified Radiation Oncologist with 21st Century Oncology’s Marta A. Gonzalez Cancer Center in Key West. "Through collaboration with Lower Keys Medical Center and Rural Health Network, cancer patients will have access to comprehensive care throughout their journey to recovery.”

Certain types of cancers are considered more responsive to one line of treatment when fighting the disease. Other cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to effectively treat the disease. In many cases, it is necessary for oncologists and other cancer-related specialists to work together as an integrated team to deliver the most advanced cancer care.

Similar to the academic setting, 21st Century Oncology has assembled a team of cancer care experts to provide Monroe County patients access to the latest advances and technology for radiation, hormone, biological, chemo and other targeted therapies, all within our community, close to patients’ homes and their support network. Patients will continue to have access to medical oncology services in the Keys while improvements are occurring.

Medical oncology services will be offered at 21st Century Oncology, located at 3426 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040.

For more information about our services, visit www.21cOncologyKeyWest.com or call (305) 296-0021.

About 21st Century Oncology:

21st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician-led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 185 treatment centers, including 150 centers located in 16 U.S. states. The company also operates 35 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.

About Lower Keys Medical Center:

Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, FL is a 167 licensed bed, full-service acute care hospital that is Joint Commission accredited. It has a 24/7 emergency room, 24/7 laboratory and 24/7 radiology services. We are proud to be the only hospital in the Florida Keys that offers labor and delivery and cardiac catheterization services.

About Rural Health Network of Monroe County Florida, Inc.

Rural Health Network is a 501-c-3 non-profit serving thousands of Florida Keys residents and visitors each year.  The company currently provides discounted medical and dental services in 5 Monroe County locations and is expanding to increase its accessibility and services to the Keys population.  The company also provides a pharmaceutical prescription assistance program and a 340B pharmacy program under Federal guidelines.