KEARNEY – It’s been more than a year since work began on the new Nebraska Medicine cancer facility in Kearney.
About three months from opening, the facility now has a name: Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney. The name is part of a statewide expansion of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center name and expertise. This prestigious name, along with the world-class care it represents, is being extended to the following locations:
- Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney (opening in December 2024)
- Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Village Pointe Health Center
- Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Bellevue Medical Center
The $52 million cancer center project in Kearney spans more than 53,000 square feet in University Village. When it opens in December, services will include medical oncology, radiation oncology, lab, pharmacy, infusion, survivorship programs, genetics counseling and a healing garden.
This new center is an expansion of the partnership between Nebraska Medicine and Heartland Hematology and Oncology, which began in December 2021. The expanded cancer center will build upon the years of expertise and trust that Heartland Hematology and Oncology has built with its patients and community.
“We believe our patients do best when they receive care close to home, family and friends,” said Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Nebraska Medicine hematologist/oncologist and medical director for clinic and infusion at Heartland Hematology and Oncology in Kearney. “Being able to treat them close to home is essential. And it’s now even more meaningful, knowing that treatment comes with a name connected to the most comprehensive cancer care in the state.”
Cancer care, research and education will continue in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center at the cancer center in Omaha, which opened in 2017. The new, expanded network ensures urban, suburban and rural communities can access top-tier cancer care close to home. It also means more collaboration between researchers and clinical cancer specialists, opening the door to faster breakthroughs.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the only one in the state with a prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation and one of just 72 nationwide. This recognition, held since 1984, reflects the center’s commitment to cutting-edge research in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.
For patients, this designation means access to advanced treatments, clinical trials and comprehensive care. More than 110 researchers work tirelessly to ensure patients benefit from the latest innovations in cancer care.
“Since 2017, the name Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has been synonymous with dedicated research, cutting-edge treatment, groundbreaking clinical trials and extraordinary patient care,” said Joann Sweasy, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “We are excited to bring this distinguished name to all our cancer centers as we work to increase the impact of our research and improve access to cancer care and prevention.”
