Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence at Banner MD Anderson

Expanding Access to Cancer Care

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center has established itself as a leader in precision oncology and community cancer care since its inception. With over one million patient visits, this Gilbert, Arizona facility has expanded vastly since partnering with the esteemed MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2011.

A Bold Commitment

When Banner Health joined forces with MD Anderson, it created a novel model aimed at combining resources to benefit local communities. Over the past 15 years, this collaboration has flourished, growing from a single site with just 20 medical professionals to a network of over 375 providers across seven facilities in Arizona and Northern Colorado.

Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health, expressed that their aim was to ensure high-quality cancer care was accessible to local residents. "Fifteen years ago, we made a bold commitment... Today, that commitment has never felt more meaningful,” she stated. This partnership redefined cancer care in the Southwest, emphasizing an innovative approach to treatment.

The Cancer Challenge

Cancer continues to pose significant challenges to public health in the U.S., with projections indicating that two million people will receive diagnoses and approximately 618,000 individuals will succumb to the disease in 2025. In Arizona alone, about 43,000 new cancer cases were reported last year, emphasizing the importance of accessible care, especially in rural areas.

Banner MD Anderson stepped up to meet these challenges head-on, treating nearly 70,000 patients in the past year alone. Employing leading-edge therapies such as CAR-T and bispecific antibody treatment, they are enabling patients to access advanced medical solutions right in their local communities.

Innovations in Treatment

As a pioneer in implementing new medical solutions in Arizona, Banner MD Anderson proudly introduced the Tulsa PRO procedure for prostate cancer this year, along with the region's first robotic-assisted single-port nipple-sparing mastectomy. These advancements have broadened treatment options for many patients, demonstrating a commitment to innovation.

Emphasizing Early Detection

In addition to innovative treatments, Banner MD Anderson is dedicated to early cancer detection. In 2025, the Banner Gateway Medical Center facilitated mammography screenings for over 8,000 women, and the mobile mammography unit, The BIG Pink Bus, aims to reach 1,300 women by the end of 2026, an increase from 983 screenings done last year.

Advancing Research

Research remains at the heart of Banner MD Anderson's mission, with over 155 active clinical trials currently underway, including ten collaborations with MD Anderson researchers. These efforts have led to significant breakthroughs, such as a genetically engineered virus that has shown success in treating treatment-resistant melanoma, achieving a one in three success rate in shrinking tumors.

Community Support and Impact

The success of Banner MD Anderson can also be attributed to the robust support from the community. Over the years, the Banner Health Foundation has raised more than $63 million in charitable contributions, directing funds towards essential programs, from diagnostic imaging to patient lodging and health services.

Among its many initiatives is the “Home Away from Home” program, which offers free lodging for qualifying patients traveling long distances for treatment. The BIG Pink Bus also continues its mission of promoting early detection through mobile services, especially targeting underserved populations.

A Community Champion

Hall of Fame NFL player Larry Fitzgerald has been a long-time supporter of Banner MD Anderson. He actively participated in fundraising efforts, contributing significantly to programs aimed at improving cancer care. Recently, he donated an additional $1 million, further underscoring the community's commitment to battling cancer.

“What this community has built with us over the last 15 years is incredibly impactful,” stated Andy Petersen, President of the Banner Health Foundation. Support from individuals like Fitzgerald demonstrates how collective efforts can help ensure that everyone has access to necessary cancer care.

Looking Forward

As Banner MD Anderson moves into its next chapter, its dedication to providing exceptional cancer care remains unwavering. The focus on expanding community access and ongoing research positions them well to tackle future challenges in oncology.

To celebrate this significant 15-year milestone, Banner MD Anderson invites everyone to view their commemorative broadcasts and learn more about their services. For information on facilities, clinical trials, and community programs, visit their website.