Since 2020, the Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare has delivered advanced cancer care with compassion, innovation and personal attention. As the center marks its five-year anniversary, we reflect on what makes this place different — and what patients can expect today.
Q: What moment in 2020 set the tone for the next five years?
A: The center began with a clear vision: to bring world-class cancer care closer to home. From the first day, that vision became real. Genetic screening, precision medicine and whole-person support united under one roof. Patients no longer had to travel far for the latest care — it was all here in Northern Kentucky. That same year, the program earned the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Community Award. This affirmed that our vision was already changing lives in the community.
Q: How has the Cancer Center supported healing over the past five years?
A: Healing has always been about more than treatments. The center’s six-story, 250,000 sq. ft. facility was designed with calming spaces, a meditation room and a 5,500 sq. ft. garden courtyard — earning an IIDA Healthcare Design Award in 2021. Just as important, the experience is seamless. Diagnostics, infusion, surgery and support services are all in one location, reducing stress for patients and families.
Q: How has the center expanded access to screenings?
A: By 2022, St. Elizabeth had completed 20,000 lung cancer screenings, helping detect cancers at earlier stages when treatment works best. To reach more people, the center deployed 12 outreach specialists who worked directly in underserved communities. Their efforts accounted for 38% of lung screenings and 15% of breast screenings that year. This model is now nationally recognized for sustainable outreach to underserved populations.
Since then, the program has grown dramatically. By 2025, the team surpassed 50,000 screenings and celebrated its 500th early-stage cancer detection. Special initiatives — like skin cancer checks for firefighters and dedicated prevention clinics — extend this commitment even further. These efforts show that screenings aren’t just numbers — they are lives changed, treatments started sooner and futures protected.
Q: How has the Yung Family Cancer Center been recognized nationally — and how is it shaping the future of cancer care?
A: Over the past five years, the center has earned some of the nation’s highest honors in cancer care and design. In 2023 alone, it received the ACCC Innovator Award for its sustainable outreach model, the Commission on Cancer Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, a Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence designation from the National Pancreas Foundation, and the HGA Healthcare Design Honor (Silver Level) for its infusion space.
In addition, St. Elizabeth Edgewood was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Kentucky’s #1 hospital for select high-performing cancer surgeries. These recognitions highlight a commitment to quality, compassion and innovation.
But recognition has gone beyond awards. In 2025, the center hosted a regional roundtable with the American Cancer Society, bringing together leaders from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UC Health, TriHealth, The Christ Hospital Health Network, Kroger Health and others. The group shared insights on prevention, equity, clinical trials and precision medicine. Hosting this dialogue reinforced the center’s role as a regional convener and national thought leader in advancing cancer care.
Q: What role has philanthropy played in the center’s growth?
A: In 2024, the Yung Family Foundation made a $10 million gift — the largest in history for St. Elizabeth. More than a milestone, this gift was a turning point. It helped rename the Cancer Center in honor of the Yung family, but its real impact shows up in patients’ lives.
Philanthropy made it possible to expand access to screenings, fund new support services and grow research and clinical trial opportunities. It strengthened integrative care — from massage and nutrition counseling to meditation and art therapy — so families could find healing for both body and spirit.
For many, it meant care close to home felt even more personal and comprehensive. Instead of traveling far for specialized cancer treatment, families could stay in their own community, supported by a program recognized among the nation’s best.
Q: Where does the program stand in 2025?
A: The center has now performed 50,000+ lung screenings and marked its 500th early-stage cancer detection. National outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and the Women’s Choice Award®, have all recognized its excellence in Cancer Care. Whether you live in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati or Southeastern Indiana, you have access to these services.
Q: What makes care here feel different for patients?
A: People often say they don’t feel like a number here. Every patient is assigned a nurse navigator who explains each step and stays by their side throughout the process. The center also offers therapies like acupuncture, massage, music therapy and nutrition counseling.
And breadth matters. St. Elizabeth treats nearly every cancer type — from breast and lung to blood, skin, GI, gynecologic, head & neck and thoracic. Your care doesn’t get siloed; it’s integrated across the full spectrum of expertise.
Q: How do clinical trials and precision medicine change outcomes at the Cancer Center?
A: Patients can access clinical trials close to home — St. Elizabeth offers “Clinical Research Right Here,” meaning patients don’t need to travel across the country for new therapies. For example, phototherapy trials for head and neck cancer reduce side effects while maintaining treatment strength.
Precision medicine tailors treatment to a patient’s genetics, lifestyle and environment, leading to better results and fewer side effects. This personalized approach continues to transform cancer care — offering both hope and better outcomes.
Q: What’s next for the Yung Family Cancer Center?
A: More prevention, more screenings and more options. The team is expanding access across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, bringing national experts to the region and offering patients personalized care that matches the best programs in the country.
Ready to learn more about the Yung Family Cancer Center and Cancer Care at St. Elizabeth? To request an appointment, visit our website or call (859) 301-4000.
