MIAMI (AP) - The University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has joined the ranks of the nation’s top cancer centers.
University President Julio Frenk, along with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Miami Rep. Donna Shalala and health professionals, announced Monday that the university’s center has received National Cancer Institute designation.
Frenk said South Floridians now “have access to the absolute top cancer center in the world.”
He added that achieving NCI designation status has been a top priority, saying the university has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in cancer research and treatment throughout the years.
Officials in attendance at the event said the designation, which authorizes the university’s hospital to offer advanced and restricted cancer treatments, will also stimulate the local economy by luring patients from across the world to the center.
The center also will receive a $10 million grant over five years from the federal government to support its cancer treatment and research efforts.
Marilyn Rousseau, a 53-year-old breast cancer survivor who received treatment from the center, said the news is no surprise to her. Now cancer free, the small business owner and life coach credits her recovery to the center’s “top notch” care.
“I’m happy that they have the recognition because they really deserve it,” Rousseau added.
There are 70 other NCI designated cancer centers in the United States.
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