Care for All: Evolving Cancer Center Design Solutions
Back To Articles
October 13, 2020
•
Knowledge
•
Healing



By Douglas Abrams
A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for a patient and their family to hear from their doctor. It is an especially difficult task for the physician, as well — one that undoubtedly contributes to increased stress and anxiety.
A 2019 survey conducted by the Association of Community Cancer Centers revealed that almost 52% of oncology care teams – from the front office staff, nurse navigators, physicians and physician assistants, to the clinicians, to those who work behind the scenes- reported having significant stress and feelings of “professional burnout.”
There has been a seismic paradigm shift in cancer care. Cancer treatment that once was standardized and focused on treating the disease has become individualized and patient-centric. Today’s cancer care protocols include a range of options: prevention, risk reduction, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, all individualized to the patient – their genetics and type of cancer, among other criteria – rather than treating the overall disease. Studies have shown that the built environment has become a critical part of the healing process.
The following are a few insights into the challenges, solutions, and key considerations that not only address cancer patient preferences but help reduce oncology caregiver stress as both groups navigate the cancer care continuum.
© 2025 BSA LifeStructures | Web Development By SFP