Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.  From a leased space in a former high school to a dedicated office with six different types of radiation therapy treatments, the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton has taken care of generations of cancer patients in our community. 

The history of the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton began back in 1985.  Drs.  Edward Choi and Norman Schulman began preparations for a radiation center to be located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  They leased space in the former Hazleton Township High School, which was owned by St. Joseph’s Medical Center at the time (it was later owned by the Greater Hazleton Heath Alliance and is now operated by the Lehigh Valley Health Network).  

The doctors renovated the space, had a vault put in to house the radiation equipment, and purchased a linear accelerator and other necessary items needed to operate a successful cancer treatment center.  In 2006, Dr. Choi became the sole owner of the practice, and in December of 2010, Dr. Choi sold his practice to Alliance Oncology, the nationwide leader in radiation oncology and radiosurgery programs, in preparation of his retirement.  Dr. Choi, wanting to make sure the center remained successful, stayed on with Alliance Oncology for one year, helping the center transition to the new ownership and leadership.  

Over the years, the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton has had many milestones along its journey.  In October 2012, the center relocated to its current location at 1701 East Broad Street.  The new, larger space came with upgraded equipment and newer technology.  In 2014, the center offered space to the American Cancer Society, who now has their resource center on site.   

The Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton has treated nearly 6000 patients since opening in June of 1986.  We are proud to have been a part of the greater Hazleton area for so long and look forward to many more years of serving the patients in our community.  “We sincerely thank the community for embracing our center,” said Steve Karp, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazelton.  “We hope to continue to be a resource for cancer patients when they need us.” 

If you, or a loved one, have recently been diagnosed with cancer, or if you have any questions about treatment options, please contact the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton today.