“For families in rural communities like the Glades, a cancer diagnosis can mean traveling long distances for specialized care when they need support most. The new Lakeside Cancer Center will change that,” said Darcy J. Davis, President and CEO of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “As Palm Beach County’s health care safety net, our mission is to ensure the communities we serve have access to high-quality care. We’re proud of our partnership with Tampa General Hospital, which brings together the District’s long-standing commitment to the Glades and TGH’s clinical expertise and academic resources. Together, we’re strengthening rural health care and bringing specialized cancer care closer to home.”

“Access to world class cancer care should not be limited by zip codes,” said John Couris, President and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center (FHSC), the academic health system that includes Tampa General and more than 30 affiliated organizations. “Every patient in this region deserves every chance at the best possible outcomes. This new cancer treatment center is just the start. We’re working to elevate care at Lakeside Medical Center, strengthen access across Florida’s rural communities and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Florida and Palm Beach County. Based on a 2025 Lakeside Medical Center Community Needs Assessment, cancer accounted for nearly 22% of all deaths across South Bay, Pahokee, Belle Glade, and Clewiston – exceeding both the county and statewide mortality rate. Rural communities like these are more likely to face longer travel times, have less financial resources, and experience limited access to specialists and clinical trials (American Sociey of Clinical Oncology, 2019).   

“The power of academic medicine cannot be understated,” said Stacey Brandt, Tampa General Hospital Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and President, Community and Specialty Hospital Division. “Patients with the most complex conditions seek care from Tampa General for the cutting-edge research, groundbreaking technology and expert care we provide. We offer access to the most advanced diagnostics and treatments. With the Lakeside Cancer Center, we’re bringing that expert care from across our system to cancer patients in this community.”

The new Lakeside Cancer Center is planned for 15440 Tangerine Drive in Loxahatchee, which is within 25 miles of Lakeside and will bring the expertise of TGH Cancer Institute closer to rural and western Palm Beach County communities.