A $1.5 billion investment in next-level care is transforming the way we diagnose, treat and conquer cancer.
Cancer patients often speak of their disease as a journey—one that takes a team to face. Fortunately for New Jerseyans, RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers an elite team and the most advanced treatment options close to home.
A recent $1.5 billion investment in the expansion of oncology services by RWJBH is taking its commitment one step further, transforming cancer care and research across the state.
"Our goal is that no patient in the state is farther than 20 minutes or so from exceptional cancer care," says Steven Libutti, MD, the William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of Oncology Services at RWJBH.
Keeping Cancer at Bay
Even small changes in daily habits can have big effects on cancer risk over time. Among the most important steps you can take are:
- Stay physically active.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Protect your skin from the sun.
- Know your family history and discuss it with your doctor.
- Keep up with recommended screenings and vaccines.
RWJBarnabas Health's Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center—New Jersey's first and only freestanding cancer hospital—opened last year in New Brunswick. Below: one of the center's warm and welcoming pediatric spaces.
In spring 2025, the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center—New Jersey's first and only freestanding cancer hospital and one of just 13 in the country—opened in New Brunswick. This summer, the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center will open in Livingston. In early 2027, the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls will become yet another major destination for care. Together, these RWJBH facilities will provide unparalleled access to state-of-the-art cancer treatment across New Jersey.
The size of the health system's investment in cancer care reflects the magnitude of need, with more than 60,000 new cancer cases expected to occur in New Jersey during 2026 alone. It also reflects RWJBH's philosophy of patient-centered care.
"We don't take care of cancer—we take care of people who have cancer," says George Raptis, MD, director of Oncology Services for the RWJBH Northern Region. "Our goal is to create environments where patients feel supported, not just clinically but emotionally, every step of the way."
Vital Screenings
Treatment is most effective when cancer is caught early, so it's important to follow recommended screening guidelines.
Breast
It is recommended that women receive their first screening mammogram at age 40 and continue annually. Those at high risk should speak to their doctor about screening earlier.
Colorectal
Individuals at average risk should begin regular screening at age 45. Those at higher risk should speak to their doctor about getting screened sooner. Screening can be done by colonoscopy or with a home stool test, which looks for tiny amounts of blood or cancer DNA in the stool. Speak to a doctor to find the test that is right for you.
Lung
Get a low-dose computed tomography scan every year if you're 50 to 80 years old, have a 20 pack-year smoking history (the equivalent of smoking an average of a pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years), and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Prostate
Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of getting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings starting at age 45 (age 40 if African American or had a father or brother who developed prostate cancer when he was younger than 65).
This summer, the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center will open in Livingston. At each RWJBarnabas Health cancer center, thoughtfully designed spaces promote comfort and healing.
Six Key Advantages
The health system's integrated statewide network of patient-centered care affords every New Jersey resident who needs cancer treatment these advantages:
1. Close-to-home care
Cancer doesn't travel well. So, it's important that patients have easy access to outstanding specialists, innovative clinical trials and sophisticated technology near where they live, minimizing travel time.
2. Advanced technology
The MR-Linac, a highly sophisticated imaging and radiation oncology technology, is currently available at the Morris Cancer Center and the Melchiorre Cancer Center, making it only the third of its kind in the state. Advanced technologies, such as linear accelerators and high-dose brachytherapy, will also be offered at the Specialty and Cancer Care Center on the Vogel campus.
3. Clinical research
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the facility provides patients with access to the latest clinical trials, many not available elsewhere. Cancer clinical trials evaluate new treatments and help doctors learn which are most effective and may improve a patient's outcome.
4. Services under one roof
Each of our cancer centers is designed to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, all in one location. "That makes it easier for patients to access the full spectrum of services they need throughout their treatment journey," says Rick Davis, president and CEO of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
5. Peace of mind
"Cancer care is not only physical, but also emotional, deeply personal and often overwhelming for both patients and their families," says Dr. Raptis. The Melchiorre Cancer Center offers integrative therapies including nutrition support, movement-based programs, Reiki, emotional support and art therapy.
In early 2027, the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the Vogel Medical Campus will open in Tinton Falls.
6. A comfortable environment
The design of each center promotes both next-level care and at-home comfort. Thoughtfully configured gathering spaces foster an environment that promotes healing, well-being and a sense of normalcy. Infusion center rooms are private and filled with natural light.
The MR-Linac, a highly sophisticated imaging and radiation oncology system, is just one example of the advanced technology used to treat cancer at RWJBH centers.
Learn More About Cancer Care
Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer to learn more about advanced cancer care at RWJBarnabas Health.
