Each year, cancer claims more than 600,000 lives in the United States. These are not just numbers.They represent children, young parents, individuals in the prime of their careers and older adults who had planned for a long and healthy retirement. More than half of cancer diagnoses occur during working years.Nearly every family in America is affected by cancer.  

Cancer is far from rare. Statistically, one in two men and one in three women will face cancer in their lifetime. While these numbers are daunting, UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center is changing the narrative. The Brown Cancer Center uses cutting-edge treatment, innovative research, comprehensive education and outreach. Its goal is to transform cancer from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic disease. 

“Our mission is to help patients live well into their nineties and ensure quality of life,” said Jason Chesney, director and chief administrative officer of the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center. “We accomplish this through a combination of subspecialtiesand multidisciplinary cancer care programs. Our robust education programs train the next generation of cancer scientists and oncologists. Our translational laboratory and clinical research, along with comprehensive support services, supportpatients and families.” 

Building on this mission, the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, together with the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM), serves as a training ground for future health care leaders. High school, undergraduate and graduate students gain firsthand experience alongside ULSOM faculty and staff from the UofL Health – Brown Cancer. They tackle today’s challenges, and they also develop tomorrow’s solutions. 

This strong educational foundation supports the center’s globally recognized research and puts it at the forefront of discovery, especially in groundbreaking immunotherapies. This year, Chesney presented on the use of genetically engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for treating solid tumors. The study was recognized as one of the top five at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting.  

Amidst these achievements, it is essential to acknowledge Kentucky’s unique challenges. Historically, Kentucky has had the highest cancer death rate in the nation. But thanks to the pioneers of science at the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, we are entering a new frontier of medicine. With a goal of reducing Kentucky’s cancer death rate by 50% by 2035, the center is expanding access to high-quality care in rural Kentucky. The center is also increasing enrollment in clinical trials. It is building community-based comprehensive cancer screening outreach programs. Already, novel immunotherapy treatments are translating into measurable reductions in cancer-related deaths across the region.  

"As we work toward cutting Kentucky’s cancer death rate in half, we are proud to expand our reach to rural communities with the new Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine. “Opening in Bullitt County in summer 2026, this new UofL Health – Brown Cancer Centerwill bring high-quality care closer to home for rural Kentuckians, while also train the next generation of health professionals.The center will expand access to life-saving clinical trials.” 

Ultimately, cancer may remain common, but it is no longer without hope. Through innovation, education and a steadfast commitment to community, the UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center and the School of Medicine are ushering in a new era of cancer care.Cancer is not a death sentence. It is a disease that can be treated, managed and ultimately overcome.