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Salem Health Cancer Center

2025 Highlights

At Salem Health Cancer Center, our commitment is simple: to provide exceptional cancer care close to home.

This page highlights some of the ways our teams advanced that mission in 2025. From expanding access to clinical trials and introducing new technologies to supporting patients through treatment and survivorship, each accomplishment reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff and community partners.

We are proud of the progress made this year and grateful for the trust our patients place in us. Together, we continue to build a stronger future for cancer care in our community.

Salem Health campus

1,710 cancer patients and 7,700 appointments

That’s how many patients our Cancer Support Services helped in 2025. Together, these services reflect our commitment to whole‑person, patient‑centered care — ensuring no one faces cancer alone. The dedication of the Cancer Support Services team continues to uplift our community with hope, guidance, and unwavering support. These services are provided at no cost to ensure all patients have access to these important resources.

   ❯  Oncology nurse navigators removed clinical barriers and empowered patients with vital education.

   ❯  Our resource coordinator tackled practical challenges like transportation and financial strain.

   ❯  An oncology certified registered dietitian helped patients stay strong through nutritional support.

   ❯  Our licensed clinical social worker provided compassionate counseling to patients and caregivers alike.



trusted cancer care

Patients agree: Our team puts them first

Patient satisfaction scores tell a powerful story of care defined by compassion and clinical excellence. They reflect the trust our patients place in us during some of the most challenging moments of their lives and highlight the meaningful impact our team has on each individual journey. From the expertise of our clinicians to the empathy shown in every interaction, these results demonstrate our commitment to delivering not only exceptional cancer care, but also a supportive and healing experience for every patient we serve.


85%

of patients had a better understanding of diagnosis after meeting with Cancer Support Services


80%

of patients said they felt less stressed after meeting with Cancer Support Services


More than 90%

of patients recommend Salem Health Radiation Oncology


More than 90%

of patients felt that Salem Health Cancer Center staff worked as a team in their care




Connecting local patients to the latest cancer research

In 2025, Salem Health’s Clinical Research team continued to expand the clinical trials offered locally to support patients close to home. Many of our trials are offered through the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), a national cancer research network supported by the National Cancer Institute.

   ❯  Launched LoTam, an exciting new study testing whether low dose tamoxifen can be as effective as standard hormonal therapies like aromatase inhibitors in treating breast cancer.

   ❯  Continued enrollment in NRG-CC011, a cutting edge trial using computerized cognitive training to support survivors experiencing post treatment memory and thinking challenges.

   ❯  Partnered with Salem Health’s rehabilitation team to create and open the Healing Sexual Health after Prostate Cancer study, exploring how pelvic floor therapy before and after prostate cancer treatment can boost recovery and quality of life.

   ❯  Supported more than 477 participants across all active studies as they navigate screening, treatment and survivorship — bringing leading edge research directly to our community.



2025 Salem Health Cancer Center breast procedures


Cancer Center 2025 stats

Salem Health campus

 

Sharon Monsivais, MD


New provider highlight: Dr. Sharon Monsivais

Dr. Monsivais began her medical career at Texas A&M — graduating from the Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, then completing her internship and residency with Baylor Scott and White before her fellowship with OHSU. She became a solo provider and ran a busy plastic surgery practice on the southern Oregon coast for several years before joining our team at Salem Health. She deeply values the personal relationship she builds with every patient and wants everyone to have a positive experience while under her care. As such, she works diligently to tailor her practice to serving the needs of underserved communities and building her reputation of treating all patients with kindness, honesty and respect. In her free time, she enjoys staying fit, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

 

Thank you to the Salem Health Foundation, Knit Well Support Group and T-Mobile

The Salem Health Foundation continues to provide exceptional support for cancer services in our community, enabling us to better serve patients and families affected by cancer.

Foundation funding supports essential assistance programs, including pharmacy cards, transportation resources, and special initiatives such as chemo care bags and post‑mastectomy camisoles for women recovering from breast cancer surgery. In addition, their generosity enhances our community outreach through cancer screening events for uninsured people.

We gratefully acknowledge the Knit Well Support Group and T‑Mobile for their combined contribution of $23,700 in support of these important efforts.



Salem Health’s Cancer Resource Center

At Salem Health’s Cancer Resource Center, patients and families find a welcoming place to receive support, information and comfort throughout their cancer experience. The center offers free wigs, hats and scarves, plus personalized wig fittings from trained volunteers. In the last year alone, volunteers provided more than 600 hours of service and supported more than 500 patient visits — underscoring the center’s vital role in our community.