BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. — UofL Health is expanding the reach of its Brown Cancer Center, planning to build a new $25 million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research.

UofL Health said this includes an emphasis on increased access to cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. The cancer center will be along the I-65 corridor on the campus of UofL Health, South Hospital, in Bullitt County.

The Brown Cancer Center’s oncologists have seen patients from nearly every Kentucky county within the last year, including more than 15,000 outpatient encounters from south, central and western Kentucky. Recent funding support from the Kentucky General Assembly has made the project possible, UofL Health said.

“I want to thank our state leaders for recognizing the importance of investing to improve access to innovative cancer care, education and research,” said Kim Schatzel, University of Louisville president. “Building this new regional site for our Brown Cancer Center extends opportunities to benefit from our expertise, research and innovative clinical trials. Kentuckians, particularly in our rural counties and mid-sized cities, need better access to those resources.”

Almost 10,000 Kentuckians die of cancer each year, according to UofL Health, and cancer rates are expected to increase by 50% in the next 20 years.

“This will make a great addition to the newly opened hospital here in Bullitt County providing cancer research, training and treatment for the whole state,” said State Sen. Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville. “This location, along the I-65 corridor, will mean much easier access to quality cancer care for thousands of Kentucky residents."

“Bringing the cancer center here is a game changer for Bullitt County and so many more rural counties that will now have closer access to cancer treatment and research," said State Rep. Peyton Griffee, R-Mount Washington. "The health and well-being of our citizens will continue to be a priority for me and our General Assembly.” 

According to UofL Health, there are no comprehensive cancer centers outside of Lexington and Louisville offering multidisciplinary subspecialist care, clinical trials, state-of-the-art screening and educational and support programs for patients. The new center will be as a network base for clinical trials, nursing/physician educational programs, screening and outreach with partnering oncologists.

“Improving access to health care is our steadfast commitment to the commonwealth, especially in areas that are underserved,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. “I applaud our elected leaders for working with us to reduce barriers to cancer care for patients in our more rural communities.”

UofL Health said initial plans include space for 20 infusion rooms, five exam rooms, oncology pharmacy and a diagnostic imaging suite. There will also be an education space with a lecture hall, video conferencing space and conference rooms, along with training for oncology nurses and physicians. Clinical trials and translational research will be supported by a laboratory for specimen processing and research space for data collection.

With final design work underway, a groundbreaking is expected in the next 12 months. The center is expected to open in early 2026. 

More information can be found on the Brown Cancer Center page of UofL Health's website.