This year marks a proud milestone for Cancer Care Northwest as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its founding in 1975 as Spokane Oncology & Hematology by Dr. Turner Wood, CCNW has remained dedicated to its mission: delivering cutting-edge, patient-centered cancer care to the Inland Northwest.
Over the past five decades, CCNW has grown from a single practice into a privately-owned, fully integrated cancer treatment center—with a track record of innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.
Highlights & Achievements:
Founding and Early Growth - CCNW was established in 1975 by Dr. Turner Wood as Spokane Oncology & Hematology. From the beginning, the focus was on providing high-quality cancer treatment to the regional community.
Expansion & Strategic Partnerships - In 1999, the practice became part of U.S. Oncology, which allowed access to advanced cancer technologies, expanded research programs, and additional resources. That same year, CCNW moved into a 23,500-square-foot facility in South Spokane, bringing together lab, imaging, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and nursing in one modern center.
More Clinic Locations & Access Improvements - In June 2000, the North Spokane treatment center opened (≈12,500 sq ft), followed by expansion into Spokane Valley to better serve patients closer to home.
Reaffirming Independence & Innovation - January 2008 was a turning point: CCNW separated from U.S. Oncology to become a physician-owned practice. This allowed for greater control over its long-term vision. Also in 2008, CCNW acquired Spokane’s first GE Discovery PET/CT scanner—bringing a high level of imaging capability to the region.
Patient-Centered Services - In 2009, CCNW introduced patient navigation services—recognizing that cancer care is more than treatment, it’s guiding people and families through the journey with support and advocacy.
State-of-the‐Art Facilities & Radiation Collaboration - A major facility in Spokane Valley opened in 2012 (38,000 sq ft), combining most advanced technologies and specialists under one roof. That year also saw the formation of The Alliance for Cancer Care, with Providence Hospitals and Kootenai Health, to extend expert radiation services broadly across Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
Leading Radiation Treatment Technology - In 2017, the first Elekta linear accelerator was installed at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Clinic in partnership with The Alliance, ushering in image-guided radiation treatments that are faster and more precise. To date, Elekta Linear Accelerators have been installed at all Cancer Care Northwest clinics that offer radiation therapy services, including the Spokane Valley Clinic, The Alliance for Cancer Care clinics in Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, as well as two Elekta Linear Accelerators within our North Spokane Clinic.
Advancing Diagnostic Imaging - In early 2021, CCNW moved its PET/CT Center into a newly renovated wing of its South Clinic and acquired the Discovery IQ 4-ring PET/CT scanner—among the few in the region. The new equipment provides reduced scan times, lowered radiation dose, and ultra-high sensitivity imaging that helps detect cancer at its earliest stages. CCNW is certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR) to assure the highest level of image quality and patient safety.
APEX Accreditation for Radiation Therapy – In September 2025, CCNW earned APEx accreditation, a rigorous, voluntary program developed by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to recognize facilities that excel in delivering high-quality patient care in radiation oncology. The APEx accreditation evaluates a facility’s policies, procedures, and patient-centered care standards. Accredited centers show a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement, helping patients identify trusted care providers.
Looking Forward - As Cancer Care Northwest commemorates 50 years, it recommits to its foundational values: innovation, integration, compassion, and excellence. It will continue investing in emerging technologies, expanding access, advancing clinical research, and enhancing patient support services.
“We are deeply grateful to the communities, patients, staff, and partners who have made this journey possible,” said Wayne Lamoreaux, CCNW Practice President & Radiation Oncologist. “Our history gives us strength, and our future is focused on delivering even more accessible, high-quality cancer care—because no one should face cancer alone.”
