University of Arizona Cancer Center

Arizona is 3^rd in the nation for skin cancer so it would make sense there would be a facility in Az that could handle it. I went there for a second opinion of a wound left by a tumor that was not healing. UACC told me it was not caner without testing. I was anxious waiting to hear when my appt. was and upon the advice of a NCI nurse, had sent tissue samples to a regional cancer center in TX. Four days after my appt. I got the word that it was an invasive form of cancer and I ended up having several surgeries to get on top of it. I wouldn’t have lasted a year without going to a NCCN center.
The doctor was rude and got upset with my questions. «I’m the doctor, that’s why» and «stay off the internet“which I find hard to excuse under any circumstances, but especially with cancer. At the NCCN center I went to they had the opposite opinion and ecouraged patients to do research and ask questions. What a difference!
I’ve known 2 people with Sarcoma that were mishandled by UACC as well. One was my mom. They took several months to get back to her with an appt. and told her it was slow growing. I called a friend at John Hopkins and faxed the pathology report. Wrong again, it was a fast growing cancer. She died a few months after she finally got an appt. UACC robbed her of her last «healthy» months. Lessons… Don’t wait months to see an oncologist even for a second opinion and if it’s an unusual cancer don’t go to UACC.
IMO I don’t think I would have any cancer treated at UACC, however if I did, I would inform myself using professional medical databases and insist that at least the widely available protocols to be followed. I also think an out of network second or third opinion is a good idea. Do not be intimidated. Good luck.

So, I found myself here for an appointment recently. I’d driven by for years, never thinking that I would one day need their services. I guess no one ever really does. I sought their expertise for a second option.
I have to say, I wish this facility were called something else. How about the Arizona Cure Center, perhaps? The name really freaks me out, and it’s almost not fitting. It’s an absolutely gorgeous facility on the outside and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. It’s soft, serene and comforting. Lots of light and windows, patient rooms look out onto relaxing xeriscaped gardens. It almost feels like a spa. They offer free concierge parking, which I’m sure is a godsend to many patients.
There is a front desk area as you walk-​in and a receptionist greets you, takes your name and gives you a restaurant style buzzer for you to hold until you’re notified that it’s your turn. Check-​in is relatively private. There are sectioned off adjoining areas, with chairs, where you meet with the staff person that takes all of your info. It was a seamless process. From the time I walked in, to the time I saw my doctor, it was less than 10 minutes. That is unheard of! I was ready to spend some real time here, and truly, it’s so beautiful, I almost wouldn’t have minded it.
For a place that deals with such a difficult subject, it really does seem hopeful here. I met with a nurse to take my vitals, and later with both a resident and an attending physician. My interview and screening was very thorough, and they were happy to answer questions and explain their recommendations. They sent a note to my referring doctor almost immediately. I had questions several days after my appointment, and I received a call-​back from my physician’s nurse within the hour. He clarified what was discussed at my appointment, putting me at ease.
The only difficulty I encountered was setting up my initial visit. That took a few phone calls, lots of waiting and an appointment date far into the future. Once you are there, and once you are in the system, you are supported and well taken care of.

Cancer, what an awful topic. Unfortunately my father was diagnosed with stage 3a lung cancer so we went to ACC for a second opinion. You can feel the sadness and suffering that goes on behind those doors as soon as you pull into the parking lot. I must say if you park in the east lot you feel a little more at ease if you walk through the beautiful xeriscaped gardens and listen to the flowing water to the north. They have created wonderful peaceful sitting areas outside this sad building. As you go inside the feel is bright and airy. The people at the reception desk were very friendly, happy, easy feeling people that were super attentive and well, had a very natural sympathetic feel to them. We did not wait more than 5 minutes to see a doctor. The appointment was very long with lots of big words and names of medications. Please don’t go alone and don’t let anybody you know go alone, it is to much to handle by one’s self. We talked to two doctors who went over all the test results and after about three hours of treatment options we moved on to the social worker who lines everything up with the financing and insurance. The service in every aspect that was provided to us was phenomenal. Granted this was my first time at a cancer center but it wasn’t my first time at a Doctors office and I hope that they are as good as it felt. I really can’t imagine that any other option in Tucson would come close to even touching the quality of this place, so if you have cancer or know someone who does, you can be sure that as sad as it is, someone left there with a really good positive feeling!