Saint Agnes Cancer Institute marks 25 years of care

Ascension Saint Agnes Cancer Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday with a gathering that featured a video of patients and the medical staff who treated them.

The event marked a quarter-century of operations for the facility. The institute has maintained continuous accreditation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer for 25 years. It has held accreditation from the American College of Radiology for 22 years and certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative for 15 years.

In September 2026, the institute opened a new space dedicated to infusion and immunotherapy treatments.

Carole Miller, MD, a medical oncologist, stated that the team's primary goal is to improve the lives of patients and their families during difficult times. She noted that the measure of success is the difference made in those moments, not just the clinical care provided.

Sharon Dillon, a cancer survivor, credited the care she received with allowing her to live a full life. She described the experience as magical and highlighted the quality of the support she received.

The institute employs a multispecialty team including medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, genetic counselors, dietitians, and social workers. Clinicians diagnose and treat various cancer types, such as breast, blood, gastrointestinal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Staff use diagnostic tools like 3D mammograms and low-dose CT scans. Treatment options include radiation therapy, minimally invasive surgery, and medical oncology.

Support services include an extended emotional support team, a healing garden, a chapel, rehabilitation, financial aid counseling, nutritionists, pharmacists, and support groups. Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital operates a 254-bed teaching hospital and maintains 30 community locations across Baltimore and Howard County.