Since 1989, Mount Nittany Medical Center’s cancer program has attained the highest recognition possible—designation as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program of the American College of Surgeons. The program’s progressive cancer program, innovative treatment therapies and advanced technologies have also made Mount Nittany Medical Center a regional leader in excellent, patient-focused care. The Institute further brings the benefits of nationally recognized cancer-related research and education to our community. And, by combining leading research and clinical care throughout the region, the entire community makes a substantial contribution to the advancement of cancer care while benefiting directly from the development of innovative cancer management.

Most cancer centers are located in densely populated areas and university settings that leave rural areas vastly underserved by the latest technologies and clinical research trials. Unique to the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute (PSHCI) is its network of medical institutions that serve rural areas in central Pennsylvania, a region that encompasses 27 counties.

PSHCI is composed of four partnering institutions: Penn State University College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Lehigh Valley Hospital Health Network in Allentown and Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Services are also provided at Lewistown Hospital. Together, more than 5,800 new cancer patients yearly are treated through the Institute's facilities – more than any other cancer center in Pennsylvania.