One year after opening, Providence Swedish Cancer Institute in Everett has already outpaced its projections and is expanding again
For many residents across Snohomish County, accessing specialized cancer care meant a long drive into Seattle on top of everything else a diagnosis brings.
That changed on Sept. 8, 2025, when Providence Swedish Cancer Institute opened in Everett – built on a simple but powerful conviction: that world-class cancer care should exist close to home and that a community willing to invest in that vision could make it real.
It did. And the response has been overwhelming.
The institute was designed around seven years of projected patient volume. It reached that number within the first six months.
“There was a real need in this community for cancer care close to home,” says Dawn Gilbert, senior director of cancer services. “Our intention is never to max out capacity but to continue growing to meet the needs of our neighbours.”
That growth has been made possible by the generosity of community donors. The cancer institute launched with four infusion chairs, funded through donations to the Providence General Foundation by residents who believed exceptional cancer care belonged in Everett.
It now has eight. A third expansion opening by the end of February 2027 – again supported by community philanthropy – will bring the total to 14 chairs and a seventh exam room.
“Patients in this community now have access to exceptional cancer care without the long drive into Seattle,” says Dr. John T. Fitzharris, medical director. “I’m excited to be part of that.”
Dr. Graham Unis and Dr. John T. Fitzharris at one of eight infusion chairs at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute in Everett. A third expansion will bring the total number of infusion chairs to 14 by the end of February 2027.
Bringing cutting-edge cancer care to the broader community
Dr. Graham Unis, a medical oncologist who joined the team in July 2026, emphasizes that this expansion comes during a transformative time for oncology research and patient care.
Breakthroughs such as cancer vaccines, CAR-T cell therapy and next-generation bispecific antibodies are reshaping oncology, improving outcomes for patients with conditions like lung cancer and multiple myeloma.
“Advancements in cancer research have given patients more time and a better quality of life,” Dr. Unis says. “A modern facility here in Everett ensures those improvements are accessible to everyone in the region.”
Cancer care services available in Everett
Care at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute in Everett is holistically designed with the whole patient in mind.
Services include chemotherapy, surgical care, a cancer genetics program, social work and counselling, low-cost acupuncture, yoga and art therapy tailored to patients and survivors, and a survivorship program open to all past patients.
The clinic includes over 30 oncology trained caregivers, including clinical and support positions.
Every donation to the Providence General Foundation helps ensure that what this community built together – a place where neighbors can receive world-class cancer care close to home – continues to grow.
Donate at foundation.providence.org/wa/everett.
Find Providence Swedish on Facebook @ProvidenceSwedishNorth
