UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

02/06/2026

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in Coudersport, Wellsboro, and Williamsport have earned national QOPI® Certification—recognition given to fewer than 300 outpatient oncology practices nationwide for meeting rigorous standards in quality and patient safety.

“This certification reflects the daily work and commitment of our physicians, nurses, and care teams to provide safe, coordinated care that supports patients and families throughout every stage of treatment, close to home,” said Michelle Gaida, director, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in north central Pa. “It reinforces the high standard of care patients in North Central Pennsylvania can expect when they walk through our doors.”

Read more: https://go.upmc.com/25570AOBn

02/05/2026

Yesterday was World Cancer Day.

Enola resident Kelly Eikler learned she had early-stage cervical cancer during one of the happiest seasons of her life. Thanks to routine screening and timely access to care, her cancer was caught early, allowing her to complete treatment just days before her wedding.

Her story underscores a powerful truth: early detection saves lives and can change outcomes.

As we continue the conversation beyond World Cancer Day, we honor patients like Kelly and the importance of screening, access, and personalized care.

https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/world-cancer-day-highlights-united-by-unique-journeys/521-27094a7b-1dec-4f2b-bd69-a578c4b678e9

02/04/2026

“Across all types of cancer, every patient is unique to themself in terms to the genetics of their tumor that requires a unique treatment plan developed by a doctor who is focused wholly on their type of cancer. We seek to do this at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.” – John Byrd, MD, director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

On this World Cancer Day and all to come, we affirm that at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we will work tirelessly to ensure your safety and provide an exceptional level of cancer care.

02/03/2026

In honor of National Women Physicians Day, we’re proud to feature female physicians like Grace Tarabay, MD, medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

“Women in oncology bring a unique blend of scientific rigor and deep empathy to cancer care. It’s a daily balance of strength and compassion, delivering life-changing diagnoses with clarity while remaining emotionally present for patients and their families.
Oncology isn’t just about treating a disease; it’s about walking alongside patients during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

In addition to my clinical work, I lead a support group for oncology patients, one of the most meaningful parts of my practice. Hearing patients speak openly about fear, uncertainty, and resilience outside the exam room has deepened my understanding of their lived experiences and reinforced the importance of listening.

As a female oncologist, this role has strengthened my empathy and reminded me that effective cancer care depends as much on presence and connection as it does on treatment plans.

Like many women in medicine, my greatest challenge is balancing the demands of clinical care with family life. I’m a proud mom to Andrew, a second-year student at Purdue, and Sarah Isabella, a junior at Sewickley Academy. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my husband and family.

I hope that my journey encourages the next generation of women physicians to pursue oncology with confidence, purpose, and ambition.”

02/03/2026

In honor of National Women Physicians Day, we’re proud to feature female physicians like Joella Wilson, MD, radiation oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

"I have often been drawn to the "in-between" spaces. In medicine, specifically Radiation Oncology, that space exists at the intersection of complex physics and raw humanity. As a female physician in this field, I find that my role is often to act as a bridge—translating the cold, clinical data of a linear accelerator and cancer treatment into a language of comfort and clarity for a patient facing their most daunting chapter.
Being a female radiation oncologist means mastering the machine without ever becoming one. It is about helping to carry the heavy weight of a cancer diagnosis with a steady hand and a compassionate heart. My goal isn't just to achieve local control of a tumor with minimal effect on my patients; it is to ensure that my patients feel seen, heard, and cared for throughout the entire arc of their survival."

01/28/2026

The widespread use of Pap smears has helped significantly reduce deaths from cervical cancer. Since the mid-1970s, the mortality rate has decreased by more than half, mainly due to early detection and treatment of precancerous conditions identified through this screening.

Learn about Pap smears, cervical cancer screening tests, guidelines, and FAQs. Discover how early detection can save lives and reduce cancer risks.

01/26/2026

UPMC hospitals remain open and fully operational following the weekend snowstorm.

All UPMC hospitals and emergency departments have continued to operate without interruption throughout the weekend, thanks to the dedication of our staff.

Patients scheduled for procedures or office visits on Monday should confirm their appointments before traveling. If you have not already heard from your physician’s office, please call or message your provider to verify your appointment or discuss options if you feel unsafe traveling. We are not able to confirm individual provider or location status via social media.

Most offices will be open as usual, and many can offer later appointments, virtual telemedicine visits, or reschedule for later in the week.

As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Stay safe!

01/25/2026

As we continue to experience the impacts of the winter storm across all regions and facilities, we want to thank all of our UPMC team members working today and throughout the weekend to ensure that our patients are well cared for, our facilities are open and operating, and our grounds and campuses are clear and safe. Your work has been essential to ensuring that we can care for our communities, regardless of the weather.

Please exercise caution if you need to be out in the storm and its aftermath.

01/22/2026

North Hills residents have access to cutting-edge radiation treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant, with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator. This advanced technology delivers highly precise radiation to target tumors while protecting healthy tissue, often reducing weeks of treatment to just a few sessions, or even a single visit.

By expanding access to SBRT and SRS locally, patients can receive world-class cancer care closer to home, minimizing travel and improving convenience for families across the community. This investment strengthens care for today’s patients while increasing capacity for the future, bringing sophisticated, lifesaving treatment where it’s needed most.

Visit https://go.upmc.com/2523Zl3ez for more information.

01/19/2026

We’re almost there! Science, Chilled & Distilled returns to Trace Brewing in Bloomfield this Tuesday! Enjoy a complimentary drink and hear from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center experts about the secrets hidden in your DNA. Discover how your curiosity — and your support — can help fuel the next wave of discovery in cancer care. Let’s raise a glass to what’s possible.

📅 January 20
🕒 5:30 p.m.
📍 Trace Brewing, Bloomfield

For more information, visit our Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EEtZLaExp/

01/12/2026

Spreading hope, one bag at a time! For over ten years, Kelly Smith and her family have made a heartfelt impact on our community. This holiday season, they delivered 65 chemo care bags to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, bringing comfort and encouragement to our patients.

But the giving didn’t stop there! As a representative of ONEHOPE Winery, Kelly also donated more than $500 from Black Friday sales to support cancer research. Thank you, Kelly, for your continued support!