Willamette Valley Cancer Institute And Research Center Expands Access To Advanced PET/CT Technology To Strengthen Comprehensive Cancer Care Offering (Photo) - 08/11/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WVCI Expands Access to Advanced PET/CT Technology to Strengthen Comprehensive Cancer Care Offering

Powerful new PET/CT technology advances WVCI’s commitment to state-of-the-art imaging, coordinated cancer care, and the future introduction of radiopharmaceutical capabilities. 
 

EUGENE, Ore. — [August, 11, 2026] — Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (“WVCI”) announces the addition of PET/CT imaging technology with the installation of a new Siemens Biograph Trinion PET/CT scanner at its Eugene location this month. The technology provides patients a new, convenient option for advanced imaging and supports a higher level of coordinated cancer care for patients in the Willamette Valley.
 

PET/CT imaging combines PET (positron emission tomography), which shows tumor activity and location, with CT (computed tomography), which shows detailed images of the body’s anatomy, in one advanced scan. Together, these technologies help physicians identify health concerns quickly and accurately, supporting early detection, accurate diagnosis, and confident treatment planning.

By using PET/CT imaging early in the care planning process, WVCI care teams can see where cancer may be present and whether it has spread. This information helps physicians determine the stage of cancer, plan the next steps in care, and monitor how well treatment is working over time.
 

“Our new scanner gives our physicians highly detailed images that can detect exceptionally small areas of concern,” said Tina Nelson, Senior PET/CT technologist at WVCI.
 

The new PET/CT system is also designed with the patient experience in mind. Faster, lower-dose imaging may help shorten the time patients spend in the scanner and limit radiation exposure. Comfort features, including mood lighting and continued communication with imaging staff, are intended to help patients feel informed, supported, and more at ease during the exam.
 

“We want the experience to feel as reassuring as possible,” explains Nelson. “The new features help our imaging team do that by staying connected with patients and fostering a calming environment, which helps minimize clinical anxiety.”  
                                                                             

The PET/CT technology also supports WVCI’s introduction of radiopharmaceutical capabilities later this year. Radiopharmaceuticals are specialized medicines that contain small amounts of radioactive material and may be used to help diagnose and, in some cases, treat certain cancers. As this program develops, WVCI will share additional information with patients, referring providers, and community partners.

“For patients, this is about more than new technology,” Nelson said. “It brings cutting-edge imaging to where our patients are, alongside the cancer care team they already know. It’s helping reduce the physical and emotional burden of traveling to multiple locations for separate appointments.”
 

The new PET/CT scanner is available now for patients of WVCI. Details about future radiopharmaceutical capabilities will be shared as they are finalized later this year.

Patients who would like more information about WVCI’s imaging and cancer care services may call 541.683.5001. 
 

About Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center

The Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center is a member of the US Oncology Network of over 1,200 independent physicians, dedicated to delivering value-based, integrated care to patients – close to home in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Newport, and Springfield.  As part of the Network community, we share expertise and resources to advance local cancer care and deliver better patient outcomes. WVCI also participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research and Sarah Cannon Research Institute, which have played a role in more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies, approximately one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.

Media Contact:
  Christy Curtis
  Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
  541-632-3156
  Christy.Curtis@usoncology.com

CoastBusters Walk For Breast Cancer Returns In Memory Of Co-Founder Sonia Graham (Photo) - 07/24/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2026
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer Opens Registration for 2026 Comeback Walk in Memory of Co-Founder Sonia Graham

CENTRAL OREGON COAST — CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its 2026 walks, marking a powerful comeback year for the local nonprofit organization.

The 2026 CoastBusters Walk season will be held in memory of Sonia Graham, who co-founded the organization alongside Jeanette Campagna. Sonia’s vision, heart, and dedication helped shape CoastBusters into a community-driven effort focused on supporting local breast cancer patients and their families.

This year also marks a major milestone for CoastBusters, which is now officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With early registration now open, growing community support, and two walk locations planned, 2026 is shaping up to be the organization’s biggest year ever.
The 2026 CoastBusters Walks will take place on:

Newport: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Newport High School

Florence: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Siuslaw Middle School

The CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer brings the community together to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, raise awareness, and provide meaningful support for breast cancer patients on the Central Oregon Coast. Funds raised help local patients and families with expenses during treatment and recovery, including medical, transportation, groceries, utilities, lodging, and other everyday needs.

Early registration is open now, and participants who register early will receive early bird pricing and a guaranteed CoastBusters T-shirt.
Community members are encouraged to gather their family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, businesses, and walking teams. Costumes, team themes, fundraising challenges, and plenty of pink are encouraged.

Register here: https://www.coastbusterswalk.org/w/CoastBusters/Page/Events

Local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners are also invited to get involved as CoastBusters prepares for what is expected to be its largest year yet.

“This comeback year is especially meaningful as we honor Sonia Graham and continue the work she helped begin,” said Jeanette Campagna, CoastBusters co-founder. “CoastBusters has always been about community, hope, and helping local breast cancer patients and their families feel supported when they need it most.”

For more information about registration, sponsorship, volunteering, or supporting the CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer, visit:
https://www.coastbusterswalk.org/w/CoastBusters

About CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Central Oregon Coast. The organization raises funds to support local breast cancer patients and their families with real-life expenses during treatment and recovery. Through community walks, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support.