$70 million cancer center breaks ground in Redding, promises jobs and better care

REDDING, Calif. — 12 years ago, Dignity Health recognized the need for advanced cancer care in Shasta and surrounding counties. Ground was broken on Tuesday for the Sierra Pacific Regional Cancer Center in Redding, near the intersection of Cypress and Hartnell avenues.

Plenty of shovels were needed for a project of this size. The $70 million, more than 40,000-square-foot cancer treatment center has personal significance for Mercy Medical Center, Redding President Todd Smith.

“I’ve dealt with it from a patient perspective and as a family member. It’s a lot to take on the diagnosis, let alone all the treatments and everything you have to do to get cured. This puts it in all in one spot, and that’s a relief for the family. There’s a sense of calmness because you know you can get it all done here, then go home, rest, and get ready for the next treatment. It’s just huge to me,” said Smith.

People ask if you build it, will oncologists come? Doctor Rizwan Nurani, president of the Shasta Cancer Care Alliance, assures that a team of oncologists will be available.

“We’re essentially bringing the very latest in cancer research and combining that with all these resources from the cancer center. It’s a very compassionate and comprehensive way of approaching the patients and giving them this environment where patients get the best of both worlds,” said Nurani.

Dignity Health, North State Market President Roger Page, notes that the impact of the cancer center will extend beyond patients and their families.

“This project brings some socio-economic impact as well. It’s going to bring additional jobs in Redding, it’s going to expand again with technology and not just healthcare jobs but also other professional jobs that would be attracted. With our local businesses,and people that are coming to those businesses and looking at living here… They’re looking at what type of healthcare is available to them and their families,” said Page.

The Regional Cancer Center is expected to open in 2026.