Health system reports 46% increase in radiation therapy cases since 2020, opens new facilities in Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties.
AdventHealth’s East Florida Division has announced significant expansions to its cancer care services across Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties, citing rising demand from the region’s growing population. The health system, which operates seven hospitals and a network of outpatient facilities in the three-county area, reports it now supports nearly 1.3 million patient visits annually with more than 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers.
According to a December 10, 2025 announcement, the East Florida Division experienced a 46 percent increase in radiation therapy courses between 2020 and 2024. The division’s network currently includes five radiation oncology centers, two outpatient infusion centers, two nationally accredited breast centers, two robotic bronchoscopy programs, and 10 imaging centers, serving approximately 5,000 cancer patients each year.
“Our region’s population growth is driving the need for more accessible, specialized care,” said Shyroll Morris, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “As our community grows, we’re here to meet families where they are — with expert specialists, advanced technology, and compassionate care that’s close to home.”
Faster Diagnosis Times for Lung Cancer
One of the most significant developments involves lung cancer detection and treatment timelines. AdventHealth reports that by combining low-dose CT scans with artificial intelligence technology, its East Florida Division has reduced the average time from diagnosis to treatment from approximately 90 days nationally to 30 days locally.
The health system also reports a shift in when lung cancers are being detected. In 2024, early-stage lung cancer diagnoses at 48 percent surpassed late-stage diagnoses at 46 percent within the East Florida Division, reversing historical trends. Officials attribute this change to expanded low-dose CT screenings and AI-guided lung nodule tracking.
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.,” Morris said. “When it’s found early, people have more options and more hope. That’s why this screening program is so important.”
Dr. Wallace Thomas, an interventional pulmonologist with the health system, emphasized the importance of proactive screening. “If you wait for symptoms, you’re already behind,” Thomas said. “Screening gives us a fighting chance to find it before it’s too late.”
Technology Investments Across the Region
AdventHealth has deployed several advanced treatment systems throughout its East Florida facilities, including Ethos adaptive radiation therapy, TrueBeam linear accelerators, and Vision RT surface tracking technology. These systems allow physicians to adjust treatment plans in real time based on changes in a patient’s anatomy.
“Adaptive radiation lets us fine-tune in real time,” said Dr. Shiv Desai, a radiation oncologist at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “Small, daily adjustments help keep the dose locked on target while sparing healthy tissue.”
Earlier this year, a 72-year-old cancer survivor from Ormond Beach named Corrine Graczewski became the first patient in Volusia and Flagler counties to receive treatment using the Ethos system. The milestone was recognized during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway.
“Ethos represents a major step forward in cancer care,” Desai said. “It allows us to offer world-class precision therapy right in our community, and stories like Corrine’s remind us what that progress means for real people.”
AdventHealth Daytona Beach also offers Ion Navigational Bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure that allows physicians to biopsy and diagnose small nodules deep within the lungs. Additionally, the hospital opened the SherryStrong Integrative Wellness Center through a partnership with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, offering free therapies including yoga, acupuncture, oncology massage, and nutrition counseling to patients and families.
New Flagler County Cancer Center Opens
In Flagler County, the Freytag Cancer Center at AdventHealth Palm Coast opened in early 2025. The $30 million, two-story, 30,000-square-foot facility brings radiation and medical oncology services together under one roof and includes the relocated Judith C. Macko Resource Center, which provides free education, wigs, and support services.
“Freytag Cancer Center is more than just a building; it’s an investment in our community and a commitment to compassionate, world-class care,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and CEO of AdventHealth Palm Coast and the Flagler and St. Johns market.
Lake County Expansions
AdventHealth Waterman became the first hospital in Lake County to offer Ion technology for lung cancer detection as part of a $1 million investment. The hospital also opened the Strands of Hope Wig Boutique, providing free wigs and fittings to women experiencing medical-related hair loss.
In 2026, AdventHealth Waterman plans to install a new TrueBeam Linear Accelerator to expand radiation therapy access in the community.
Volusia County Developments
In Southeast Volusia County, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach completed a full transition of oncology services to AdventHealth clinicians approximately one year ago. The facility added a second infusion room and Vision RT technology for improved radiation therapy accuracy.
AdventHealth Fish Memorial in West Volusia plans to expand its cancer program with a new TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, which will enable more precise treatment options, including 3D conformal therapy, IMRT, and SBRT.
Physician Recruitment and Future Plans
To support the expanded services, AdventHealth has focused on recruiting fellowship-trained subspecialty physicians, including specialists in pituitary, pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and complex head and neck cancers, as well as interventional pulmonology and complex gastrointestinal surgery.
“Physicians choose this region because they can practice at the top of their field and collaborate across sites,” Morris said. “That mix — technology, teamwork, and timely access — changes outcomes and the care experience.”
The health system indicated that additional oncology specialists are being recruited, new technologies are being added, and AI-driven detection programs are expanding across the division.
“Every improvement we make, from technology to the care experience, comes back to one goal,” Morris said. “We’re building a system where people don’t have to leave their community to receive the very best care.”
