This fall, Lakewood Health System will open the doors to its new, state-of-the-art cancer center in Staples, Minn. But beyond the walls and technology, this center represents something much deeper: a new standard for how cancer care is delivered in rural communities.
At Lakewood, care doesn’t start weeks after a referral—it starts right away. With short wait times, rapid scheduling, and all services under one roof, patients experience a level of access and coordination that’s rare outside of a metro area. There’s no need to travel far for exceptional treatment — Lakewood brings it all close to home.
The care team includes oncologists, Drs. Wade Swenson and Emily McGovern; palliative care specialist, Dr. Nathan Dewey; nurse practitioners, Jessica Nybakken, AOCNP, and Mariah Nieman, FNP; and two new additions this fall: oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Aquino Williams, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Sheilaine Mabanta. This collaborative, full-spectrum team ensures every patient receives timely, personalized care in one seamless location.
The new cancer center will house 14 infusion bays, radiation oncology services with a linear accelerator, in-house PET/CT imaging, and expanded clinic space for consults and exams. But what makes it truly special is the deeply personal, patient-first approach that defines Lakewood’s culture.
“This cancer center is about bringing world-class care to where our patients live,” said Dr. Swenson. “It means faster answers, familiar faces, and a team that truly knows you—not just as a patient, but as a person. That’s the kind of care people in our communities deserve.”
The Lakewood Cancer Center is more than a building — it’s a promise that the very best cancer care doesn’t have to be found in the city. It’s here at home. And hope has a new home in central Minnesota.