On September 17, 2025, El Paso celebrated a major milestone in healthcare as University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) officially broke ground on the Fox Cancer Center, a $30 million project set to establish the region’s first comprehensive cancer care facility.
The center will be the first comprehensive cancer facility serving the Borderplex and West Texas. Located at 300 Rick Francis Street on the north end of the Texas Health Tech El Paso campus near Interstate 10, Fox Cancer Center will offer specialized treatment, clinical trials, and research programs within the community, eliminating the need for patients to leave El Paso for advanced care.
Why This Matters
Texas Health Tech reports that more than 3,200 El Pasoans are diagnosed each year with leukemia, breast, liver, or kidney cancers. Among the city’s 83% Hispanic population, cancer is the leading cause of death, and 1 in 3 residents will face a diagnosis in their lifetime. Research cited by Texas Health Tech shows that patients treated at dedicated cancer centers experience a 9% higher survival rate than those treated at general hospitals.
“It’s not just about the people who love you, it’s about the people you love,” said local cancer survivor Wayne Martin to Texas Health Tech. “I’m grateful we’re getting a cancer center right here in El Paso. People won’t have to leave town or their families to get comprehensive care.”
The Fox Cancer Center will be supported by the ongoing Building Hope Campaign, which has already raised over $30 million toward construction and state-of-the-art treatment equipment, with a goal of an additional $25 million. A notable contribution includes a $5 million gift from the Hunt Family Foundation.
With construction underway, the Fox Cancer Center promises to bring world-class cancer care home, providing a critical resource for patients and families across the Borderplex.
Learn more about UMC’s bond initiatives and how they will shape the future of healthcare in El Paso. Explore updates on the Bond Watch site.
