Additional cancer specialist joins Pittsburg physician group
Cancer deaths have dropped 27% from 1999 to 2019 . . . .
Cancer remains a major killer in the United States.
In 2019, there were almost 600,000 deaths from the disease in the nation. In 2019, cancer was the second leading cause of death, after heart disease, in the United States.
But there is good news: Cancer death rates dropped a whopping 27% nationally from 1999 to 2019, according to the National Cancer Institute.
To help continue fighting the illness, an additional oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Boban Mathew, has joined the Freeman Physician Group of Pittsburg.
“This is an exciting time for Freeman Health System as we’re extending our range of oncology and radiation oncology services in Southeast Kansas, giving patients access to convenient care when they need it most,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Dr. Mathew to our Freeman cancer care team in Pittsburg to continue providing exceptional care to area residents,” she added.
Dr. Mathew did an internal medicine residency at the Ohio Valley Medical Center and completed a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
He has practiced medicine in southeast Kansas for two decades and will continue to serve Pittsburg area residents as a member of the Freeman team.
Dr. Mathew has participated in clinical trials through Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA), which is a regional cancer network spearheaded by the University of Kansas Cancer Center. He said he was drawn to his specialty because of personal experience with cancer.
“Growing up, I witnessed several family members battle cancers and undergo treatments,” he said. “That’s what spurred my interest in cancer care, and I decided to go to medical school with the hope of specializing in oncology. I’ve committed my life’s work to helping families navigate the difficult journey and decisions associated with this diagnosis.”
For information and to make appointments, call the Freeman Physician Group of Pittsburg at (620) 231-0204.