Karmanos Named a Top U.S. Cancer Hospital for 13th Consecutive Year

DETROIT, MI – December 29, 2025 – For the 13th consecutive year, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has solidified its reputation as a national leader in oncology, earning the 2026 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care. This prestigious recognition, awarded since the list's inception, places Karmanos Cancer Hospital in the elite top 2% of the more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals offering cancer services.

The award highlights the institute's unwavering commitment to providing a superior patient experience, marked by a comprehensive range of treatment services and exceptionally low hospital-acquired infection rates.

A Culture of Compassion and Excellence

The consistent recognition from the Women’s Choice Award® underscores a deep-seated institutional philosophy at Karmanos. Brian Gamble, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Cancer Network, emphasized that the honor is a direct reflection of the institute's core values.

"Karmanos' culture is one of serving our patients with respect, integrity and compassion. This recognition reflects the exceptional care that our oncologists and clinical teams provide to our patients," said Gamble. "As the only stand-alone cancer hospital in Michigan, and with our National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art, compassionate care, and we have a continued dedication to ensuring that our patients are given their best chance."

This dual status as Michigan’s sole dedicated cancer hospital and an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center positions Karmanos as a unique and vital resource for patients throughout the state and beyond.

The Rigorous Standard of the Women's Choice Award

The Women's Choice Award® is more than just a seal of approval; it is a trusted referral source built on a rigorous, evidence-based methodology. To even be considered for the award, a hospital must first be accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Classification (ACS CoC) and hold a designation as a comprehensive cancer center from the National Cancer Institute.

From there, the award's criteria evaluate hospitals on several key metrics critical to patient outcomes and satisfaction. These include the availability of a full spectrum of cancer-related services onsite, performance on infection control, and patient recommendation ratings sourced from the national HCAHPS survey. Uniquely, the award also incorporates primary research on women's specific healthcare preferences, making it a powerful tool for patients navigating complex medical decisions.

"The very first step on a cancer journey is knowing where to go for the best care," said Delia Passi, a breast cancer survivor and the founder and CEO of the Women's Choice Award. "We empower women to make confident decisions about where to receive cancer care – for themselves and their loved ones – especially during one of life's most stressful times."

Prioritizing Patient Safety and Integrated Care

For cancer patients, whose immune systems are often compromised by treatments like chemotherapy, the risk of hospital-acquired infections is a serious concern. Karmanos’s exceptional performance in this area was a significant factor in its 2026 award. The institute dedicates substantial resources to infection prevention, a commitment that directly translates to safer care and better outcomes.

"Our staff at Karmanos has done a tremendous job in ensuring that safety is a top priority when taking care of our patients and has been consistent in keeping infections related to hospital stays down in every area of care that is involved," Gamble added.

Beyond safety, the award recognizes the value of integrated and accessible services. Accredited hospitals like Karmanos provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment options, ensuring coordinated care across multiple specialties. By offering these services onsite, the hospital minimizes the need for patients to travel between different facilities, a crucial benefit for those balancing intensive treatment schedules with family and work responsibilities.

"In addition to high-level performance, our award winners deliver the care women value most—accessible, coordinated and compassionate," Passi noted.

A Leader in Transformative Cancer Research and Treatment

Karmanos Cancer Hospital is one of only 465 hospitals across the nation to earn this distinction for 2026. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos stands as the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan, with its headquarters and specialty hospital located in downtown Detroit for over 75 years.

Its influence extends throughout Michigan and northern Ohio via a network of care sites, providing broad access to world-renowned physicians and cutting-edge clinical trials. The institute's academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine forms the backbone of its research and educational efforts, allowing it to continually define new standards of care, improve survivorship, and pursue its ultimate vision of a world free of cancer.