Durham, N.C. — Sharon Finch Van Vechten, who won Miss North Carolina in 1964, was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago. She counts herself a survivor, but still makes frequent visits to Duke University Hospital for tests and exams.

“I’m at least here once a month and last week I was here three times,” Van Vechten said.

This week, she had her first visit to the new Duke Cancer Center and its new boutique where she enjoyed a makeover.

“At least when you look in the mirror, you like what you see, even if the rest of you is hurting and going through a tough time,” Van Vechten said.

The boutique is just one of the attractions of the new center, which includes a quiet room – a serene spot to get away from it all.
The center, which opens Monday, pulls all cancer-related services under one very large roof.

It represents an amazing evolution in cancer care over 35 years, Duke Medical oncologist Dr. Joseph Moore said. The center includes 28 examining rooms, 78 treatment rooms, 73 infusion stations and three new linear accelerators.

Under one roof, cancer patients can move from radiology to chemotherapy to imaging and consultation more easily.

Waiting rooms also give patients and family members more space in a comforting environment. A roof top garden terrace offers another scenic getaway.

On Thursday afternoon, Duke will have a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting.