Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center

Who We Serve

Every person we serve represents a family, a community and a future full of possibility. Across Wisconsin, the MCW Cancer Center extends the impact of cancer research and care to 29 counties and 3.4 million residents.

Aerial view of Milwaukee neighborhood

Community Highlights

The MCW Cancer Center serves communities as diverse as the people who call Wisconsin home. Our reach includes a significant portion of the state’s racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as rural communities across the region:

  • 75% of the state's racial and ethnic minority population
  • 85% of African American residents
  • 74% of Hispanic residents
  • 74% of American Indian or Alaska Native residents
  • 40% of the rural population

Wisconsin map showing Catchment Area counties

Catchment Area

The MCW Cancer Center’s catchment area spans 29 counties across eastern Wisconsin, from Milwaukee to rural communities in the northern part of the state. These communities shape our research, outreach, education and efforts to reduce the burden of cancer—helping us better understand and address the needs of the people we serve.

These counties include: Ashland, Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Iron, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Vilas, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Winnebago.

Technician examining histological sample

Cancer Incidence in Wisconsin

Across Wisconsin, cancer rates exceed the national average, with some neighborhoods disproportionately affected. Our programs focus on the cancers that most significantly affect local residents:

  • Breast
  • Colorectal
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Myeloma
  • Pancreatic
  • Prostate
  • Rare Cancers

These differences are shaped by more than biology alone. Social, economic and environmental factors—including access to care, lifestyle and behavioral factors, and longstanding inequities—can influence cancer risk, treatment and outcomes.

Recent Research and Discoveries

Woman smiling looking out the window

Closing the Breast Cancer Disparities Gap

Black and African American women are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular complications after breast cancer. The MCW Cancer Center is working with the community to prevent ongoing disparities and provide the best patient care possible.

Learn more about cancer disparities
Man fishing on a lake

Protecting Our Tribal Communities

MCW’s Dr. Matthew Dellinger and team partnered with the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan to create an app informing users about the safest fish to consume in the upper Great Lakes region.

Learn about tribal health
Doctor reviewing x-ray

Transgender and Nonbinary People, and Providers, Benefit from Better Awareness of Screening Guidelines

Screenings help catch cancer early, resulting in more promising health outcomes. While the transgender and nonbinary population is growing, the majority are unsure of when and whether to be screened. A new study points to the need for greater cancer education and care.

Learn about inclusive care