Geisinger Medical Center will start construction of a $32 million cancer center near Bucknell University in Lewisburg, its officials said.

The building is expected to strengthen Geisinger’s commitment to the Lewisburg area with a series of investments over the coming years, starting with the cancer center construction.

The facility is meant to expand services, bring new providers and offer greater access to care for the Lewisburg community and surrounding region.

“There’s a clear benefit to receiving care close to home — especially specialized treatment like cancer services,” said Megan Brosious, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “We’ve continued to invest in facilities and programs so our neighbors throughout the central Susquehanna Valley can receive care where it’s most convenient for them.”

Site preparations have already begun on a property along Route 15 in East Buffalo Township for a two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility that will be home to the cancer center with space for future growth of services.

The center will occupy the first floor of the building, replacing Geisinger’s current space at 75 Medical Park Drive in Kelly Township.

Need for a broader spectrum of cancer care services continues to grow as the population ages and people are diagnosed with cancer earlier in life.

The facility will expand upon offerings at the current location and increase some services and spaces.

When the cancer center opens in 2026, it will feature 12 exam rooms, 15 infusion stations, external beam radiation and treatment planning. An outpatient clinic will include medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology and Geisinger’s first palliative care clinic in Union County.

The cancer center’s location allows for the seamless transition of care when a patient needs more advanced services at nearby Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

“Growing our presence in Union County is another step toward making sure our patients never have to leave the region for outstanding cancer care,” said Rajiv Panikkar, M.D., chair of the Geisinger Cancer Institute. “Our cancer program features top-tier providers who work with comprehensive multidisciplinary care teams to establish treatment plans, while also providing our patients with the latest technologies and clinical trials.”

It is part of Geisinger’s latest investment to improve access to specialized care throughout the region, including specialty clinics and the announced expansion of Geisinger Medical Center.

Geisinger continues to explore opportunities for other investments throughout the region, including Union County.