Topeka ? Kansas needs to do a better job in the fight against cancer, health leaders said Monday.

And the announcement of a new alliance of hospitals with Kansas University was seen by many as a watershed moment in that fight.

“We have a lot of room for improvement,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, noting that reductions in cancer seen elsewhere in the nation are not nearly as great in Kansas. But Jensen and other leading doctors said the formation of the Midwest Cancer Alliance will enhance cancer treatment statewide.

“These new partnerships signify a great beginning and hope for all who are afflicted with this disease,” Jensen said.

Midwest Cancer Alliance will include Stormont-Vail HealthCare of Topeka; Goodland Regional Medical Center; Hutchinson Hospital; Mount Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg; and Kansas University Hospital, Kansas City, Kan.

The alliance is aimed at increasing cancer care trials and drug development and will serve as the outreach arm of the KU Cancer Center.

“Access to the latest advancements in cancer care is very important for patients who are fighting this horrible disease,” said Dr. Gary Doolittle, MCA medical director.

MCA partners will have access to second-opinion and consultation services through “tele-oncology,” which will allow patients to see a KU Cancer Center oncologist without having to travel.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was on hand for the announcement of the addition of Stormont-Vail.

Sebelius said the alliance will expand in the future to other health care organizations.

“This is one of the most important things we could be involved in,” Sebelius said.

About 5,300 Kansans die annually from cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State figures show that approximately 4,000 of those deaths are tobacco-related.

Officials said the alliance will also help KU attain National Cancer Institute designation, but that was just a marker toward eradicating cancer.

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure that essentially no one suffers or dies from this disease in this state,” Jensen said.