Graham, national director tour Hollings Cancer Center

If the Hollings Cancer Center wins recognition as one of the nation's top institutions, then it also will attract more top-notch doctors, more research dollars and clinical trials, and more spin-off industries.

Ultimately, it might mean that more Lowcountry cancer patients can get state-of-the-art treatment here instead of having to go somewhere else.

That's why U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and National Cancer Institute director Dr. John Niederhuber spent part of Monday morning touring the newly built center at the heart of the Medical University of South Carolina campus.

Led by Hollings Cancer Center director Dr. Andrew Kraft, Graham and Niederhuber looked at laboratories and equipment, saw patient care areas and even boarded a blue and white bus that the center uses to provide free cancer screenings in 12 Lowcountry counties.

Each man wanted something from the other.

Graham wanted Niederhuber to get a close-up look at the Hollings Center, which Graham hopes will become the 64th nationally accredited cancer center early next year —and the first such center in South Carolina or Georgia. Niederhuber won't make that decision, but his familiarity with Hollings' operations won't hurt.

Kraft also wants that designation — as well as the continued support of Graham, whose office already helped funnel $8 million in federal dollars for upgrading the center. That support is crucial as the center battles the state's No. 2 killer —a disease diagnosed in 17,000 South Carolinians each year.

And Niederhuber also wants Graham's support increasing the overall budget for the National Cancer Institute, a $4.8 billion agency that depends relies on government —not private — funding.

The high profile nature of Monday's event was underscored when the center's namesake, former Sen. Fritz Hollings, joined the group for lunch.

Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.