Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Lahey Health have begun construction on a new $1.68 billion cancer hospital in Boston. The facility is designated as the only medical center of its kind in New England. The project is located at the Longwood site, where cranes are now being installed for the build. The start of this work marks a significant step toward the separation of Dana-Farber and its longtime partner, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is part of the Mass General Brigham system, which has launched its own rival cancer institute. Mass General Brigham is currently constructing new buildings and renovating other spaces to compete in the market. Dr. Benjamin Ebert, chief executive of Dana-Farber, noted that the organization has discussed the potential of a cancer-focused hospital extensively. He stated that seeing the physical construction process provides motivation for the team as they imagine the future capabilities of the facility.