by Atrium Staff

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Approval with Commendation to the Cancer Program at Atrium Medical Center (Atrium).  This is the fifth-consecutive time the cancer program has received approval marking 15 straight years of operation under the highest possible service standards.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.  Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.  In order to earn approval by the Commission of Cancer, Atrium voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of its performance.  In order to maintain approval, Atrium undergoes an on-site review every three years.

Receiving care at a Commission of Cancer approved cancer program, such as Atrium Medical Center, ensures that a patient has access to:

• Quality care close to home
• Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
• A multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• Access to cancer-related information, education and support
• A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
• Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care

“By earning this honor, Atrium Medical Center shows a continued commitment to high-quality cancer care,” says Douglas W. McNeill, president and CEO of Atrium Medical Center.  “Once again, our cancer program has proven it is second to none.  This approval by the Commission of Cancer demonstrates our consistent level of high performance.”

Located in The Compton Center at Atrium Medical Center, Atrium’s cancer care program features the most advanced imaging and radiation therapy, along with access to promising clinical trials, to offer patients with cancer the latest treatment breakthrough close to home.  New intensive, targeted therapies include CT imaging for tumor mapping, image-guided radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy.  Atrium’s board-certified physicians are joined by an interdisciplinary team that includes specially trained nurses and an on-site pharmacist.