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February 2005 Sharon Regional cancer program approved by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted approval to the cancer program at Sharon Regional Health System's Cancer Care Center, 2320 Highland Road, Hermitage. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1932, the Approvals Program sets standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to make sure they conform to those standards. Recognizing that cancer is a complex group of diseases, the program promotes consultation among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary cooperation results in improved patient care. Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer approved program ensures that a patient will have access to quality care close to home; comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment; a multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients; information about cancer clinical trials, education, and support; lifelong patient follow-up through a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results; and ongoing monitoring and improvement of care. Approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and to undergo a rigorous evaluation process and a review of its performance. In order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must undergo an on-site survey every three years. There are currently more than 1,400 Commission on Cancer approved cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. This 25 percent of hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year. Sharon Regional's Cancer Care Center is the only facility of its kind in Mercer County, offering total cancer care and support services within one modern, convenient location. For more information on the Cancer Care Center or to schedule a tour, call 724-983-5900. |
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