ETMC Cancer Institute reaccredited

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted its three-year approval with commendation to the cancer program at the East Texas Medical Center Cancer Institute.  Established in 1922 by the ACoS, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standard-setting, and monitoring the quality of cancer care. 

In 1990, ETMC’s Cancer Institute was the first oncology program in East Texas to be certified by the CoC of the ACoS, placing it among the elite hospitals in the nation with approved cancer programs. 

“We are very pleased to have this approval by the CoC again because it’s only given to facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care,” said Todd Sigmon, vice president of the ETMC Cancer Institute.

Receiving care at a CoC-Approved Cancer Program ensures that a patient will have access to:
• 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.
• Quality care close to home.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.4 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2008.