The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted a three-year accreditation to the cancer program at Sentara Potomac Hospital. This marks the fourth consecutive time the cancer program has been surveyed and accredited by the Commission on Cancer.
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 team approach results in improved patient care.
“We are very proud to receive accreditation again,” says Masoom Kandahari, M.D., chairman of the Sentara Potomac Hospital Cancer Committee. “To be regarded as a high quality cancer program at a community hospital demonstrates the hard work that everyone here exhibits.”
A Commission on Cancer-approved cancer program focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services, and end-of-life care.
“To receive approval, facilities voluntarily undergo a rigorous evaluation process and a review of performance,” says Dr. Kandahari. “Only one hospital in four is approved. Also, in order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must undergo the on-site review every three years.”
Cancer care in your community
The Cancer Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital offers a full spectrum of services close to home so that patients do not have to spend valuable time traveling for treatment. It is equipped to provide the three main treatment options - surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Cancer patients and their families also benefit from several educational and support programs offered at Sentara Potomac Hospital.
