Quality Cancer Care Proven by National Reaccreditations January 11, 2019 The Cancer Program at Samaritan Health Services was recently awarded full reaccreditation from both the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). To achieve such recognition, the Samaritan Cancer Program must undergo rigorous evaluation and review of performance and compliance to national standards. Samaritan Health Services houses the only Cancer Program in Oregon accredited by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program. To achieve this status, Samaritan Cancer Program must participate in post-graduate medical education in a minimum of four disciplines, record more than 500 newly diagnosed cancer cases each year, offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment services and participate in cancer-related clinical research. “The Commission on Cancer accreditation is considered the hallmark of excellence and continues to raise the bar by focusing on patient-centered needs as well as a well-structured cancer program,” said Farnoush Abar, MD, MPH, medical oncologist and cancer committee chair for Samaritan Cancer Program. “With the combined efforts of our cancer committee members, we were able to meet the expectations and receive full reaccreditation.” The other notable reaccreditation earned by the Samaritan Cancer Program was the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The prestigious accreditation examines all aspects of breast cancer care and the patient experience. The NABPC accreditation is administered by the American College of Surgeons, with rigorous evaluation of six components of a multidisciplinary breast team: radiology, pathology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic surgery. Beyond the six disciplines evaluated by the NAPBC, Samaritan Cancer Program has broadened and or enhanced services in breast health to include onsite genetics, expanded roles of the nurse navigation team, as well as added additional care team members – ensuring high-quality cancer care is available to patients. “Most people are looking for a multidisciplinary breast team, a place where they can receive diagnosis, treatment and reconstruction. At Samaritan Health Services, we’re proud to offer women truly comprehensive breast cancer care close to home,” said David Faddis, MD, general surgeon who specializes in surgical oncology and breast surgery. Dr. Faddis is the chair of Samaritan’s Breast Steering Committee which is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to innovative, local breast health care. In addition to the recently earned reaccreditations through the CoC and NAPBC, Samaritan holds the following accreditations through the American College of Radiology: Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation. They’re also a member of the Association of Community Cancer Centers. The Samaritan Cancer Program provides cancer care across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties, with the Samaritan Pastega Regional Cancer Center in Corvallis serving as the hub for accessing these services.
