The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted a three-year accreditation with commendation to Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.4 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2009. “Based on statistics like these, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute strives to provide the best in treatment options, cancer education and patient care to the community,” said Leslie Aldrich, administrator of FHCI. “Therefore, it is important to maintain accreditations that distinguish Florida Hospital Cancer Institute as a leader in the industry.”

There are more than 1,500 accredited cancer centers in the United States, with 76 in Florida. To maintain accreditation, facilities with CoC-accredited cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every three years. Florida Hospital Cancer Institute has been accredited by ACoS since July 1989.

“Receiving ACoS/CoC accreditation with commendation reflects the dedicated, hard work of our tumor registry and cancer committee,” said Dr. Louis Barr, FHCI medical director.  “It is a foundation upon which our program has continued to grow and improve. We are proud of what we have accomplished and what we hope to offer in the future.”
Receiving accreditation demonstrates expertise and dedication to quality patient care by meeting a set of standards and completing an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor. Receiving care at a CoC-accredited cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:

• comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the art services and equipment
• a multi-specialty, 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 types and stages of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow-up
• ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
• quality care close to home

Established by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a group 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.

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute provides a comprehensive continuum of services ranging from disease prediction and prevention to state-of-the-art detection, treatment and research – encompassed by educational, psychological and spiritual support.  FHCI treats thousands of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year, has the largest program in the state and has one of the largest clinical trials program in Central Florida

For more information about the Commission on Cancer, visit www.facs.org/cancer/index.html. For media inquiries, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.