VISN 7 News

VA Hospital Cancer Program Earns Approval
Certificate with Commendation

CHARLESTON, S.C.--The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center cancer program received its three-year certificate of approval with commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons Jan. 22. The approval with commendation--the highest level of approval possible--was granted following the on-site evaluation by a CoC physician surveyor.

"We're very proud of the designation, which represents the dedication of the Charleston VAMC cancer program to offer the best in cancer care to our nation's heroes," said Dr. John G. Allison, chairman of the Charleston VAMC cancer committee.

According to the CoC, the Approvals Program sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews programs to ensure they conform to set standards. Approval by the CoC is given only to facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review.

In 2006, Charleston VAMC diagnosed 368 new cancer cases, and in most cases, treatment was provided on-site. Charleston VAMC also offers active screening programs for breast cancer and cervical cancer to its growing population of female veterans.

The Charleston VAMC cancer program is approved through 2009.