Paducahan Delma Brantley is not surprised Western Baptist’s cancer program has been named one of the best in the country.

“I could not have been treated any better anywhere,” said Brantley, a non-smoker diagnosed four years ago with lung cancer. “I know this is what they do, but the doctors and nurses are the sweetest, most caring people I have ever known.”

Brantley’s cancer was found early. Following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy at Western Baptist, her prognosis is good. “My last PET scan was good,” she said, “and I am just feeling great. I wish everyone could be as fortunate as I have been.”

Western Baptist Hospital’s cancer program has added another honor to its impressive list of accomplishments.  The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) has presented it the 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award, an award given only to the top 15 percent of all programs surveyed nationally, ranking the hospital’s cancer program among the top 67 in the country.

Oncologist James Gould, M.D., Cancer Committee chair at Western Baptist, said the award is a testament to staff dedication and hospital leadership.

“Western Baptist Hospital’s comprehensive oncology program received this award because of the dedication and perseverance of every staff member to provide excellent patient care,” said Dr. Gould. “We’re honored to be among the top cancer programs in the nation, and we are happy to share this recognition with our patients.”

Approval from the Commission on Cancer means Western Baptist Hospital offers a full-service program with excellence in diagnostic and treatment-related services, cancer registry, patient support and community education and outreach.

The award follows the hospital’s third consecutive three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons.

Western Baptist recently added a second linear accelerator, a high-energy X-ray machine that targets radiation directly to the tumor for better cure rates and fewer side effects. A second machine allows patients to be scheduled and treated more quickly and efficiently.

Western Baptist is one of only three Kentucky hospitals with national accreditation for radiation oncology; and it has the area’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, a designation awarded by the American College of Radiology for accredited mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.

For more information about cancer services at Western Baptist Hospital, visit westernbaptist.com/cancer or phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.