According to Dr. James Gould, Chair of the Cancer Committee at Western Baptist, receiving care at a Commission on Cancer-approved program ensures that a patient will have access to quality care close to home. In fact, Western Baptist Hospital is the only such facility within a 60-mile radius, and one of only 10 such facilities within 100 miles of Paducah.

“Western Baptist is pleased to obtain this distinguished approval and proud to provide our patients with comprehensive care, offering a range of state-of-the art services and equipment,” says Dr. Gould. “We provide a multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients. This approval singles out Western Baptist’s program as one of a unique group of nonuniversity medical centers nationwide. The Cancer Program includes a weekly Tumor Conference, or case review, attended by multiple members of the Cancer Care team,” he continues.

Those receiving care at an ACOS-approved cancer program also are ensured information about cancer clinical trials, education, and support; lifelong patient follow up through a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results; and ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.

Approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and to undergo a rigorous evaluation process and a review of performance. To maintain their approval, facilities must undergo an on-site review every three years.

“The dedicated staff of Western Baptist Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care work very hard to ensure our patients the best in cancer care,” says Dr. Gould. “Meeting and exceeding the standards of the Commission on Cancer is something in which we take great pride. It indicates to our patients and their families that we are dedicated to their health and well-being.”

There are currently more than 1,400 Commission on Cancer-approved cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. This 25 percent of hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed patients each year.

For a copy of Western Baptist Hospital’s latest Oncology Report, call Baptist Health Line at 270-575-2918.