Shannon Cancer Center Attains National Accreditation from American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

Shannon Cancer Center announced it has received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program. The ACS CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards of care.

CoC accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high-quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The CoC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services either on-site or by referral, including community-based resources.

“Receiving this accreditation ensures our patients have access to state-of-the-art services and specialists for cancer care close to home,” said Raj Cheruku, M.D., medical oncologist and medical director of the Shannon Oncology Center. “Cancer cases continue to grow from Tom Green County and the surrounding region. We want patients to be able to receive the best care at home with their support system of family and friends. This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and support staff to continue improving the scope of our services. Our specialized team works closely together to provide our patients with individualized plans and coordinated care across all disciplines so they can achieve the best possible outcomes.”

As a CoC-accredited institution, Shannon also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies an institution’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know Shannon Cancer Center is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.

"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Shannon Cancer Center has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

Learn more about the CoC Accreditation Program.

About Shannon Cancer Center

Shannon Cancer Center provides a comprehensive cancer program including medical and radiation oncology, integration with surgical and other specialties, and supportive care services. The Center houses all outpatient oncology care and treatment services in one facility, meaning patients can receive seamless and timely service close to home. The Center is equipped with:

• 28 outpatient chemotherapy chair stations
• 2 Image Guidance Linear Accelerators
• On-site PET/CT scanner
• Fully staffed on-site pharmacy
• Patient education center
• Clinical and financial patient navigation services
• On site supportive care including dedicated cancer navigators, social work, registered dietitians and therapy services

For more information, visit www.ShannonCancerCenter.com.