Roper St. Francis Cancer Center Awarded National Honor

Accreditation Recognizes Quality, Comprehensive Patient Care

Roper St. Francis Cancer Center has been awarded the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons’ highest honor – Accreditation with Commendation.  The 3-year accreditation is bestowed on only the finest programs in the country with just 25% of hospitals in receipt.  An even smaller number of those achieve Commendation.

“This honor shows the community that the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center is a top level cancer treatment facility. People in the tri-county area have access to the best doctors, the best nurses and best overall care,” said David Ellison, M.D., Roper St. Francis Cancer Center Medical Director and board-certified hematologist-oncologist.

To receive approval, a hospital must demonstrate its commitment to providing patients with the highest quality of cancer care and also undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review.  Following an August 2005 survey, the Commission on Cancer found that the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center meets the six key standards for commendation, which are: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement.

“It’s a tribute to the leadership and excellent staff that we have achieved this level of success,” said Elaine Kloos, Service Line Director for Oncology Services.

“Our physicians have trained at the premier institutions in the country and brought that knowledge back to the Lowcountry. Our patients should feel confident they’re getting the highest level of service and care,” said Dr. Ellison.     

Roper St. Francis cancer patients benefit from a comprehensive team approach, including state-of-the-art technology and equipment for diagnosis and treatment, participation in ongoing clinical trials and access to a wide range of cancer-related education and support services.          

Roper St. Francis Cancer Center patients now benefit from digital mammography recently introduced at the Farmfield Mammography Center.  Digital mammography will be added to Roper St. Francis Medical Center Mt. Pleasant on Long Point Road this spring.  Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly on the computer.  It allows for improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically. Radiologists also can use software to help interpret digital mammograms.

Roper St. Francis Cancer Center maintains an active Research Department offering patients the option to participate in national research studies through the Southeast Cancer Control Consortium.  An average of 30 studies are currently available targeting cancer treatment and prevention.

“There are good treatments available, but many are only accessible through clinical trials. It’s important to talk with your doctor after being diagnosed with cancer about the available options,” said James Orcutt, M.D., a local oncologist and principal investigator of Clinical Research for Roper St. Francis Cancer Center.

Roper St. Francis also offers a number of support and education programs for patients, like Expressions of Healing. Through this program, artists and writers help cancer patients and their families express their feelings through journals or artwork. The next Expressions of Healing, a 6-week session, begins March 1 and meets weekly through April 5.

 In addition, the Breast Health Navigator Program helps guide cancer patients through the complex maze of new information, treatment options and therapy regimens. A navigator nurse becomes a helpful resource to assist during treatment, allowing the patient to focus on health and recovery. Monthly support groups are also available for breast cancer survivors.

For more information on Roper St. Francis Cancer Center call 843-402-CARE (2273).