Press Releases

Mercy Regional Cancer Center Named
Best in Cancer Care by Commission on Cancer

Port Huron, MI…Mercy Hospital is proud to announce that the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has recognized Mercy Regional Cancer Center as offering the very best in cancer care. Mercy’s recognition was further defined by a full, three-year recertification by CoC, with commendation as a Community Hospital Cancer Program.

CoC recertification is presented only to oncology programs that demonstrate commitment to quality care and provide on-going improvement and public accountability for the care and service they provide. The CoC is a consortium of 40 professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

“Participation in this voluntary certification program provides a comparative distinction with other cancer care leaders,” explains Kanu Dalal, MD, Radiation Oncologist, and Co-Chair of the Mercy Cancer Committee. “At Mercy, we share the leadership distinction of
being a CoC certified program with other oncology programs including Karmanos Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Michigan State University, University of Michigan.

Beaumont Hospital and even the nationally renowned Mayo Clinic. It is clear Mercy offers area cancer patients outstanding cancer care from a CoC certified program right in this community.”

The Mercy Regional Cancer Center was presented commendation for its oncology program in a number of areas, including, but not limited to: outcome analysis performed by the Mercy Cancer Committee; clinical trial accrual through the Mercy Institutional Review Board (IRB) and its partnerships with Blue Water Oncology, PC; prevention and detection programs; cancer registry continuing education; and its outstanding cancer-related improvements which were defined as “impressive” in the CoC issued recertification document.

“This outstanding achievement is the result of dedicated cancer care staff, physicians and managers,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital President and CEO. “Only 25 percent of hospitals across the nation receive this type of award. Based on the CoC data, the Mercy Regional Cancer Center truly stands out as a leader in cancer care.”

CoC-approved facilities are responsible for diagnosing and treating 80 percent of the estimated 1.3 million individuals diagnosed across the nation with cancer each year. The CoC Approvals Program is widely recognized by national organizations, such as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the American Cancer Society.

“The American Cancer Society (ACS) believes that all Americans should have access to high quality cancer care, ensuring the best outcomes. As such, the ACS supports the CoC Approvals Program and is openly referring patients to the hospitals with [CoC] Approved Cancer Programs,” states Harmon Eyre, MD, of the American Cancer Society, Inc.

“For more nearly two decades, Mercy Hospital has been an area leader in cancer care,” comments Krishna Valjee, MD, a surgeon with St. Clair Surgical Group, PC, and Mercy Cancer Committee Co-Chair. “The Mercy Regional Cancer Center continues to expand its high-tech diagnostic and treatment services. It is the only center in St. Clair County to offer radiation therapy; access to a 32-Slice CT scanner which aids in surgical and medical treatment; and PET-CT for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. It also offers access to a host of compassionate and highly-trained cancer care professionals.”

To find out more about the extensive cancer care programs and services provided through the Mercy Regional Cancer Center, visit Mercy Hospital on-line at www.mercyporthuron.com; or visit the American Cancer Society’s website at: www.cancer.org.