Following an extensive onsite evaluation of Beaufort Memorial’s cancer program, the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer renewed the hospital’s accreditation — and went a step further, presenting it with the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award, an honor bestowed on just 20 U.S. accredited cancer programs evaluated in the first half of this year.

It is the second time BMH has received special recognition from the Commission. In 2010, just four years after opening the Keyserling Cancer Center, the hospital was honored with the New Program Outstanding Achievement Award.

“It’s an extraordinary accomplishment to be honored twice in nine years,” said Cancer Program Director Connie Duke. “Not only did our program meet the commission’s high quality-of-care standards, we demonstrated a level of excellence worthy of special commendation.”

Considered the gold standard for cancer care, accreditation is granted only to facilities that are committed to providing the best in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Last June, a surveyor from the College of Surgeons visited the hospital to assess Beaufort Memorial’s cancer program. It was evaluated on 34 standards categorized within five activity areas: cancer committee leadership, data management, clinical services, patient outcomes and data quality.

To earn accreditation, a center must offer comprehensive cancer care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services and technology. The facility’s multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists, need to work as a team to coordinate the best available treatment.

In addition, patients should be provided with support services, ongoing monitoring and information on clinical trials and new treatment options. They also should be provided access to prevention and early detection programs and a cancer registry offering lifelong patient follow-up.

“We have continued to work hard to improve our program,” Duke said. “It was very gratifying to have our efforts recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award.”

For more information on the Keyserling Cancer Center, visit www.bmhsc.org or call 843-522-7800.