The Salem Cancer Institute has once again received the highest level of national accreditation for its breast cancer program and services.

This distinction—first granted to the cancer institute in 2010 for 3 years—is from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program of the American College of Surgeons. The NAPBC has granted a 3-year, full reaccreditation to the cancer institute.

This accreditation is given only to centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of breast care and that pass a rigorous evaluation and review process. The center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. Standards include proficiency in center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

“Our care is second to none,” said Steven Taylor, director of the cancer institute. Taylor noted interdisciplinary committees follow national guidelines, which continuously incorporate advancements from research and treatment. “Accreditation recognizes the highest level of collaboration by the best teams using the latest advances in care,” he added. “Success is correlated to this practice—and we have the outcomes to show this. We can assure patients they are getting the best possible treatment, right here.”

A National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) “think tank” continuously monitors latest advances, Taylor explains. “Every Thursday morning, we hold a cancer conference at the cancer institute to stay informed of NCCN guidelines for each cancer type,” said Taylor.

The cancer institute will hold its third annual Primary Care Symposium for local family practice physicians on April 11. This service connects them to the latest in cancer diagnosis, treatment knowledge and referral resources for their patients.

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving care for patients with breast disease. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

The American Cancer Society estimated that 232,340 patients were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer last year. In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who will deal with benign breast disease this year will require medical evaluation for treatment options.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to: 

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• And most importantly, quality breast care close to home.

Salem Cancer Institute treats about 300 patients with breast cancer annually, and is a part of Salem Health—which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ from Healthgrades in 2014, placing it in the top 5 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Salem Cancer Institute is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information visit salemcancercare.org, e-mail cancer.institute@salemhealth.org or call 503-562-4321.