What are the Goals of the Commission on Cancer?
The primary goals of the CoC are to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cancer patients, improve the quality of care, and ensure that patients have access to the full scope of services required for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and support of cancer patients. The CoC aims to achieve these goals through the establishment of
standards of care, accreditation of cancer programs, data collection and analysis, and educational programs.
How Does the CoC Accreditation Process Work?
The CoC accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of a cancer program's performance against the CoC's standards. Accredited programs must demonstrate compliance with these standards through a detailed application process and an on-site review by a CoC survey team. The survey team assesses the program's clinical services, quality improvement efforts, cancer committee leadership, and patient outcomes. Programs that meet the CoC's standards are awarded
CoC accreditation, which is a mark of excellence and a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
What are the Benefits of CoC Accreditation?
CoC accreditation offers numerous benefits to cancer programs and their patients. Accredited programs have access to a range of resources and support to enhance their cancer care services. Patients benefit from receiving care at a facility that meets the highest standards of quality and is committed to continuous improvement. Additionally, CoC-accredited programs have access to the
National Cancer Database (NCDB), which provides valuable data for benchmarking and quality improvement initiatives.
What is the National Cancer Database (NCDB)?
The NCDB is a nationwide oncology outcomes database that collects data from CoC-accredited cancer programs. It is one of the largest clinical cancer registries in the world, containing data on millions of cancer cases. The NCDB is a powerful tool for research, quality improvement, and benchmarking, allowing cancer programs to compare their performance with national standards and identify areas for improvement. Data from the NCDB is used to inform evidence-based guidelines, policy decisions, and clinical practice.
How Does the CoC Address Multidisciplinary Care?
The CoC emphasizes the importance of
multidisciplinary care in the treatment of cancer. This approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care from a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals. The CoC standards require cancer programs to establish multidisciplinary cancer committees and hold regular tumor board meetings to discuss and plan patient care. This collaborative approach leads to better treatment planning, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for cancer patients.
What Role Does the CoC Play in Cancer Prevention and Education?
The CoC is actively involved in cancer prevention and education efforts. It promotes public awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform the community about cancer risk factors, early detection, and prevention strategies. The CoC also collaborates with other organizations to develop and disseminate guidelines and recommendations for cancer screening and prevention. Through its educational initiatives, the CoC aims to reduce the incidence of cancer and improve the overall health of the population.
How Can Cancer Programs Get Involved with the CoC?
Cancer programs interested in becoming CoC-accredited can begin by reviewing the
CoC standards and assessing their readiness for accreditation. Programs can apply for accreditation through the CoC website and participate in the required evaluation and site visit process. Once accredited, programs can engage with the CoC by participating in educational events, utilizing resources and tools for quality improvement, and contributing to the NCDB. Active involvement with the CoC helps programs stay current with best practices and maintain high standards of care for their patients.
