New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s oncology program has been approved, with commendation, by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer as a designated Teaching Hospital Cancer Program.

Only 25 percent of U.S. hospitals receive the designation, New Hanover Regional officials said.

Hospital officials said that patients receiving care at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a Commission on Cancer-approved hospital, have access to quality health care closer to home, with modern services and equipment. The hospital also offers a multi-specialty team approach to treatment options, information about ongoing clinical trials, education and support.

Hospital officials said that recognition as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program is achieved by maintaining standards set by the Commission on Cancer to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The cancer program participates in a rigorous evaluation process every three years to maintain its status.

The focus of the evaluation included the oncology program’s staff, technology, treatment protocols including ongoing clinical trials, cancer registry, outcomes data and patient support services.

Multiple, site-specific cancer conferences were another of the areas evaluated. Hospital officials said most cancer patients at New Hanover Regional Medical Center have their case reviewed by a multi-specialty team that determines the best treatment options available, depending on the patients’ cancer type. Team members include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists.

The Zimmer Cancer Canter, located on the campus of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, opened in 2000. It was designed by teams of physicians, cancer patients, nurses and administrators. Hospital officials said the facility is the only community cancer center in Southeastern North Carolina dedicated solely to the diagnosis, treatment and support of people with cancer.

The Zimmer Cancer Center houses outpatient services, including chemotherapy, infusion therapy and radiation therapies. It also hosts the hospital’s clinical trials program, giving local residents an opportunity to participate in national treatment studies. Clinic services are available for medical, surgical, breast and oncological cancer diagnosis and follow-up care.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center was first approved as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program in 2002. Re-accreditation is required every three years.