Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center has earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for its rectal cancer program.
LIJ Medical Center joins three other Northwell Health hospitals that have achieved the NAPRC’s highest recognition, including Lenox Hill Hospital, the first and only hospital in New York City to be nationally accredited in this specialty, as well as Huntington Hospital and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. To date, only six hospitals in New York State and 78 hospitals nationwide have received the prestigious designation for delivering the highest level of comprehensive rectal cancer care to patients.
The accreditation is granted to oncology programs that demonstrate compliance with rigorous NAPRC standards relating to program management, clinical services, multidisciplinary care among medical and surgical specialties, and quality improvement measures. Part of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute – one of the largest oncology programs in the New York State –LIJ Medical Center’s colorectal cancer program is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists, including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists and pathologists. The hospital’s specialized care team provides personalized care and support for patients at every stage of screening, diagnosis and treatment.
“This prominent distinction is an important acknowledgment of the outstanding care provided by LIJ Medical Center’s colorectal oncology team,” said John Ricci, MD, chief of colorectal surgery at LIJ Medical Center. “This accreditation is the gold standard for the advancement of rectal cancer. Congratulations go to our entire team for this outstanding achievement, which highlights our dedication to high-quality outcomes and our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.”
Dr. Ricci said LIJ is a recognized leader in the treatment of a wide range of colon and rectal conditions using minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology. “Another factor contributing to the superb outcomes in rectal cancer cases is that the multidisciplinary team discusses each patient’s case to develop the best overall treatment plan,” he noted.
While the incidence and mortality rates are dropping for colorectal cancer in the country, the National Cancer Institute estimates there will be over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,000 deaths from the disease in the country in 2023. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States.
“It’s important to remember that colorectal cancer is more treatable when caught early,” Dr. Ricci said. “We recommend regular screening tests such as colonoscopy to protect against the disease when we can spot cancer or precancerous areas known as polyps, so we can remove them.”
To make an appointment or to reach a nurse navigator through Northwell’s Cancer Care Direct, call 833-223-4732 or online at cancercaredirect@northwell.edu.
Recent Comments