News

Shaw Center Honored For Excellence

VAIL CO — Shaw Regional Cancer Center recently received another certification award in a growing list of accomplishments and accreditations. The cancer center located in Edwards was recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) for its commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement.

“We believe the families in our community and region deserve the best cancer care possible” said Doris Kirchner President and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center of which Shaw and the Sonnenalp Breast Center are outpatient departments. “Recognition from our peers and experts in healthcare further validates we are accomplishing our mission to provide outstanding services to all whom we serve.”

Comprised of academic oncologists and quality experts QOPI incorporates measures and standards based on clinical guidelines and published standards for quality oncology care. Shaw boasts a 97% five-year survival rate for Stage I breast cancer patients nearly 5% greater than the national average and a 96% five-year prostate cancer survival rate 8% above the national average.

Shaw was also recently awarded the esteemed three-year Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation with commendation the highest level that can be achieved by the survey. Established by the American College of Surgeons the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standards-setting prevention research education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

These recent recognitions are becoming the norm for Shaw Regional Cancer Center. Sonnenalp Breast Center has been awarded the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Breast Imaging Excellence Award the highest accreditation achievable by breast imaging centers. The ACR has also accredited the breast center in mammography stereotactic breast biopsy breast ultrasound and breast ultrasound biopsy.

Other notable accomplishments include a $1.35 million grant from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation® and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Dr. Patricia Hardenbergh the director of radiation oncology at Shaw was awarded the grant to improve cancer treatment for those living in rural areas.

In the fall Shaw also announced the renewal of a 10-year partnership with University of Colorado offering high country patients access to clinical trials and the expertise of big city specialists.

ABOUT SHAW REGIONAL CANCER CENTER
Shaw Regional Cancer Center at Vail Valley Medical Center is for anyone seeking comprehensive cancer care in a peaceful and intimate setting. Patients travel to Shaw for its Ivy League doctors top-of-the-line equipment—including Image Guided Radiation Therapy and 3D mammography—and impeccable reputation for breast and prostate cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary approach of its cancer care team benefits each patient's individualized treatment plan supporting the patient and family through treatment all the way to survivorship. Shaw also offers Jack's Place a complimentary 12-room cancer caring lodge that allows patients and their caregiver to receive treatment at Shaw and take respite right next door.