Recommendation:
A comprehensive community cancer program should have surgical oncology services on site or by referral to surgeon(s) with experience in treating patients with cancer.
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, Optimal Resources for Cancer Care: 2020 Standards. Standard 2.1 Cancer Committee, Standard 2.5 Multidisciplinary Cancer Case Conference, Standard 4.1 Physician Credentials, Standards 5.3 - 5.8 (phased in) developed from guidelines described in Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery.
Surgical oncology as a subspecialty and/or part of a general surgeon's armentarium focuses on the care of a variety of tumors. As the fields of medical oncology and radiation oncology are rapidly evolving, so too is surgical oncology. While time-proven surgical techniques continue to be used to successfully treat tumors that are susceptible to surgical extirpation or palliation, recent advances in technology and techniques have led to innovations such as robotic and minimally invasive approaches for appropriate disease sites and patients.
Disease-site-specific oncologic surgical expertise may be provided by urologic, GYN, ENT, thoracic , dermatologic, plastic, and other surgeons trained in oncologic technique, including oncoplastic surgery.
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, Optimal Resources for Cancer Care: 2020 Standards. Standard 2.1 Cancer Committee, Standard 2.5 Multidisciplinary Cancer Case Conference, Standard 4.1 Physician Credentials, Standards 5.3 - 5.8 (phased in) developed from guidelines described in Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery.Surgeons receive certification through their respective boards.
Since 2011, the American Board of Surgery has offered a subspecialty certificate in complex general surgical oncology (CGSO)
Cancer programs should evaluate the experience of the surgeon(s) and the ability of the institution to surgically care for complex procedures, e.g., pancreatico-duodenectomy, radical hysterectomy, and others.
As with typical medical procedures, dictated by procedure use for appropriate medical conditions, most acceptable surgical treatments are covered by insurance.
Roper St. Francis Cancer Care provides a comprehensive approach to cancer care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions that can be affected by a cancer diagnosis. One example of how the cancer program has advanced patient-centered care and shared decision-making is through offering the option of oncoplastic surgery for patients with breast cancer. Learn more about how surgical specialists work together with the multidisciplinary cancer care team to ensure coordinated, patient-focused care.
