Achievements
Southcoast Health Earns Elite American College of Radiology (ACR) Prostate Cancer MRI Center Designation
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Southcoast Health officials are proud to announce that Charlton Memorial Hospital has been designated as a Prostate Cancer MRI Center by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®).
“With this recognition, we’ve set a high standard for prostate cancer diagnostics in our region,” said Dennis LaRock, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Officer at Southcoast Health. “This designation reinforces our commitment to providing world-class imaging and diagnostic care for prostate cancer patients. We thank our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to providing essential diagnostic and cancer care to our community.”
The ACR Prostate Cancer MRI Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that commit to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for prostate cancer.
To receive this elite distinction, facilities must first be accredited by the ACR in the body module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of the organization’s MRI imaging protocol and infrastructure.
“Achieving this designation is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Evan Watkins, MD, Director of Prostate Imaging at Southcoast Health. “In prostate cancer, precision is key. Following the highest standards ensures accurate diagnoses, allowing doctors to detect cancer earlier and create more personalized, effective treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”
Prostate MRIs require interpretation by specially trained radiologists with advanced expertise in prostate imaging. At Southcoast Health, these experts are solely responsible for analyzing MRI results, ensuring accurate detection and assessment of an often difficult-to-detect cancer.
This advanced imaging also plays a pivotal role in Southcoast Health’s surgical procedures. Combining MRI and ultrasound technology during surgery, allows for precise identification of areas of concern. This helps reduce the invasiveness of surgery, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications for patients.
“Our exceptional team of imaging specialists work together with the goal to provide the clearest and most accurate insights to guide the next steps in our patients’ care,” said John Mungovan, MD, Chairman of Radiology Imaging Services. “The advanced imaging technologies that we are using, combined with our clinical expertise, have allowed us to better detect and treat this cancer.”
The American Cancer Society reports that, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that men aged 55 to 69 discuss the potential benefits of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)-based screening with their healthcare provider.
To learn more about prostate cancer screenings and treatment at Southcoast Health please visit, www.southcoast.org/services/cancer-care/prostate-cancer/.