Loyola Medicine

MAYWOOD, Ill. - As acknowledgment of its excellence in complex inpatient and surgical care, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center of Loyola University Health System has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. To be recognized as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield is indeed an honor," said Barbara Buturusis, RN, MSN, executive director of Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. "The award is an affirmation of the ground-breaking research done here and of the dedication of our physicians, nurses, administrators and support staff who strive in all possible ways to deliver the very best care they can to our patients, their families and loved ones." Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers are medical facilities that contract with local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and offer comprehensive inpatient cancer care programs for adults, delivered by multidisciplinary teams with subspecialty training and distinguished clinical expertise in treating complex and rare subtypes of cancer. The designation covers 13 types of cancers: • acute leukemia • bladder cancer • bone cancer • brain cancer - primary • esophageal cancer • gastric cancer • head and neck cancers • liver cancer • ocular melanoma • pancreatic cancer • rectal cancer • soft tissue sarcoma • thyroid - medullary and/or anaplastic Complex and rare cancers comprise approximately 15 percent of new cancer cases each year, making it challenging for patients to locate research facilities with oncologists or surgical teams that are experienced in treating these specific malignancies. Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers were developed in strategic collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a consortium of 21 of the top cancer centers in the country that sets guidelines for cancer care. The Cancer Center is an active participant in the NCCN. “We commend the facilities that have been designated for treating complex and rare cancers. Blue Distinction promotes the consistent practice of evidence-based medicine,” said Allan Korn, M.D., and chief medical officer for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. “The Blues are committed to working collaboratively with physicians and hospitals to raise the overall quality of healthcare in our nation. We understand that to deliver true patient-centered care, Blue Distinction Centers often need to coordinate care following a complex surgery or primary inpatient stay with patients’ local physicians.” The Cancer Center's designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with leading clinicians, medical societies and professional organizations. The designation is focused primarily on multidisciplinary treatment planning and complex, major surgical treatments. For more information about complex and rare cancer care at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, call 888-LUHS-888 or visit www.loyolamedicine.org.