Comparison of Commission on Cancer–Approved and –Nonapproved Hospitals in the United States: Implications for Studies That Use the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND: The Commission on Cancer (CoC) designates cancer programs on the basis of the ability to provide a wide range of oncologic services and specialists. All CoC-approved hospitals are required to report their cancer diagnoses to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), and the cancer diagnoses at these hospitals account for approximately 70% of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States annually. However, it is unknown how CoC-approved programs compare with non-CoC-approved hospitals. METHODS: By using the American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database (2006), CoC-approved and non-CoC-approved hospitals were compared with respect to structural characteristics (ie, accreditations, geography, and oncologic services provided). RESULTS: Of the 4,850 hospitals identified, 1,412 (29%) were CoC-approved hospitals, and 3,438 (71%) were not CoC-approved hospitals. The proportion of CoC-approved hospitals varied at the state level from 0% in Wyoming to 100% in Delaware. Compared with non-CoC-approved hospitals, CoC-approved programs were more frequently accredited by the Joint Commission, designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, and affiliated with a medical school or residency program (P < .001). CoC-approved hospitals were less likely to be critical access hospitals or located in rural areas (P < .001). CoC-approved hospitals had more total beds and performed more operations per year (P < .001). CoC-approved programs more frequently offered oncology-related services, including screening programs, chemotherapy and radiation therapy services, and hospice/palliative care (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Compared with non-CoC-approved hospitals, CoC-approved hospitals were larger, were more frequently located in urban locations, and had more cancer-related services available to patients. Studies that use the NCDB should acknowledge this limitation when relevant.