Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Again Earns National Pancreas Foundation Cancer Center Designation

Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (MECC) has been nationally recognized as an approved NPF Pancreatic Cancer Center by the National Pancreas Foundation. NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institution’s focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer – treating the whole patient with a commitment to the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.

Located in Omaha, MECC is the only NPF Center serving patients in Nebraska and Iowa, and it’s one of fewer than 70 NPF Centers nationwide. MECC was previously honored by the National Pancreas Foundation in 2019 for its efforts to treat pancreatic cancer.

“We are honored that Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center has been designated as NPF Center for treatment of pancreatic cancer,” said Kelli Eaton, service executive for oncology services at Methodist Hospital, where MECC is located. “Having the NPF Center designation will help distinguish MECC as an institution that’s focused on providing the best and most innovative care possible.”

“We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,” said David Bakelman, CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation. “The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we are looking forward to working with our current and new centers.”

An approved NPF Center has to meet criteria that were developed by a task force made up of invited subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria includes having the required expert physician specialties, such as gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs, such as a pain management services and psychosocial support.

“We are all very proud of again receiving this designation,” said George Dittrick, MD, a surgical oncologist and program director for pancreatic cancer treatment at Methodist. “It’s a strong validation of both our commitment to pancreatic cancer patients and our ability to provide them the highest quality of care.”

Founded in 1997, the National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through funding cutting-edge research; advocating for new and better therapies; and providing support and education for patients, caregivers and health care professionals. The NPF is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from all forms of pancreas disease. For more information, visit pancreasfoundation.org.