INCan Earns Prestigious Quality Recognition from American College of Radiology: A Milestone Achievement

MEXICO CITY (apro) – The National Institute of Cancerology (INCan) boasts over 15 basic research groups focusing on various fields, significantly enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from cancer, which ranks as the third leading cause of death in Mexico, according to Federico Ávila Moreno, the Deputy Director of Basic Research at the Institute.

Affiliated with the Ministry of Health, INCan has been awarded international recognition by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as an ACR International Center for Quality and Safety in CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET, Ultrasound, and Breast Imaging. This recognition marks INCan as the first hospital in Latin America to achieve this status for a three-year duration.

In light of World Cancer Research Day, Ávila Moreno explained that the aforementioned research groups are engaged in fields such as genomics, epigenomics, actionable biomarkers in various types of tumors, precision medicine, innovative combined therapy schemes, and studies on hereditary cancer.

The expert emphasized the need to diversify research strategies across various types of diagnoses and therapies in different oncological diseases, based on the multidisciplinary linkage of medical oncology, radiotherapy, surgery, imaging, and basic-clinical research.

Ávila Moreno highlighted that the future of oncological research in Mexico lies in characterizing biomarkers specific to the genetically diverse and multicultural Mexican population. “This will enable us to develop therapies and timely diagnostics from and for our country,” he stated.

Today, oncological research is crucial to overcoming the global challenges of cancer. Progress is essential for saving lives as it drives the development of innovative therapies, enables earlier diagnoses, and helps establish strategies tailored to the needs of each community.

Every September 24th, World Cancer Research Day is celebrated to acknowledge the efforts of scientists and healthcare professionals who drive studies to prevent, detect, and effectively treat the disease.

Acknowledgment

Regarding the certification granted by the ACR, the Ministry of Health reported that it represents the highest level in image quality and patient safety.

It was noted that to achieve this, INCan met “rigorous international standards that include the preparation and experience of its staff, equipment maintenance, quality control protocols, and continuous improvement programs.”

Yolanda Villaseñor Navarro, the Deputy Director of Auxiliary Diagnostic and Treatment Services at INCan and the medical officer responsible for the accreditation project, explained the significance of the recognition:

“It means that the studies we conduct, which are fundamental for the early detection and treatment of cancer, meet the highest standards of reliability and safety globally. Our patients can be assured that their diagnoses and follow-ups are performed with the highest quality images, in an environment where safety is the priority.”

This achievement also opens new opportunities for training specialists in oncological radiology under internationally recognized protocols. It further positions INCan as a “role model” for other hospitals in the region and enhances the potential for generating international collaborations in research and treatment.