Buffalo General Medical Center awarded designation as Center of Excellence in lung cancer care

Released: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 7:00 AM

Buffalo General Medical Center awarded designation as Center of Excellence in lung cancer care

Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) has been named a Center of Excellence (COE) for Lung Cancer by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) in recognition of its sustained commitment to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer care to the Western New York community.

An estimated 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. While it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, survival rates continue to improve as new and more effective treatment options become available. Early detection, multidisciplinary care, and access to advanced therapies are driving meaningful progress for patients nationwide.

"We are proud to have BGMC join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact," said Joelle Fathi, chief healthcare delivery officer at GO2 for Lung Cancer. "Across the U.S., the majority of people at risk for or living with lung cancer are served by a local community hospital near their home. Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics and academic centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home."

The COE designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-centered communication and shared decision making across the full continuum of lung cancer care. This includes ensuring access to standard oncology services in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, as well as pathology. It also requires adherence to evidence-based guidelines and best practices, along with structured multidisciplinary collaboration to support treatment planning.

"BGMC is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care," said Karen Blount, MS, RN, NEA-BC, president at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. "We are thrilled to be part of this elite network, setting an example for responsible treatment and care practices across the country and helping people diagnosed with lung cancer in our community live longer, higher-quality lives."

In addition to the Center of Excellence designation for comprehensive lung cancer care, BGMC is also recognized by GO2 for its lung cancer screening program. The hospital has implemented a structured low-dose CT screening process aligned with NCCN, USPSTF and CMS criteria, ensuring consistent identification, follow-up, and management of patients at elevated risk.

Together, these designations reinforce BGMC's role as a leader in lung cancer prevention, early detection and treatment, while strengthening access to high-quality care close to home for patients across Western New York.