The German Cancer Society (DKG) and OnkoZert play a central role in the certification of oncology facilities and centers in Germany. The goal of these certifications is to continuously improve the quality of cancer treatment and ensure that patients receive optimal care.
German Cancer Society (DKG)
The German Cancer Society is a leading professional association in the field of oncology and is committed to providing high-quality care for cancer patients. A central component of this commitment is the certification program, which evaluates various cancer centers and facilities for their quality and performance.
Certification is based on strict criteria aligned with current medical guidelines and scientific standards. These include, among other things, the quality of structure, process, and outcomes. A certified center must demonstrate that it has the necessary infrastructure and expertise to treat cancer patients in accordance with the latest scientific standards.
OnkoZert
OnkoZert is the independent certification body that operates on behalf of the German Cancer Society (DKG). This institution conducts on-site audits and inspections to ensure that the quality standards established by the DKG are met. OnkoZert’s work includes the certification of organ-specific cancer centers, oncology centers, and other specialized centers such as pancreatic or breast cancer centers.
The certification process at OnkoZert is comprehensive and consists of several steps:
- Self-assessment: The center conducts a self-assessment to verify compliance with the criteria.
- On-site audit: A team of experts visits the center and verifies compliance with the standards on site.
- Certificate Issuance: Following a successful audit, the center receives a certificate confirming its compliance with quality standards.
- Ongoing monitoring: Certified centers are regularly monitored to ensure that quality standards are maintained over the long term.
Close collaboration between the German Cancer Society and OnkoZert ensures a high standard of quality in cancer care. Patients can be confident that certified facilities operate according to the best available medical standards and provide optimal care. This not only contributes to improved treatment outcomes but also strengthens patients’ trust in medical care.
What certified cancer centers are there?
The certification of hospitals and specialized departments that meet the German Cancer Society’s high standards for the care of cancer patients is divided into three levels of oncological care.
The foundation is formed by the so-called organ cancer centers, which specialize in the treatment of a specific type of tumor (e.g., breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, etc.). These organ cancer centers include, in particular,
- certified breast cancer centers,
- certified colorectal cancer centers,
- certified lung cancer centers,
- certified prostate cancer centers,
- certified gynecological cancer centers,
- certified skin cancer centers,
- certified neuro-oncology tumor centers,
- certified head and neck cancer centers, and
- certified pancreatic cancer centers.
The second level of DKG certification comprises medical facilities where medical specialists diagnose and treat multiple types of cancer under one roof. These hospitals can obtain certification as oncology centers. Oncology centers that focus not only on the care of patients with various types of cancer but also on research and teaching can achieve certification as a leading oncology center at the third level.
