Help Shape Revisions to CoC Operative Standards

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the Cancer Surgery Standards Program (CSSP) are seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the following CoC Operative Standards:

• Revised Standard 5.3: Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
• Revised Standard 5.4: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer
• Revised Standard 5.6: Colon Resection
• Revised Standard 5.7: Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer
• Revised Standard 5.8: Pulmonary Resection

The proposed revisions are intended to reduce administrative burden through updated synoptic elements and response options while strengthening the standards’ focus on intraoperative quality improvement. Clarifications were also included in the operative report requirement and scope of standard sections, as necessary, to incorporate frequently asked questions.

Stakeholders may review the proposed standards, a summary of revisions, and the public comment survey using the links below:

• Proposed Standards
• Summary of Revisions
• Survey

The CoC and CSSP will promote the proposed standards and survey through channels to reach the surgical community. CoC accredited programs are strongly encouraged to share the proposed standards and survey with surgeons who perform breast, colon, and lung cancer operations, pathologists, and any other relevant stakeholders at the facility to ensure all affected parties have an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes. 

The public comment period ends July 6. Feedback received during the public comment period will be used to further refine the proposed standards, compliance measures, and implementation requirements. The CoC and CSSP are working with the CAP Cancer Committee on alignment of standards. 

Pending final approval, the revised standards are expected to take effects at CoC-accredited cancer programs in January 2028. The CoC and CSSP are working with EHR vendors to integrate the final revisions. An official timeline will be provided once the revisions are finalized.

All questions and feedback regarding the proposed standards revisions should be submitted through the feedback survey. Although individual responses will not be provided, all feedback received will be reviewed and considered as part of the revision process.