Northwell Health’s R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center has been named one of “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023” by Newsweek in its inaugural 2023 rankings of leading cancer hospitals in the country.

Ranked 86th on the prestigious list, R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital was recognized for its high-quality care and comprehensive services for cancer patients.

Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital’s oncology program in Manhattan also earned a place on Newsweek’s list, ranking at 89, whose breast cancer care was notably mentioned. Both Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital are part of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, which treats more than 19,000 cancer patients annually, more than any other provider in New York State.

For its 2023 “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals” list, Newsweek recognized 175 leading cancer hospitals for rankings from among 4,000 total hospitals that were in consideration for the award list.

Newsweek’s rankings are based on a national survey of over 2,000 healthcare professionals who were asked to recommend leading cancer hospitals in the country based on multiple aspects, including nurse staffing, medical equipment, patient education and counseling, and supportive and palliative care.

Hospitals were rated based on treatments for various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, cervical, breast, colorectal and leukemia. In addition, hospital quality metrics relevant to oncology care and results from patient surveys were used to analyze patient experience.

“Northwell is thrilled with the tremendous recognition of two of our major cancer centers – R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and its outpatient center, and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital – both of which are on the forefront of technology, treatment and research,” said Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “I applaud our team of superb clinicians who are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality, integrated cancer care to our diverse patients across our entire health system.”

Cancer is the second cause of mortality in the United States and requires intensive and ongoing treatment.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 16.9 million cancer survivors in the U.S., many of whom need follow up care throughout their lives.

Newsweek launched its America’s Best Cancer Hospitals list to provide patients and their loved ones with a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making across regions and in various oncology disciplines.

“On behalf of our entire staff, we are extremely proud to be named to Newsweek’s first rankings of leading cancer hospitals in the country,” said Dr. Michael Gitman,  executive director of LIJ Medical Center. “Our clinical staff is highly focused on making the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and Cancer Center a premier destination for cancer patients in New York and other areas. Coupled with state-of-the-art diagnostics and innovative treatment options, the campus offers world-class care in a convenient and accessible location.”

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital, Northwell’s only cancer hospital, delivers the most complex care available and includes 164 of LIJ’s 583 beds, dedicated to treating patients with various types of cancer including breast, pancreatic, lung, head and neck, colon, leukemia, urologic and gynecologic cancers.

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center each offer dedicated nurse navigation programs to guide patients through every step of their cancer journey.

The 150,000-square-foot R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell’s largest, includes 64 infusion bays and provides outpatient treatment in the specialties of medical oncology including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy; comprehensive radiation medicine; surgical and neurological consults; clinical trials; diagnostic imaging; a pharmacy; and support programs for cancer patients and their loved ones.

In the last year, R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital has received the following accolades for top clinical care in several oncology specialties, including:

• Society of Thoracic Surgeons, three-star ratings for quality performance in lobectomy for lung cancer and pulmonary resection for lung cancer;
• Surgical Review Corporation Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology; and,
• National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, American Cancer Society.

To reach the Northwell’s Cancer Institute or to make an appointment /contact a nurse navigator through Northwell’s Cancer Care Direct, call 833-223-4732; or online at cancercaredirect@northwell.edu.