BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center celebrated National Cancer Prevention month by announcing they received a new accreditation from the American College of Surgeons.

The center has been named a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program.

According to Adventist Health, it is the only center in Kern County to hold the prestigious accreditation. The ACS Commission on Cancer also awarded the center three commendations for its work in clinical research, cancer registry education and public reporting of outcomes.

The new accreditation is awarded to facilities that have in-house services, perform clinical research and trials and diagnose more than 500 cases annually. Doctors at the AIS Cancer Center routinely diagnose more than 1,000 cases, "making them experts in their field," according to Adventist Health.

"This recognition shows that the innovative, whole-person care we deliver is a best practice in the field of oncology," said Adventist Health Bakersfield President Sharlet Briggs. "We're very proud of this prestigious new accreditation."

According to Adventist Health, the AIS Cancer Center has cared for more than 15,000 patients since opening in 2013.