Western Reserve Hospital was recently recognized by the State of Ohio for excellence in cancer incidence reporting. The Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS) awarded our hospital with the 2026 Gold Award for complete and timely data reporting.

The 2026 Gold Award criteria is based on reporting of cancer cases diagnosed in 2025, which was estimated to be at least 90% complete as of Sept. 1, 2026, and information requests from OCISS were responded to within 30 days. Ohio’s cancer incidence data is widely used by public health professionals, medical researchers, and cancer organizations to develop, implement, and promote cancer prevention and control activities in Ohio and to support important cancer-related research. The collection and analysis of population-based cancer incidence data help determine the burden of cancer in Ohio’s communities, raise awareness about factors that may increase cancer risk and the benefits of early detection, and improve the survival outcomes of persons diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Registrar, Karen Ellwood, who plays an integral role in this vital reporting process for our hospital accepted the award on the hospital's behalf.