A national expert says Georgia’s hospital cancer programs are delivering a quality of care that’s “right in line with what we’re seeing nationally.’’

The more than 40 accredited cancer programs in the state are showing “a consistent level of performance,’’ Andrew Stewart, senior manager of the National Cancer Database of the American College of Surgeons, told a gathering of doctors, nurses, administrators and others at a conference this week in Atlanta.

And the proportion of Georgia patients entering clinical trials for cancer is similar to national rates, Stewart added.

The conference represented the first statewide gathering of Georgia’s Commission on Cancer accredited hospitals and the Georgia CORE network.

Georgia CORE (Center for Oncology Research & Education) has largely taken over the functions of the Georgia Cancer Coalition, an initiative begun in 2000 by Gov. Roy Barnes to develop world-class cancer treatment, research and prevention facilities in the state.

The president and CEO of Georgia CORE, Nancy Paris, says the state has more oncologists and freestanding cancer centers than ever before.

An estimated 48,000 Georgians will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

This year, Georgia CORE launched GeorgiaCancerInfo.org, which provides up-to-date information about cancer care statewide. Here’s a GHN article on the website.