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TIFTON, GA --
Patients won't have to travel far to get top-of-the-line breast cancer treatments thanks to a new certification.

Tift Regional Medical Center has been awarded full certification as a breast cancer health center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

It took the center three years to develop the program that meets an extensive list of qualifications and standards needed to be qualify.

TRMC is now one of only two certified centers in the region and one of thirteen in the entire state. TRMC Women's Health Navigator Debra Hardeman says now patients don't have to travel to places like Atlanta for high-quality breast cancer care. Patients will be able to see the changes in treatment from the moment they schedule an appointment to the moment they leave the center in remission says Hardeman.

Dr. Joel Johnson, the Medical Director of the TRMC Tift Comprehensive Breast Center, says he is proud to receive this recognition after the rigorous application process.

Now that they are certified, the center doesn't plan to stop here. Hardeman says they will continue to shape their center and look to improve in any way they can.