Scott & White breast cancer program receives accreditation

The Scott & White Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Clinic program has earned a three-year Full Accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

"At Scott & White breast cancer is managed by a team, and the combined skills of the members result in excellent care," said Christopher O. Ruud, M.D., director of the Scott & White Breast Cancer Clinic. "That we have received this accreditation means we are delivering care at a level we expect of ourselves, as well as what others have come to expect of us."

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 15 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that there would be 192,370 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 20091. In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who will deal with benign breast disease this year will require medical evaluation for treatment options.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services
  
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
  
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

• Quality breast care close to home.

Provided by Scott & White Healthcare