Breast Health Center Approved by the NAPBC

Union Hospital is one of the first 23 breast centers nationwide to receive the distinction by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a new program administered by the American College of Surgeons that sets rigorous standards for breast cancer care.

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. A fully accredited program, such as Union Hospital, must comply with at least 90% of these standards. Union Hospital met compliance in 26 of the 27 standards.

Union Hospital opened the comprehensive Breast Health Center in 2004, the center is designed to improve access to and awareness of breast cancer prevention and treatment options, support patients receiving treatment, and improve the quality of life of patients with 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 disease 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 184,450 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the Unites States in 2008. 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