Breast Care Center First in Region to Receive Accreditation

April 15, 2009

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. –  The Breast Care Center of the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is one of only two centers in the state and one of 27 nationally to be granted full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.  The other accredited center in North Carolina is located in Greenville.

 Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to 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.

 “This accreditation is the product of expertise from a team of oncology experts working together for the benefit of our patients,” said Edward A. Levine, M.D., chief of surgical oncology and director of the Breast Care Center. “We are very proud of the fact that our Breast Care Center passed a stringent approval process and exceeded requirements in 27 of 27 required areas of breast care ranging from screening through diagnosis and therapy to reconstruction.”

 During the survey process, the Breast Care Center demonstrated expertise with standards established by the NAPBC for diagnosing and 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.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 184,450 patients were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2008.  Receiving care at that NAPBC-accredited center ensures that patients have access to:

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

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. Its mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation and patient and professional education. The Breast Care Center has been caring for patients with breast disease since the turn of the century.  The NAPBC accreditation serves to confirm the quality of the care provided.

 

Media Relations

Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587