Many Women Are Unaware Of A Key Factor In Breast Cancer Remedy
September 24, 2011
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According to new research from the American College of Surgeons (ACoS), two-thirds of women (66 percent) did not know about accreditation of breast care centers, what it means, and why it’s essential. However, right after providing females who were surveyed with an overview of the meaning of accreditation, they overwhelmingly (92 percent) find it to be an important aspect in choosing a breast cancer remedy facility.
To be “accredited,” breast care centers must follow a comprehensive and consistent set of standards for therapy. They must also support patients’ social and emotional needs. These centers are surveyed by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), an interdisciplinary consortium of leading patient care groups and professional medical societies involved in breast care. The NAPBC is administered by the ACoS and could be the most current good quality improvement program it offers. There are now more than 84 centers across the country already accredited through this program.
“What females don’t realize is where they choose to seek remedy can impact the care they receive and, ultimately, the results they achieve,” stated David Winchester, MD, FACS, medical director for the College’s cancer programs. “It’s important for the approximately 250,000 ladies diagnosed within the U.S. with invasive and non-invasive breast cancer every year to know about the advanced remedy and guidance provided by accredited centers, such as expert staff and support that continues even for the duration of follow-up care.”
The study, conducted by KRC Research on behalf of ACoS, found that even a majority of girls (59 percent) who had personal experience with breast cancer – whether themselves or by means of a close friend or family member admitted they were not aware or sure if breast cancer treatment centers could be accredited.
Though awareness was low across the board, additional survey outcomes found younger girls had been drastically less knowledgeable than their older counterparts; 74 percent of females under the age of 45 had been not conscious or sure if breast cancer remedy centers might be accredited compared with 58 percent of females ages 45 and older.
Centers that seek accreditation must adhere to rigorous requirements including the following:
— All physicians are board certified or are inside the process of getting board certified.
— Nurses have specialized knowledge and training in breast cancer and diseases.
— Patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists and specialists.
— Patients and their families receive continued support for the duration of and after treatment to help them cope with the disease.
— The center continuously collects breast cancer information on indicators involved in breast cancer.
— The center provides information about clinical trials and new treatment options.
— Patients have access to a “patient navigator,” a person who serves as their primary contact and guide all by way of her treatment and follow-up care.
Additional findings from the survey showed females viewed board certification of physicians to be probably the most crucial requirement when it comes to accreditation. Secondly, the specialized knowledge and training of nurses was another appealing requirement. Ninety-six percent stated nurses having specialized knowledge and training in breast cancer and other breast diseases was an essential requirement.
Not surprising was the importance females (practically 95 percent) placed on the continuous study and data collection done when it comes to breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted by KRC Study on behalf of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) regarding perceptions of accreditation of breast cancer therapy centers. The national survey was conducted via telephone among a random sample of 500 adult ladies, age 18 and older. The estimated margin of error is +/- 4.4 percentage points. The survey was conducted September 11-14, 2009.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to boost the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have substantially influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an critical advocate for all surgical patients. The College has much more than 74,000 members and will be the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
About the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
NAPBC is a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the good quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast.
Source: The American College of Surgeons
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