Many Women Are Unaware Of A Key Factor In Breast Cancer Treatment

NewsRx.com

October 8, 2009

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 is important. However, after providing women 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 treatment facility.

To be "accredited," breast care centers must follow a comprehensive and consistent set of standards for treatment. 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 is the latest quality improvement program it offers. There are now more than 84 centers across the country already accredited through this program.

"What women don't realize is where they choose to seek treatment can impact the care they receive and, ultimately, the results they achieve," said David Winchester, MD, FACS, medical director for the College's cancer programs. "It's important for the approximately 250,000 women diagnosed in the U.S. with invasive and non-invasive breast cancer each year to know about the advanced treatment and guidance provided by accredited centers, such as expert staff and support that continues even during follow-up care."

The study, conducted by KRC Research on behalf of ACoS, found that even a majority of women (59 percent) who had personal experience with breast cancer - whether themselves or through a close friend or family member - admitted they were not aware or sure if breast cancer treatment centers can be accredited.

Though awareness was low across the board, additional survey results found younger women were significantly less knowledgeable than their older counterparts; 74 percent of women under the age of 45 were not aware or sure if breast cancer treatment centers can be accredited compared with 58 percent of women ages 45 and older.

Copyright 2009, Cancer Weekly via NewsRx.com