What is NAPBC?

Recent developments in breast cancer screening and prevention have undoubtedly had a significant impact on breast cancer awareness, clinical care, and outcomes. Breast cancers are being diagnosed at an early stage when tumors are still able to be treated conservatively. New techniques for diagnosis and treatment include a team of professionals from various disciplines working in concert to efficiently navigate patients through a system of multidisciplinary care.

Dynamic changes in health care are driving the specialization of breast care in the United States. Ultimately specialization leads to consolidation, as evidenced by the growing number of dedicated breast centers in the United States. Breast care specialists practicing at these centers offer a complete range of services that are attractive for patients and their referring physicians.

In February 2005, a proposal was brought to the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons identifying the need for the development of a program to identify and recognize breast centers in the United States.

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers represents a consortium of national, 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. The NAPBC Board has worked diligently to assure multidisciplinary leadership representation and has recently sanctioned its program structure and standards, which include nationally recognized breast cancer quality performance measures that will serve as an initial platform for measuring quality improvement.

The objectives include:

• Consensus development of criteria for breast centers and a survey process to monitor compliance
• Strengthen the scientific basis for improving quality care
• Establish a National Breast Disease Database to report patterns of care and effect quality improvement
• Reduce the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer by improving screening mammography and advocating for increased access to and participation in clinical trials

If you would like to receive more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and receive regular updates on the NAPBC activities, you may contact us by phone at 312-202-5185 or e-mail at napbc@facs.org.

Thank you for your interest!