November 25, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cory Suzan Petty 312-202-5328 or Sally Garneski 312-202-5409 E-mail: pressinquiry@facs.org

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR BREAST CENTERS
NOW SURPASSES THE 100 ACCREDITED CENTERS MARK

CHICAGO: The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) announced today that the number of centers that it has accredited has now surpassed the 100 mark, and that its accredited breast centers can now be found in 38 states including Alaska and Hawaii. To date, 105 breast centers have successfully completed the NAPBC’s rigorous evaluation and review process. NAPBC accreditation is given only to those breast care centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest quality care in breast disease diagnosis and treatment, and that have demonstrated they can comply with the accreditation program standards.

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers is a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast. Bringing together leaders from the major medical disciplines that routinely work together to diagnose and treat breast disease, this multidisciplinary group created 27 program standards and 17 program components of care that collectively provide the most efficient and contemporary care available for patients diagnosed with diseases of the breast. NAPBC-accredited breast centers have met the criteria set forth for each discipline treating breast disease patients. When a breast center applies for NAPBC accreditation, it does so with the understanding that it will offer a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating breast disease. Moreover, the center must be willing to undergo a rigorous application process and on-site survey to assure its patients that NAPBC standards are being met. Accredited breast centers also agree to maintain their high level of clinical care with recertification by the NAPBC required every three years.

NAPBC-accredited breast centers offer a complete range of state-of-the-art services; a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinating the best available treatment options; information about ongoing cancer clinical trials and new treatment options; access to prevention and early detection programs, cancer education, and support services; and ongoing monitoring and improvements in cancer care.

Administered by the American College of Surgeons, NAPBC began development of its program in 2005; the formal process of surveying breast centers for accreditation started in September 2008. With a multidisciplinary membership, the NAPBC pursues its mission through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. To learn more about the National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers and to view the complete list of NAPBC accredited breast centers, visit: www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

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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 improve the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 77,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

About the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
NAPBC is a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast. For more information, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

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Online November 25, 2009