Methodist Health System: News Hub

Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (MECC) Breast Care Center has been granted a three-year, full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

MECC is the only accredited breast care center in Nebraska, as well as any of the bordering states.  The nearest accredited breast centers are located in St. Louis and Minneapolis.

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only granted to breast 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.

How important is accreditation?  According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 185,000 patients were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2008.  In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who dealt with benign breast disease required medical evaluation for treatment options.

“This accreditation recognizes the staff and administration’s commitment to providing the highest quality evaluation and management of patients with breast disease,” said James Reilly, M.D., medical director of clinical services for MECC Breast Care Center.  “It is an important affirmation that the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Breast Care Center offers its patients the full spectrum of interdisciplinary care.”

Throughout the survey, the Breast Care Center had to demonstrate compliance with the 27 standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who have been diagnosed in various stages of breast disease. 

“For the patient, receiving care at an accredited center ensures he or she will have access to comprehensive care, including a full-range of state-of-the-art services and a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available,” said Richard Kutilek, M.D., medical director, imaging services for MECC Breast Care Center.  “The patient knows that we have information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options, which equates to quality breast health care close to home.”

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast.  This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education.  Its board membership includes professionals from 15 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care, from the initial assessment and diagnosis to survivorship.