NQMBC recognizes Cancer Treatment Centers of America for providing quality breast cancer care

Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) has been recognized by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program (NQMBC^®) as being among the top centers in the country for providing quality breast cancer care. The CTCA at Midwestern breast center is the only center in Illinois, and one of only 50 centers nationally, to be recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™, reinforcing the hospital's position as a national leader in breast cancer care.

As part of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, the NQMBC recognizes centers with the esteemed designation for providing the highest level of care to patients. Using 36 National Quality Indicators™, the NQMBC evaluates breast programs on data from the areas of imaging, surgery, cancer registry, pathology, radiation and patient satisfaction to determine if high standards are met.

"This designation is a reflection of our commitment to quality and lets patients know that they can be confident in the care they will receive at CTCA at Midwestern," said Stephen P. Ray, MD, FACS, medical director of the Breast Center and medical director of oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery at CTCA at Midwestern. "We are proud to offer leading-edge treatments to target cancer, coupled with patient-centered care that focuses on survivorship and quality of life."

Patients from all over the country and internationally travel to CTCA at Midwestern for world-class treatment. In 2013, 551 new patients sought breast cancer treatment from the CTCA at Midwestern medical team. CTCA offers multiple defenses against cancer including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

In the new paradigm of breast cancer treatment, it is important to obtain all the relevant information about the cancer, including its genetic structure and possible gene mutations, before a multi-disciplinary treatment is started. The breast center at CTCA at Midwestern specializes in individualized treatment plans based on the premise that breast cancer is not one disease, but a complex group of diseases. Treatment plans include the use of advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures such as breast-sparing surgery, as well as immediate and delayed breast reconstruction options including nipple sparing mastectomies, microsurgical flaps, breast implants, autologous fat grafting and reconstructive microsurgery. Many patients are also benefitting from advanced radiation and targeted therapies, such as Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT), AccuBoost® and Calypso® soft tissue Beacon®. Each of these technologies allows for the delivery of radiation with the highest level of precision.

CTCA at Midwestern patients are evaluated using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the cancer and stage of the disease. Experts at CTCA specialize in treating complex cases in which the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. A multidisciplinary patient care team develops a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each patient which includes treatment targeted to their unique cancer along with supportive therapies such as nutrition, integrative medicine and mind-body medicine to alleviate side effects of cancer treatment and promote quality of life. Surgeons are also experienced in the prevention and treatment of lymphedema and have established a lymphedema management program to help patients address the condition from oncology rehabilitation and surgical interventions.

"To be recognized by the NQMBC for providing quality breast care to our patients is an honor," said Scott Jones, president and CEO of CTCA at Midwestern. "The true winners here are our patients, who are at the center of the compassionate care we deliver each and every day."

CTCA at Midwestern offers advanced treatments for primary and metastatic breast cancers. Each patient is surrounded by a multidisciplinary team that consists of a medical oncologist, nurse, nurse care manager, registered dietitian and naturopathic oncology provider who work together to understand the individual needs of each patient and provide advanced, fully-integrative care plan to ensure strength and resiliency throughout treatment.

SOURCE Cancer Treatment Centers of America