Baylor Sammons Breast Center receives accreditation from NAPBC

Baylor Sammons Breast Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has been recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for its "firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease." The center has now received a three-year, full accreditation from the NAPBC. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance.

"We are committed to joining with women to fight breast cancer with every tool, technique and treatment available," said John Pippin, M.D., chairman of the Breast Site Committee at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Dallas. "Accreditation validates that commitment." Baylor Sammons Breast Center is only the second program in Texas to achieve this accreditation.

Advantages of Accreditation

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of advanced technological services
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• Quality breast care close to home

Administered by the American College of Surgeons, the NAPBC is a consortium of 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.

On the Frontlines of Breast Care

Baylor Sammons Breast Center provides a broad range of breast care services, from prevention and detection to treatment and recovery. The center provides clinical coordinators to help patients navigate their care and recovery process every step of the way. These coordinators help patients by providing referrals to a wide range of experienced specialists; answering questions; and scheduling appointments.

The Center's focus on education includes community programs, as well as the Virginia R. Cvetko Patient Education Center. The education center is designed to help cancer patients and their families understand and manage the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of cancer. The center's staff includes a medical director, nurse educators, genetics nurse, chaplains, social workers and trained cancer survivor volunteers.

Understanding that early diagnosis is often the key to successful breast cancer treatment, Baylor Sammons Breast Center provides computerized breast cancer risk assessments, a Hereditary Cancer Risk Program (including genetic testing and counseling) and screening and diagnostic services. Screening and diagnostic services are provided through the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center.

Baylor Sammons Breast Center also participates in several breast cancer prevention and treatment trials; provides lymphedema treatment and education; and operates Ernie's Appearance Center, featuring products and services that minimize the visible effects of cancer therapy.