Greenville, NC —The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons, has again granted accredited status to ECU Health Medical Center, which lasts through 2028. Accreditation by NAPBC is granted to programs proven to provide the best possible care to patients with breast cancer.
“ECU Health is committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality care for every breast cancer patient,” said Dr. Karinn Chambers, breast surgical oncologist at ECU Health and associate program director in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “This national designation affirms our patients can trust their care meets the highest standards and reflects the latest advances in treatment, research and multidisciplinary collaboration. Most importantly, it ensures that patients are supported through every stage of their journey – from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, recovery and survivorship.”
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The even higher prevalence of cancers in eastern North Carolina highlights the importance of having an accredited cancer care center in the region. Access to preventative screenings and early detection allows for less invasive treatments, a greater variety of options and a greater potential to prevent the spread of breast cancer. Patients receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center have access to information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services and survivorship care.
“ECU Health Medical Center serves a vast rural region where chronic diseases, including cancer, are especially prevalent,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “As a rural academic medical center, ECU Health Medical Center – with the expertise of the Brody School of Medicine – offers patients access to groundbreaking research and clinical trials while also attracting and training top-tier cancer care providers. Delivering standardized, high-quality care close to home for the 1.4 million people we serve is integral to our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
To achieve NAPBC accreditation, a breast center demonstrates compliance with the NAPBC standards that address a center’s leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement for patients. Breast centers seeking NAPBC accreditation undergo a site visit every three years.
To learn more about breast cancer screenings and treatment options near you, please visit ECUHealth.org/breast-cancer.