St. Joseph Receives National Breast Center Accreditation

Bryan, TX (June 4, 2014) – St. Joseph Health System 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. St. Joseph is the region’s first, and only, nationally-accredited breast center. “Our commitment is to provide our patients with access to the very best cancer care locally. Achieving Breast Center of Excellence accreditation means that our community has access to nationally recognized, state-of-the-art treatment that is focused on the patient. It is important to us that we take care of the whole patient and help them navigate their treatment plan,” said Scott Goble, MD. About the Award • NAPBC accreditation is granted only to those centers that voluntarily commit to providing the best possible care to patients. Each breast center undergoes a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance. • To maintain accreditation, centers must monitor compliance with the NAPBC Standards and undergo an on-site review every three years. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement. • A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease. Patient Benefits For patients, receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures access to: • Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services. • A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options. • Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options. • And, most importantly, quality breast care closer to home. Breast Cancer Statistics The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2014 are: • About 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.1 • About 62,570 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).1 • About 40,000 women will die from breast cancer.1 For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit their website: www.accreditedbreastcenters.org. _______________________________________________________________________ 1. American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2014. ### Established in 1936, St. Joseph Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system that is owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. With five hospitals, two long-term care facilities and numerous family medicine and specialty clinics, St. Joseph continues to carry out its original mission to provide excellent healthcare.