Montefiore News Releases

Program at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care Offers Multidisciplinary
Treatment for Breast Cancer and Benign Conditions

NEW YORK (August 8, 2013) – The Breast Cancer Program at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care has been granted a three-year, full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).  The NAPBC is administered by the American College of Surgeons and represents a consortium of more than 20 national organizations dedicated to improving the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes in patients with diseases of the breast. It is the only national subspecialty accreditation program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

NAPBC accreditation is only given to centers that have voluntarily gone through a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. During the survey, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.

“This accreditation is indicative of the quality of our program and demonstrates our commitment to providing women with the most exceptional care in treating everything from benign breast conditions to advanced breast cancer,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO, Montefiore. “Being diagnosed with breast disease can be an overwhelming experience, one that leads to many questions about treatment options and decisions. Our team understands this fully and has created a complete approach that couples clinical expertise and access to the most advanced treatments with extensive wraparound support services.”

The Breast Cancer Program at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care is led by Leslie Montgomery, M.D., F.A.C.S, internationally recognized surgical oncologist. Dr. Montgomery and her team offer the most advanced diagnostics, treatments and technologies for all types and stages of benign and malignant breast disease. Patients benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; plastic and reconstructive surgeons; social workers; geneticists; pathologists; radiologists; patient navigators; psychologists and a specialist in lymphedema. As part of treatment planning, the team reviews each patient’s eligibility for participation in research studies initiated by Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care as well as national clinical trials. Patient education, prevention and support services, including yoga rehabilitation, stress management, nutritional guidance and genetic counseling, also are provided.

“This accreditation is a testament to the skills and dedication of our outstanding fellowship-trained physicians and our team of specialists,” said Dr. Montgomery, who also serves as chief of Breast Surgery at Montefiore and associate professor of surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “It is a confirmation for our patients that Montefiore offers the most advanced breast cancer care and that we are committed to following national guidelines for the evaluation, treatment and follow up of breast diseases.”

Before a breast center earns NAPBC accreditation, it must undergo a rigorous application process and an onsite survey by an independent surveyor to ensure it has developed the 17 required components of care as defined by the NAPBC. In addition, the center must demonstrate that it has reached 28 NAPBC breast center program benchmarks, which include leadership, multidisciplinary clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement

For more information about the Breast Cancer Program at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, visit www.montefiore.org/breast-cancer or call 718-862-8840.