CTCA at Midwestern named Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence

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 33 centers nationally, to be deemed a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™, cementing 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.   

"Being a certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence means that we can offer our patients multiple defenses against cancer," said Stephen P. Ray, MD, FACS, medical director of the Breast Center and medical director of oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery at CTCA at Midwestern. "This accreditation demonstrates that we not only offer compassionate care and innovative treatments, but also that our patients can rest easy knowing that our medical staff is held to high standards of quality." 

Patients from all over the country and internationally travel to CTCA in Illinois for world class treatment.  In 2011, more than 430 new patients sought breast cancer treatment from the CTCA at Midwestern medical team.  CTCA offers leading-edge technology and therapies for breast cancer including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.  Many patients are also benefiting from Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) which offers a single dose of radiation at the time of surgery often replacing six weeks of radiation therapy.  The CTCA at Midwestern Breast Center of Excellence also offers immediate and delayed breast reconstructive options including microsurgical flaps, implant based reconstruction, autologous fat grafting and reconstructive microsurgery.

CTCA at Midwestern patients are evaluated using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the cancer and stage of the disease.  A multidisciplinary patient care team then develops a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for the patient.  Integrative medicine and supportive therapies including acupuncture, mind body medicine and naturopathic approaches are incorporated to help patients alleviate pain, stress and possible side effects of treatment during their cancer journey.

"Our patient-centered model of care ensures patients and their families are engaged, informed and key decision makers from day one.  We deliver care that never quits, and we are honored to be recognized by the NQMBC for our efforts," said Anne Meisner, president and CEO of CTCA at Midwestern. 

CTCA at Midwestern is experienced in treating advanced and complex cancer and publishes cancer treatment outcomes online so patients and caregivers can review quality data.