Management of primary breast cancer in Hong Kong -- can the guidelines be met?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality standards in the management of primary breast cancer in Hong Kong and as a result to give recommendations with regard to further improving the existing specialist service.


METHODS
A prospective, continuous audit using quality standards laid down in the Guidelines for Surgeons in the Management of Symptomatic Breast Disease in the United Kingdom.


RESULTS
Quality standards in surgical expertise, radiology and pathology service have reached the level required while there is still room for improvement in the diagnostic services.


CONCLUSIONS
The establishment of an expeditious new referral system with combined surgical and radiological expertise should be pursued.
Cheung
K L
KL
University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation