[Application of the EUSOMA criteria in breast units in countries of the European Union].
All the countries of the European Union face similar challenges when providing adequate and high quality treatment in oncology. A working party was established to consider what should comprise a specialist service and the Requirements of a Breast Unit, published in 2000, represent the opinion of the European Society of Mastology (EUSOMA) on the standards required for creating high quality Breast Cancer Units across Europe. We studied the application of the mandatory requisites and general recommendations of EUSOMA: critical mass, or minimum number of patients, core team (composition and specific training), quality assurance, and application of diagnostic and treatment protocols. A thorough literature search was performed and was completed with information from search tools, the web pages of scientific societies, national associations for the fight against cancer, and health ministries of the countries belonging to the European Union. We also analyzed the latest reports of the European Parliamentary Committee for breast cancer. Distinct approaches to the multidisciplinary management of breast disease can be found in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, France and Spain. A common European standard would be useful to improve the care provided to patients.
Merck
Belén
B
Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Elche, Elche, Alicante. belenmerck@yahoo.es
Cansado
Pilar
P
Fernández-Frías
Ana
A
Rodríguez-Lescure
Alvaro
A
Costa
David
D
Lacueva
Francisco J
FJ
Candela
Fernando
F
Calpena
Rafael
R
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D005062:European Union; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team