title: [EUSOMA requirements for breast cancer units in Spain].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The optimal treatment of breast cancer consists of a multidisciplinary approach in specialized units, benefitting patients and leading to more rational resource use. Based on these premises, the European Society of Mastology (EUSOMA) drew up recommendations designed to provide all European countries with high-quality multidisciplinary teams.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present and analyze the results obtained from a survey of breast cancer units in 241 Spanish hospitals performed by the Breast Diseases Group of the Spanish Association of Surgeons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Breast disease was treated in general surgery departments in 131 hospitals and Spanish surgeons showed strong interest in continuing training (41.2% had a postgraduate degree in mastology). Multidisciplinary discussions at weekly intervals took place in 95 hospitals (73.6%) hospitals for planning a diagnostic and therapeutic course of action specific for each patient. Written protocols for diagnosis and treatment were used in 119 departments (90.8%) and quality control measures were applied in 83 (63.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We stress the need for mandatory requirements in Spain for breast cancer units, preferably adapted to the EUSOMA criteria, which are accepted by the relevant committee of the European Parliament. Through its Breast Diseases Group, the Spanish Association of Surgeons should be involved in accreditation standards for breast surgeons and should promote adequate specialization programs.
authors.affiliation: Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain. belenmerck@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Belén
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Merck
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ramos-Rincón
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cansado
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blas Ballester
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martínez-García
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramos-Boyero
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calpena
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires