The Breast : official journal of the European Society of Mastology
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My personal journey into breast cancer advocacy resulted from a diagnosis of low grade DCIS. I joined with others throughout the world in turning adversity into advocacy to support endeavors which further public and professional education, political change and scientific research. This path took me from a mere one woman networking effort to addressing national panels of experts in Washington, D. ⋯ My family also supported my mission and the potential impact that advocacy could make on both a personal and community level. So I follow in the footsteps of other tenacious advocates and always keep in mind the singular focus of improving standards for quality breast care now and in the future. This paper describes the ever-changing face of advocacy from my viewpoint as a breast cancer survivor.
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Review
The relationship between quality and cost during the perioperative breast cancer episode of care.
The relationship between quality and cost of care for breast cancer surgery was investigated by literature review. The guidelines, policy statements, quality measures (QM) and target goals for performance described by professional organizations were also reviewed. ⋯ Other components of care, such as post-mastectomy reconstruction, demonstrate a direct relationship between quality and cost. Recognition of the variability of performance of QM's with an inverse quality and cost relationship has the potential to lower breast cancer population healthcare expenditures, if average performance for those QM can be improved.