The Northwell Cancer Institute Westchester Breast Program has earned a three-year accreditation from The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Serving both Northern Westchester Hospital and Phelps Hospital, the breast program achieved the accreditation after demonstrating compliance with the NAPBC standards of leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement for patients. The Westchester breast program is part of the Northwell Cancer Institute, one of the largest oncology programs in New York state.
“To receive this accreditation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month could not be more appropriate,” said Pond Kelemen, M.D., F.A.C.S., breast surgeon and NAPBC director for the Northwell Cancer Institute Westchester Breast Program. “I want to credit my colleagues and the entire team of resolute professionals at the Westchester breast program who work tirelessly to help every cancer patient navigate their unique journey.”
Westchester’s breast program includes oncology nurse navigators, oncology nutritionists, social workers and physical therapists. Patients also have access to strength conditioning, balance training and other rehabilitative services.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, with an estimated 297,790 new cases expected in 2023 alone, according to the American Cancer Society. It accounts for approximately 30% of all new female cancers, with black women more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race or ethnic group. From 1989 through 2020, cancer death rates in the U.S. have steadily declined by 43%. Between 2016 and 2020 breast cancer rates in Westchester County remained stable, according to the latest county data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This can be attributed to screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
Northern Westchester Hospital and Phelps Hospital are accredited by the Commission on Cancer for providing comprehensive cancer care to their patients and for improvements in the field of oncology. Each has received recognition from the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center, and both have received ACR’s accreditation for providing quality and safe radiation therapy services.
