"The patient knows she will receive the most suitable treatment and therapy for her case"

The German Cancer Society DKG and the Swiss Cancer League issue certificates for specialist medical centers. In this interview, Dr. Valeria Milani, Head Oncologist at the ZIO Zurich, explains how to obtain such a certificate, what criteria must be met and what a patient can conclude from a corresponding award.

Ms. Milani, the BrustCentrum Zürich at the Zollikerberg Hospital and the Bethanien Private Clinic in Zurich is certified by the German Cancer Society and the Swiss Cancer League. What does that mean?

Valeria Milani: This means that the BreastCenter has been visited by so-called auditors who have closely examined the facility, the specialists and the working methods, among other things. Only if a whole series of criteria are met is the center awarded certification.

Can you give us a few specific examples?

Valeria Milani: The quality criteria that have to be met in order to be certified as a breast center include requirements for the people providing treatment. For example, enough so-called Breast Care Nurses be employed. Such nurses are specialized in the care of breast cancer patients, are very knowledgeable about post-operative care, for example, or are specially trained in emotional support.

Surely there are also requirements for the medical profession?

Valeria Milani: Quite a lot! It is prescribed how many specialists from which specialty must be involved in the breast center: Oncologists, radiologists, radio-oncologists, surgeons, psychologists specializing in cancer issues and their treatment, pathologists, specialists in palliative care. To ensure that they are experienced doctors, a minimum number of treated cases is required. It is also checked whether they regularly undergo further training in the relevant specialist areas. And there are guidelines on the way in which these diversely specialized doctors work together.

Can you say more about this collaboration?

Valeria Milani: The specialists come together regularly at tumor boards, as these meetings are called. In our case, these interdisciplinary meetings take place every week. The current cases are discussed in detail at the tumor board. The findings are explained individually, individual treatment recommendations are made in line with the guidelines and the progress of each treatment is reviewed. Everything is done by consensus, constantly readjusted and recorded in detail.

How detailed are the process flow specifications?

Valeria Milani: I'll try to explain this using the example of a patient case. A woman suspected of having breast cancer is referred to the breast center. As part of the certification process, it was checked and documented that this woman can undergo all the necessary examinations in as few visits as possible. That she is informed of the exact findings very quickly and that, in the more positive case, she knows that she need not worry any further. And it is ensured that, in the unfortunate event of a positive cancer result, the woman can start all the necessary treatments within the specified time limits.

So such certification is very meaningful for a breast cancer patient?

Valeria Milani: In general, it is proof that the BrustCentrum meets the highest quality standards. Patients know that they will receive the most suitable treatment and therapy for their case at this location, always at the cutting edge of research. In the case of breast surgery, for example, the patient can be sure that she will be operated on by a surgeon with proven experience. The auditors have checked this. Knowing that there is someone there who, if it is not absolutely necessary, will not simply remove the breast, but has a great deal of experience in preserving as much tissue as possible, is of immense importance to a patient.

The BrustCentrum has received the certificate. So everything is very good?

Valeria Milani: Yes. All the requirements were met. Of course, we are always striving to improve. We have set ourselves the goal of working even more intensively in the area of study participation. We want to pass on our experience and findings and contribute to current research through joint studies with other breast centers and specialized clinics. At the same time, it is important to us to consciously foster cooperation beyond the boundaries of our center.