Updated NICE quality standard identifies areas for breast cancer improvement

15 June 2016 - NICE’s latest quality standard published today says people who have been diagnosed with a type of early breast cancer and who are at risk of the cancer spreading should be offered a test called Oncotype DX.

The test provides information about the genetic makeup of the tumour to help predict how it might develop. This information can be used to help make more personalised treatment decisions by identifying which patients would be most likely to benefit from treatment with chemotherapy after surgery and those who won’t need it, thereby avoiding unnecessary side effects.

The test is one of 3 new key areas for improvement highlighted in the updated quality standard.

It says people with suspected breast cancer who have been referred to a specialist should be offered a full assessment at a single visit to the hospital or specialist unit. This involves an examination, breast imaging and, if needed, a biopsy. Having all 3 in a single visit will help ensure people get a faster diagnosis and be a more efficient use of resources.

The updated standard also recognises that for people who have invasive breast cancer confirmed by a biopsy, or for people who have a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ, an MRI scan is not usually needed before surgery. Carrying out an unnecessary scan may cause additional stress without any benefit and waste healthcare resources.

For more details, go to: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/updated-nice-quality-standard-identifies-areas-for-breast-cancer-improvement

Michael Wonder

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Michael Wonder