A recent Nieuwsuur study reveals that 40 Dutch hospitals fail to meet European guidelines for breast cancer care. How significant is this shortfall?
Minimum Patient Volume
The European Society for Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) has established guidelines to elevate breast cancer treatment standards across Europe and beyond. A key requirement is treating at least 150 breast cancer patients annually. As Femke Welles from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) explains, 'The more procedures a hospital performs, the better the outcomes.' Yet, 40 hospitals fall below this threshold, with 15 treating fewer than 100 patients yearly. Lower volumes can compromise care quality.
Push for Specialization
Advocates for these guidelines, including EUSOMA, urge concentrating care in specialized centers. They question why all Dutch hospitals handle breast cancer cases rather than focusing expertise. The KWF recommends that health insurers avoid contracting hospitals treating under 100 patients per year.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Example
The Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, one of the Netherlands' few dedicated cancer centers, has championed care concentration since 2004. Ideally, they suggest limiting treatment to 20-30 specialized centers instead of the current 90+ hospitals.
Counterarguments
The National Breast Cancer Consultation Platform disagrees, emphasizing surgeons' overall expertise. Full-time surgeons perform various operations, so breast cancer volume alone may not determine skill.
Your View?
Should breast cancer care remain accessible in as many Dutch hospitals as possible, or be centralized in specialist centers?
