Guideline for the Management Pathway and Quality Control of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment in China's Counties

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among women in China, with approximately 306,000 new cases reported in 2016. Notably, around 33% (100,400) of these cases occurred in rural areas. County-level hospitals, encompassing counties and county-level cities, serve as the primary diagnostic units for the majority of rural breast cancer patients. These hospitals are integral to cancer prevention, screening, maintenance treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up, and referral processes. However, economic and geographical constraints result in county-level hospitals being relatively deficient in medical equipment, health human resources, and drug accessibility. Consequently, there is a critical need for breast cancer prevention and management guidelines that are tailored to the specific conditions of China's counties. In response to this need, and within the policy framework of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, a Chinese expert group has developed the Guideline for the Management Pathway and Quality Control of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment in China's Counties (2023 Edition). This guideline aims to expand the availability of quality medical resources, ensure better distribution of these resources across regions, and enhance the capacity for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the prognosis and quality of life for breast cancer patients in China's counties. This guideline includes clear and concise path diagrams that are easy to implement in clinical practice, serving as a valuable reference for clinicians in county-level hospitals.