Diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of breast cancer
 
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1 Regional Care Appropriateness, Veneto Region, Venice, Italy
 
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2 Oncology Institute, IOV, Padua, Italy
 
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3 Care Appropriateness, AULSS 5, Rovigo, Italy
 
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4 Care Appropriateness, AULSS 6, Cittadella, Italy
 
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5 Care Appropriateness, AULSS 8, Vicenza, Italy
 
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6 Care Appropriateness, AULSS 6, Padua, Italy
 
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7 Medical Board of Directors, ULSS 6 Euganea, Cittadella, Italy
 
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8 Department of Epidemiology of Regional Health Service, Venice, Italy
 
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9 Risk management, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
 
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10 Care Appropriateness, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
 
 
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
 
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent female cancer in italy. In the veneto region (4800000 inhabitants), 6459 surgical interventions were performed for BC in 2025. The regional policy document addressed all potential issues related to BC management, from screening to follow-up and it has been implemented in 12 different breast units (BUs). The organizational and structural requirements that must be met by the BUs to be authorized for the diagnosis and treatment of BC have been defined. In fact, a specific regional policy document has been released in 2017.

METHODS:
In 2023, an assessment tool has been designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the process described in the regional document. It was done through measurable outcomes, as well as its implementation by all BUs with the aim of improving healthcare for BC patients. Data monitoring allows us to verify the correct path, which is why collecting data is essential. Every single case of BC diagnosed in 2025 was consistently monitored from care appropriateness regional services. Cases were assessed to determine the degree of compliance with the guidelines established in the regional policy document.

RESULTS:
A multidisciplinary oncology team (MOT) was established at each breast unit. A total of 12664 meetings were held at the various BUs. In 2025, the average meeting frequency was 51.5, corresponding to an average of one meeting per week. Across the various BUs, 98.8% of diagnosed BC cases were discussed; only 1.2% of cases reached surgery without being discussed by the MOT. The case managers present in each MOT activated language mediation for 100% of women with a language barrier.

CONCLUSIONS:
The achieved satisfactory results prove the effectiveness of the path carried out by veneto region. The regional organizational model described allows to analyze many measurable indicators, making planning healthcare assistance solutions more appropriate.
eISSN:2654-1459
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