Md. She recalled hearing reports from women who said they waited a year or more for a breast cancer screening. So the triservice working group concentrated initially on getting women into clinics. Each month, physicians at distant Pacific bases sit down at video- teleconferencing facilities with mammograms in hand and get screenings and advice from pathologists in Hawaii. This slashes the need for expensive, time-consuming medical evacuations and speeds up care to the patients, Browne said. In Southern California, Naval Medical Center San Diego set up a breast cancer center that networks regional Air Force, Army and Navy facilities.
Nurses manage cases, and a coordinator makes sure everyone gets the same level of education.
Results have been spectacular, Browne said. It helps patients maneuver through the health care system. The medics aren't necessarily educated beyond the basics about breast care, Browne said. Last year, the working group contracted with the American Medical Women's Association, which has since provided more than 6,000 primary care managers with more breast care knowledge. Browne is particularly proud of the assistance provided to smaller clinics without staff oncologists.