Developing a breast fine needle aspiration biopsy service in Peru

Abstract 6Background:Breast cancer incidence is increasing in developing countries. In 2010, 57.8% of breast cancers in Peru were at least stage III at diagnosis. Federal and regional Peruvian institutions partnered with several organizations, including UCSF, to improve access and quality of breast cancer care in Peru. Phase 1 involved screening with clinical breast exam, creating a community-based referral system for women with masses, and promoting evaluation of lesions using fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) by trained physicians, with treatment at the regional cancer institute. Curricula for each activity were developed and validated. During phase 1, in-country FNAB expertise was recognized as limited. For phase 2, the critical objective was to solidify local capacity for high-quality FNAB and integrate FNAB into standard of care for breast cancer.Methods:Three main activities were completed during phase 2. 1) Develop a Training of Trainers (ToT) curriculum for FNAB, and identify master trainers an...