[영문]The first disease management program contractfor breast cancer in Germany was signedin 2002 between the Association of Regional ofPhysicians in North-Rhine and the statutoryhealth insurance companies in Rhineland. Atthe heart of this unique breast cancer diseasemanagement program is a patient-centerednetwork of health care professionals. The program’smain objectives are: (1) to improve thequality of treatment and post-operative carefor breast cancer patients, (2) to provide timelyinformation and consultation empoweringthe patient to participate in decisionmaking,(3) to improve the interface between inpatientand outpatient care, and (4) to increase thenumber of breast-conserving surgeries.