HEALTHCARE
Saving Lives : NJ ’ s Top Hospitals Turn the Tables on Breast Cancer
Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives .
Compiled by John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer , but more women are surviving than ever before . In fact , more than two million women are breast cancer survivors . There are several ways to treat breast cancer , but all treatments work best when the disease is found early . As a matter of fact , when it is caught in its earliest stages , 98 percent of women with the disease are alive five years later . COMMERCE asked New Jersey ’ s top hospitals to discuss the latest advances for detecting and treating breast cancer ; and any special programs offered for patients after diagnosis and treatment that may increase the likelihood of their wellbeing , survival and return to health .
Atlantic Health System , Morristown Medical Center By Mona Karim , M . D ., Vice Chair , Radiation Oncology
Morristown Medical Center and Hackettstown Medical Center are the only hospitals in New Jersey to offer tattoo-free and mark-free Align- RT ® breast cancer radiation treatment . The new
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technology protects the heart when radiating the left breast and eliminates the need for permanent tattoos that are used in positioning a patient for treatment . AlignRT uses 3D cameras to monitor a patient ’ s skin surface in real-time and compare it to the ideal position . This Surface Guided Radiation Therapy ( SGRT ) ensures that radiation is delivered only when a patient is correctly positioned , enhancing their safety and comfort . Radiation can be a highly effective treatment for breast cancer , but the left breast is very close to the heart . This leaves the heart vulnerable to radiation exposure , which has been shown to sometimes lead to cardiac complications . We use Deep Inspiration Breath Hold ( DIBH ) to move the heart away from the breast during therapy . With the addition of AlignRT ,
Radiation therapy has proven to be an effective treatment of breast cancer .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Mark Kostich
“ Advances in imaging , medical oncology , surgery and radiation oncology have revolutionized the way we detect and treat breast cancer .”
breast cancer patients have additional assurance that their hearts are protected . Our priority is providing the highest quality breast care services in a safe and caring environment . We have implemented vigorous health and safety standards to ensure the care you receive is evolving for today ’ s needs .
Atlantic Health System , Overlook Medical Center By Bonni Guerin , M . D ., Director of Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Overlook Medical Center ’ s
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment Program streamlines the treatment process . During one convenient visit , patients can meet with a breast surgeon , radiation oncologist and medical oncologist — each of whom will discuss the diagnosis , answer questions and outline every step of the recommended treatment plan . Advances in imaging , medical oncology , surgery and radiation oncology have revolutionized the way we detect and treat breast cancer . Patients at Overlook benefit from a comprehensive array of procedures and treatments , including 3-D mammography ; nipple-sparing mastectomy ; DIEP flap breast reconstruction ; and SAVI SCOUT ® , a wireless localization system benefitting women undergoing breast lumpectomy . Our patients have access to personalized immunotherapies , early- and late-stage clinical trials , genetic counseling and integrative therapies designed to heal the whole patient . Overlook ’ s program empowers patients to be engaged in their treatment planning process and facilitates relationships with their physicians before treatment has begun . Getting three expert opinions in one afternoon saves time and expedites treatment . Our team of specialists have a standing appointment to review breast imaging together , discuss the patient ’ s history , and collaborate on the best course for a cure . Patients are on a path to recovery the moment they walk through our door .
Englewood Health By Violet M . McIntosh , M . D ., Chief of Breast Surgery
Genetic testing and early detection have changed outcomes for breast cancer patients . At Englewood Health , we use a combination of diagnostic tools , patient reminder systems and community outreach to find breast cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable . All women should have a personal and family history obtained at age 30 to determine if they fall into a high-risk category . For those at average risk , annual screening mammography should begin at age 40 . Our breast team calculates a risk score for every patient who has a screening mammogram . For those at high risk for breast cancer , advanced genetic testing is scheduled , and a personalized treatment plan is developed , which can include breast MRI in addition to screening mammography to rule out disease that may not be visible in other tests . Our early detection message is urgent : throughout the pandemic , many women have delayed annual screening mammography , which is significant because when patients adhere to regular screening schedules , the incidence of late-stage diagnosis is reduced , and outcomes are better .
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