■ Healthcare
Continued From Page 20 ment options , such as lymphovenous anastomosis bypass to prevent a complication from lymph node surgery known as lymphedema , a technique only a few surgeons across the U . S . are trained to perform , as well as preoperative radiation boost therapy , a treatment strategy allowing patients to begin radiation sessions pre-surgery , rather than completing all sessions post-surgery . Medicine is a constantly evolving field , and our goal is to ensure patients have access to the latest cutting-edge scientific advances .
the institute
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center Coral Omene , MD , PhD Medical Oncologist and Member of the Cancer Health Equity Center of Excellence at
The topic of cancer disparities , which aims to understand why some groups of people may be more or less likely to develop cancer , experience cancer-related health problems , or have less frequent use of screening tests than other groups of people , is one of many research areas being explored at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey , the state ’ s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center together with RWJBarnabas Health . Clinical trials , which are a vital step in bringing new cancer therapies to patients , have strikingly low rates of Black female participants , which is a critical , unaddressed concern and an important target for intervention .
With the aid of a grant from the V Foundation for Cancer Research in partnership with ESPN , research teams led by me at Rutgers Cancer Institute are currently working to improve outcomes for Black women with breast cancer – including through increased participation in clinical trials . The efforts in this funded proposal includes tailored patient education ; advocacy and outreach ; patient navigation ; and physician engagement and outreach . The project will serve as a guide for increasing clinical trial participation among Black patients with other cancers that disproportionately affect this population , including colorectal , lung and prostate cancers . Ensuring people from diverse backgrounds participate in clinical trials is key to advancing health equity and is critical to progress against cancer .
St . Joseph ’ s Health Nadra Moulayes DO , FACOS Director of Breast Surgery
At St . Joseph ’ s Health , our highly trained physicians provide breast health care to a diverse patient population of various ethnical , religious and socioeconomic backgrounds . Our level of care ranges from routine screenings to care for those with advanced cases of breast cancer in a personalized multidisciplinary approach .
As with most cancers , early detection is key . In recent years , new advances in digital imaging have enhanced the ability to detect cancers earlier and with more accuracy . While regular mammograms are still the standard diagnostic tool , MRIs are now used to further investigate any irregular finding that has been discovered during a routine exam .
All of our patients at St . Joseph ’ s have access to advanced and innovative cancer treatment options , including surgery , radiation , and chemotherapy . If a patient is interested in reconstructive surgery , they have access to multiple reconstruction options , including a standard breast implant or using a patient ’ s own tissue to reconstruct the breast . Many of the new techniques allow the patient to maintain a more natural appearance , which can lead to greater satisfaction and quality of life .
Patients who have support from health-care providers , family and friends are more likely to get through the traumatic diagnosis of breast cancer .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / SDI Productions Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / FatCamera
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / FatCamera Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / nd3000
22 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com