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Routine care is the best way to keep breasts healthy . Although detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages is the primary goal of regular breast care , other benign conditions may also be discovered . One in 8 women in the United States gets breast cancer in their lifetime . However , by diagnosing breast cancer early , we provide the best chance of successfully treating or curing it .
All women should get a mammogram to scan breast tissue for tumors or other abnormalities that might indicate breast cancer . Although regular mammograms are the preferred breast cancer screening tool , patients should still be familiar with the way their breasts typically look and feel and report any changes or concerns to their doctor immediately .
Early detection is the key to positive outcomes when facing a breast cancer diagnosis .
Hackensack University Medical Center ’ s John Theurer Cancer Center Deena Mary Atieh Graham , MD Medical Oncologist
The battle against breast cancer has endured for decades but new screening and treatments are saving more lives . Here are some examples at Hackensack University Medical Center ’ s John Theurer Cancer Center ( JTCC ).
Mammography has long been the gold standard of screening for breast cancer . JTCC radiologists are employing the latest version of this screening called Contrast Enhanced Mammography ( CEM ) which combines high-resolution imaging of Digital Mammography and 3D Mammography with functional imaging provided by contrast .
With regard to treatment , JTCC doctors are exploring a new classification of anticancer drugs to successfully treat women with HER2- low , an advanced form of breast cancer . The drug combination includes antibody drug conjugates ( ADC ) which research shows can be a more successful treatment for those with this disease .
An upcoming JTCC clinical trial will explore decreasing the use of chemo in younger and premenopausal patients diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer . An additional study is looking at decreasing cognitive changes that can occur in breast cancer patients .
Hackensack University Medical Center ’ s John Theurer Cancer Center Donna McNamara Medical Oncologist
Cold caps are not a new technology , but this technique has undergone major improvements . The caps are used for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss . This has made breast cancer treatment more bearable .
“ I had two patients almost refuse chemotherapy treatment because of the stigma of losing their hair so this has been such an amazing tool ,” said Dr . Donna McNamara .
For women who are dealing with ongoing cancers such as metastatic stage four , there are new types of immunotherapies therapies and novel targeted therapies that are helping to improve and expand lives .
“ There is so much that is new including next-generation sequencing , proteomics , and other ways we will not just be able to better treat breast cancer , but detect recurrences sooner and have a better impact for patients ,” adds Dr . Deena Graham .
Holy Name Medical Center Zandra Cheng , MD , Breast Surgeon , board certified , fellowship-trained
Each year brings exciting innovations to the fight against breast cancer . Using leading-edge tools and techniques , Holy Name Cancer Care is able to transform the patient experience , emphasizing personalized care and significantly improving outcomes .
Advances in early detection made possible by the latest breast imaging tools , like tomosynthesis , now allow a more precise identification of lesions ( cancerous or noncancerous tumors ) requiring removal .
Advances in early detection made possible by the latest breast imaging tools , like tomosynthesis , now allow a more precise identification of lesions ( cancerous or non-cancerous tumors ) requiring removal . The impact of these advancements is enhanced by the implementation of technologies like wireless localization ( radioactive seed ) and intraoperative ultrasound wire localization , which improve surgeons ’ ability to remove tissue in a minimally invasive manner , reducing patient discomfort and alleviating anxiety .
The use of multimodal analgesia ( pain relieving ) protocols , like regional nerve blocks , has also proved revolutionary . These improved pain relief options allow most breast conserving surgeries to be performed under total intravenous anesthesia ( instead of general anesthesia ), producing fewer side effects and a quicker recovery .
This has the added benefit of reducing the need for opioid medications .
The availability of comprehensive breast reconstruction procedures offers a wider range of options for patients and their physicians . These improved procedures emphasize quality cancer surgery while maximizing cosmetic outcomes to maintain the best quality of life for patients .
Holy Name Cancer Care continually incorporates the latest research and treatment protocols within our distinct patient-centered care model , equipping our expert oncologists with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to deliver the highest quality of care possible throughout the cancer journey .
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bergen Dr . Boris Mueller Director of Radiation Oncology
Skin tattoos have long been the standard for breast radiotherapy alignment , but the markings are permanent , and many people find them undesirable due to cultural and religious implications , and self-image concerns . Skin tattoos can also be a permanent reminder of a person ’ s breast cancer . I and Dr . Lior Braunstein recently lead a team of experts from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bergen which began began offering a tattoo-less technique for people receiving breast radiation .
Surface Guided Radiation Therapy , or SGRT , particularly MSK ’ s AlignRT system , is a novel technology that eliminates the need for permanent tattoos . Using non-ionizing light from overhead cameras , AlignRT tracks a patient ’ s position and skin surface anatomy , ensuring accurate radiation delivery . The SGRT system ensures radiation is delivered only when the patient is precisely positioned , with real-time accuracy .
An MSK-led study ( conducted between 2020-2021 ) involving several dozen early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing partial breast radiation , showed that surface imaging was equally accurate – and often faster – than the tattoo-based setup . The team ’ s analyses , which was presented at an international meeting and subsequently published in a scientific journal earlier this year , revealed no area where traditional tattoos outperformed SGRT . A second study involving patients with more advanced disease showed that tattoo-less chest wall radiation mirrored the earlier findings .
The team ’ s research has demonstrated that tattoo-less radiation treatments are equivalent , and in some cases better , than traditional methods . Today , MSK offers patients the tattoo-less approach across its network of outpatient locations , including MSK Bergen , MSK Basking Ridge , and MSK compromising accuracy and alleviating the emotional distress that may come with a permanent marking .
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