HEALTHCARE
Covid Pushes Innovation in Breast Cancer Screening
Women returning for tests
Compiled by Diane C . Walsh Acting Editor
Breast cancer screenings dropped over 87 percent during the height of the pandemic because women were encouraged to stay at home and fears of contracting COVID‐19 kept many from having their annual check-ups .
The Centers for Disease Control reports there has been an uptick in the past year , as pandemic restrictions eased and preventive care again became a priority . Yet , healthcare providers are concerned that the delays could have an impact on the future cancer care outcomes .
October ’ s traditional focus on breast cancer has taken on a new emphasis this year . Commerce Magazine decided to speak with leading providers to discuss what new approaches or innovations in breast cancer awareness are being implemented in the wake of the pandemic .
Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center Dr . Deena Graham Hackensack University Medical Center and Palisades Center
The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives . One of them is especially alarming : fewer women have been going for regular mammograms — which find breast cancer early , when it is most curable . At Hackensack University Medical Center , we ’ re making sure patients receive the most effective breast care under the safest of conditions .
We continue to take all steps possible to reduce your risk of contracting COVID‐19 , including screening patients and visitors , mandating mask wearing , sanitizing our facilities , and encouraging everyone to get vaccinated .
Social media is helping us spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and new treatments . Telehealth appointments are available in most circumstances for follow-up visits and second opinions .
Genetic counseling and testing are available to identify people at increased risk of breast cancer so we can tailor individualized screening programs for them . If you ’ re diagnosed with breast cancer , we ’ ll match you with targeted treatments that take aim at the biology of your tumor , giving you only the treatments you need and sparing you from the side effects of therapies that may not work . Don ’ t delay – if you ’ re due for a mammogram , make an appointment today !
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Roshani Patel , M . D ., FACS Medical Director , Breast Surgery
In the height of the pandemic , we have had to use more technology to communicate with each other rather than via in-person visits . By the same token , we have used Zoom and other formats to provide web-based learning for our patients . The media is a critical tool as we can reach patients on the internet through webbased articles , Facebook , magazines , journals , TV , or newspapers .
Using these avenues help us connect with patients to encourage them to seek help if they note an issue , sooner rather than later , and assure them that we have safety measures in place . In addition , for many patients , telehealth and using their e-chart has been a great initial step to reach out if they have a problem . This improves our care coordination and decreases in-person office visits . For patients who may not have smartphones or internet access , a phone call is all that is needed to get them the help they need at any of our facilities .
Continued On Page 26
Modern technology has created more accurate methods for diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Mark Kostich
24 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com