According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. Below are five key attributes of Valley’s Breast Center program, which allow our team to provide a full spectrum of breast health services, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.
- Multidisciplinary approach to care
Our team of dedicated breast health clinicians collaborate to care for individuals with both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. We also care for those at elevated risk for breast cancer through a dedicated high-risk program.
Our patient-first, multidisciplinary approach brings together specialists from across disciplines to develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, all within one local facility. With the support of a patient navigation team, patients experience streamlined and coordinated care using the latest diagnostic tools and therapies.
- Survivorship in breast cancer care
Our team prioritizes long-term survivorship and wellness. Our comprehensive survivorship program – the SHINE program – supports both physical and emotional recovery, offering services such as personalized nutrition guidance from a registered dietitian and an individualized exercise program designed to reduce recurrence risk, improve quality of life, and promote longevity.
- Oncoplastic surgical expertise
Valley’s breast surgeons incorporate oncoplastic techniques to achieve excellent cosmetic results while also meeting the medical needs of the patient. “We want patients to feel like themselves, and part of that is how they see themselves, how they look,” said Laura Klein, MD, Director of the Breast Center for Valley Medical Group. “With Oncoplastic techniques, we can offer breast conservation to more patients who would otherwise require a mastectomy because of the amount of breast tissue to be removed. The breast can be reshaped, like a breast reduction, to achieve a beautiful cosmetic result.”
When mastectomy is recommended or chosen, nipple sparing and hidden scar techniques are used, followed by immediate reconstruction with our plastic surgical colleagues.
- Minimizing lymphedema risk
There is a dedicated emphasis on decreasing the risk of lymphedema, chronic swelling of the arm that can occur after lymph nodes are removed from the axilla for staging. Valley offers certified lymphedema specialists who educate patients on what to look for and what exercises they can do to help prevent lymphedema. Lymphatic surgery, such as lympho-venous bypass and lymph node transplant, is an option in the appropriate setting.
- Advancing breast cancer care through clinical trials
Valley Health System has a robust clinical trials program, offering our patients access to innovative treatment and research options. Trials include studies using new medications to decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence and to treat metastatic breast cancer.
For more information about breast cancer services at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, please visit ValleyHealth.com/BreastCancer. To make an appointment, please call 201-634-5557.
