Healthcare facilities offer variety of breast cancer services

• Local hospitals helping Breast Cancer patients with challenging decisions.
• Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer among American women.
• One in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that there would be 232,340 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2013, its latest estimate.

Breast cancer is the second-most common form of cancer among American women according to the ACS, and one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who will deal with benign breast disease this year will require medical evaluation for treatment options.

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. In addition to mammography, physical breast examinations — self-examination and one performed by a healthcare provider — are important to your breast health.  Monthly self-examination and annual examination by a healthcare provider are recommended. Based on additional risk factors such as family history, prior high-risk biopsy results, personal history of breast cancer and genetic predisposition, additional screening studies might be indicated.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in Central Jersey

Central Jersey residents have a wealth of resources to turn to for related education and treatment of this disease. Here's a look at what's new at healthcare facilities in the region and what they offer in terms of breast cancer services and treatments as we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Hunterdon Healthcare

Hunterdon Medical Center has once again been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Breast Centers, acknowledging its dedication to providing exceptional patient care and treatment.

By carrying the Women’s Choice Award seal, the Hunterdon Women’s Imaging Center and the Hunterdon Regional Breast Care Program have signified their commitment to a global mission to elevate the patient experience for women and all patients as one of America’s Best Breast Centers.

“Every two minutes a women in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer, and she needs to know which breast centers she can trust to navigate this uncertain path,” said Delia Passi, CEO and founder of WomenCertified, home of the Women’s Choice Award. “Breast care is extremely vital to women’s health and we want them to know that Hunterdon Medical Center has met the highest standards in caring for the needs of their female patients. The Women’s Choice Award is the only program that identifies the nation’s best in healthcare based on patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and what women really want when it comes to treatment and a quality medical experience.”

Hunterdon Women’s Imaging Center earned the award by having met the NAPBC standards from the American College of Surgeons. As one of America’s Best Breast Centers, Hunterdon Medical Center also carries the Seal of the American College of Radiologists as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and scored above-average on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services patient satisfaction measures.

Hunterdon Medical Center’s nationally accredited Hunterdon Regional Breast Care Program plays a major role in assuring that the highest standard of medical care is provided. A highly skilled team of breast specialists from different medical disciplines provide diagnostic testing, treatment, surgery, psychosocial support, education and rehabilitation. This team also collaborates with family practice physicians, gynecologists, radiologists, oncology specialists, plastic surgeons, pathologists and counselors to ensure that the care is the most comprehensive it can be. The newly renovated Hunterdon Women’s Imaging Center provides comprehensive diagnostic services including digital mammography, ultrasound and breast ultrasound, diagnostic breast MRI and breast intervention procedures.

If a woman’s mammogram comes back with abnormal results, Alice Quinn provides care coordination for patients who need additional testing.

“Navigation begins on the spot," Quinn said. "We get the patient set up for her next step, whether it’s a breast biopsy or ultrasound, or an appointment with our breast surgeon — whatever is needed is handled right away.”

The Women’s Choice Award helps women and their families by providing recommendations they can trust and use when making healthcare choices.

“We have found that recommendations are the single-most important consideration used by women in selecting a hospital or care center,” Passi said. “By letting women know which breast centers in their area are among America’s best, we are able to reduce risk by helping them make better decisions and smarter healthcare choices.”

Hunterdon Women’s Imaging Center is at 121 Route 31, Suite 1100 in Flemington. To schedule an appointment, call 908-782-4700. To learn more about the Hunterdon Regional Breast Care Program, visit www. hunterdonhealthcare.org/breastcare.

JFK Medical Center

The JFK Breast Center in Edison is proud to announce it has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the college’s voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.

The breast imaging services at JFK Medical Center are fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that this facility has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

“With all of the various breast imaging modes under one roof at JFK — from breast ultrasound to 3D mammography— we are ‘one-stop shopping’ for all needs of our patients,” said Dr. Grace Malantic-Lu, chief of Breast Imaging at JFK. “By earning ACR accreditation in all modalities, we are now recognized as an ACR ‘Center of Excellence.’”

JFK is committed to bringing state-of-the-art healthcare to its communities. The center is furthering that mission with the introduction of Selena Dimensions 3D mammography from Hologic services. 3D mammography is the most accurate breast cancer screening available anywhere and JFK is proud to offer this lifesaving technology to the women in its care.

This technology detects 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40 percent. This means one simple thing: early detection.

According to Lu, 3D captures multiple slices of the breast, all at different angles. The images are brought together to create a crystal-clear 3D reconstruction of the breast.

"We are then able to review the reconstruction, one thin slice at a time, almost like turning pages in a book," she said. "That makes it easier for doctors to see if there’s anything to be concerned about. And, there’s less chance for a cancer to hide behind overlapping tissue."

Lu said that the new breast imaging system from Hologic is the most exciting advancement in breast cancer detection in over 30 years.

"3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram," she said. "The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening by improving cancer detection rate and reduction in recall rate. 3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required and it only takes a few more seconds longer for each view."

According to Lu, very low X-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film and well within the FDA safety standards for mammography. Also, a 3D mammography exam can be performed on almost all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram in both the screening and diagnostic settings.

Directly across from JFK Medical Center, the Women's Diagnostic Center provides women a full range of imaging services, including the support role of certified nurse navigator, in one location.

To schedule a 3D mammography screening, call the JFK Breast Center at 732-205-1417 or visit www.jfkmc.org to learn more.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Basking Ridge 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge provides the same outstanding cancer care as the New York City locations, in a state-of-the-art outpatient facility that is convenient for residents of New Jersey. It offers diagnostic services, treatment and follow-up care for a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer.

At MSK Basking Ridge, patients receive care from a team of experts including board-certified medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons who specialize in treating specific types of cancer. The team includes nurses and other medical professionals who have training in recognizing and addressing the issues that can arise with a cancer diagnosis, both during and after treatment. This collaborative approach enables us to provide disease-specific care that is both personalized and compassionate.

Our Basking Ridge location offers early breast cancer screening including digital mammography, ultrasound and MRI. If you’ve learned that you’re at an increased risk for breast cancer, you can receive personalized, ongoing surveillance through our RISE (Risk Assessment, Imaging, Surveillance, and Education) program.

Because doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering are at the forefront of cancer research, they are able to offer eligible patients certain innovative therapies that are not yet widely available. These new treatments are investigated through our clinical trials program. To learn more, visit www.mskcc.org/clinicaltrails.

MSK takes a comprehensive approach to surgery for breast cancer and in many cases, can offer women innovative breast-conserving treatments and reconstruction options. While surgery is only performed in Manhattan, pre-surgical testing and post-surgery follow-up appointments can take place in Basking Ridge.

In addition to excellent clinical cancer care, MSK provides a variety of services to help patients cope with the challenges of treatment and living with cancer. These offerings include counseling with a social worker, support groups (both in person and online), patient education, and nutrition counseling. There is also an anesthesiologist specializing in pain management available on-site.

MSK is at 136 Mountainview Blvd. in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards. For new patient appointments, call 908-542-3000. For more information, go to https://www.mskcc.org/locations/mskcc-basking-ridge.

Overlook Medical Center

Overlook Medical Center in Summit, a hospital of Atlantic Health System, has announced that its Breast Center (atlantichealth.org/BreastCenteratOverlook) received accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) of the American College of Surgeons. This is the highest form of clinical and quality care recognition for breast centers in the United States.

“As a center of excellence we demonstrate that Overlook Medical Center provides the highest level of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment available nationally,” said Bonni Guerin, MD, chairwoman, Breast Program Leadership.  “A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.”

Overlook Medical Center is also identified as a Best Practice hospital for Patient Navigation and has been chosen to be part of the NAPBC Best Practice Repository.

“As a Best Practice hospital, other breast centers have the opportunity to learn from our program, especially in the area of nurse navigation,” says Sandra Wrigley, RN, CN-BN, CMF, breast nurse navigator at Overlook Medical Center.

The NAPBC Best Practice Repository is an evolving online repository of best practice relating to NAPBC Accreditation. This repository will provide documents and other tools that breast centers may find useful in meeting NAPBC Standards.

Overlook Medical Center offers comprehensive breast care in a multidisciplinary setting. The Overlook team and services include: medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, fellowship-trained breast radiologists, pathologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and access to national clinical trials.  The program offers nurses trained in breast health, breast nurse navigators, physical therapists, lymphedema therapists, social workers, a dietician, and a genetic counselor.  Many support services are offered to help patients and their families cope with breast cancer.  Services include a  breast cancer support group, pre-breast surgery education classes, nutrition education, counseling, integrative therapies that include massage, Reiki, yoga, stress management techniques, mindfulness meditation and art therapy.

Services that make Overlook Medical Center stand out from other Breast Centers include:

• a comprehensive Breast Cancer Prevention Program (Atlantichealth.org/BreastCancerPrevention) that includes genetic evaluation and testing led by Dr. Guerin;

• tomosynthesis, or 3-D breast imaging (Atlantichealth.org/Overlook/3DMammo) a breakthrough in mammography that provides a clearer, more accurate view compared to digital mammography alone and consistently shows improved breast cancer detection rates, especially invasive cancers, and a decrease in call backs;

• accelerated breast radiation (Atlantichealth.org/Overlook/ABR )where high dose radiation is administered in a much shorter time frame and in a prone (lying face down) position, which reduces radiation exposure to the skin and vital organs, such as the heart and lungs.

For more information about the Breast Center at Overlook Medical Center, visit www.atlantichealth.org/BreastCenteratOverlook.

ProCure Proton Therapy Center

The ProCure Proton Therapy Center in the Somerset section of Franklin is the first proton therapy facility to treat patients with cancer in the tri-state region. In the spring of 2012, ProCure Treatment Centers Inc. — in collaboration with CentraState and Princeton Radiation Oncology, opened the 60,000-square-foot facility. One of only 15 centers in the United States, ProCure NJ recently celebrated the graduation of its 1,500th patient — a testament to the expertise and experience of the ProCure team.

Additionally, ProCure has a relationship with major cancer hospitals in Manhattan, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, to deliver critical cancer care to patients in need.

ProCure is among the first proton therapy facilities in the country to introduce proton therapy to patients with breast cancer. Both patients with early stage breast cancer or locally advanced breast cancer who have undergone breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy may be treated with proton therapy. Because proton therapy is so precise, it can reduce the radiation exposure to normal, healthy organs, which is especially important for patients with left-sided breast cancer, as the cancer is very close to the heart. Preclinical studies have shown the benefit of proton therapy in breast cancer, namely its ability to effectively treat the tumor site while reducing the risk of toxicity to the heart, lungs and related structures, as compared to conventional radiation.

The center offers several clinical trials for cancer patients. Currently open is a clinical trial for Stage II/III patients that examines the rates of acute and long-term adverse events of postoperative proton therapy for complex localized irradiation in patients with loco-regionally advanced breast cancer. This study specifically includes longitudinal follow-up to assess the incidence of cardiac mortality and second malignancies 10 and 15 years following proton therapy treatment. Visit procure.com/nj for more information.

ProCure NJ is the only proton therapy center in the metropolitan area equipped with pencil beam scanning (PBS), the most advanced proton therapy technology available today. This revolutionary technique moves a proton beam of pencil-point sharpness back and forth across each layer of a tumor's thickness and paints the tumor with radiation in three dimensions. This ultra-precision makes PBS the most ideal treatment for tumors located next to critical tissues or organs. Unlike other smaller, more compact proton therapy systems, ProCure's technology has the highest level of proton energy precision and beam purity available today. ProCure's PBS technology expands the center's ability to treat difficult and complicated tumor types, and is reflective of their commitment to continually advancing cancer treatment options. With four treatment rooms, ProCure is also uniquely able to treat a large amount of patients each day.

In addition to delivering the most comprehensive proton therapy treatment in the region, ProCure works with patients and their family members to establish the best treatment path available for that patient's unique case. ProCure offers patient services such as insurance and financial counselors, a special pediatric playroom, and a concierge program to address personal needs such as finding local accommodations during treatment. ProCure also enables patients to connect with other patients — creating a powerful and supportive community through the shared experience of battling cancer. ProCure is proud to be a healing environment that helps patients throughout their journey.

If you or someone you love is considering proton therapy for his or her breast cancer, call 1-877-967-7628 or request more information online at: www.procure.com/nj.  The team will help you learn more about proton therapy and find out if it is right for you.

Raritan Bay Medical Center

In the past year, the biggest development at Raritan Bay Medical Center has been the move of the Center for Women office/services and 3D mammography into the new building at Old Bridge's 2 Hospital Plaza — The Medical and Surgical Pavilion and the additional availability of 3D mammo at the Perth Amboy location at 530 New Brunswick Ave.

While many women do have an annual mammogram, there are still many more who should. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to encourage all women to have this important test annually.

New technologies continue to emerge in the battle against breast cancer, enabling earlier diagnosis and leading to a better chance of survival. 3D mammography — or breast tomosynthesis — is the newest tool to help detect cancer early.

One of the many specialized healthcare services available the Center for Women at Raritan Bay Medical Center’s new Medical and Surgical Pavilion in Old Bridge and its Perth Amboy hospital, 3D mammography provides a clearer view of breast tissue than 2D digital mammography alone. The radiologists at RBMC are able examine the many layers of breast tissue, facilitating the detection of smaller cancers. This is particularly important for women with dense breast tissue.

Studies have shown that breast tomosynthesis, used in conjunction with 2D mammography, has a roughly 40 percent higher detection rate of the most serious, invasive breast cancers than standard mammography alone.  Other benefits include a decrease in the number of call backs for further testing as well as a decrease in unnecessary biopsies or additional tests, all of which lessen patient anxiety,

3D mammography is just one of the high-quality health tests available at RBMC’s Center for Women. The Center has been recognized as a Pink Ribbon Facility by Hologic in recognition of its excellence in breast health paired with an exceptional commitment and support of women in the local community.

Services available through the Center for Women include breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, digital mammography — double read method — ultrasound, breast MRI, image-guided biopsy and bone densitometry

Treatment for urinary incontinence, lymphedema therapy and integrative health services are also available.

Call 732-324-5270 to schedule a mammogram at either location. For more information, call 732-360-4232 or visit www.rbmc.org.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Health System

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset offers 3D mammography, the latest and most advanced technology in breast cancer screenings and detection, at the Sanofi US Breast Care Program in the Steeplechase Cancer Center, at 30 Rehill Ave. in Somerville.

Traditional mammography is only two-dimensional, taking images of the breast from two angles. 3D mammogram, also known as a digital breast tomosynthesis exam, moves in an arc over the breasts to capture multiple images of the breast from various angles that create a clear, 3D reconstruction of the breast, which allows radiologists to examine the patient’s breast tissue in far greater detail. The 3D mammogram picks up invasive tumors and abnormalities more easily, increases accuracy, avoids false alarms and detects breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is the most treatable.

“Mammograms are not only extremely important as the first step to early detection, but also are the entry point into the overall breast health service line,” said Myra Wedmid, MD, a board-certified radiologist and co-director of the Sanofi US Breast Care Program at the Steeplechase Cancer Center. “Therefore, we want to have the best technology available for our patients to improve outcomes. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital provides our patients with the best care possible, all while being in a comforting and convenient location. Not only do we provide a friendly and welcoming stand-alone facility dedicated solely to breast care, but we now have the latest in breast screening technology — the 3D Mammogram, that allows radiologists to see the tissue in much more detail than the conventional flat image of a 2D mammogram.”

The facility has a very calming environment with soothing colors, and attractive décor to make patients feel comfortable and at ease. From warm, terrycloth robes to individual private waiting areas, the Breast Care Program is specially designed to ensure comfort and privacy for patients. The program has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and is accredited by the National Accreditation program for Breast Centers. The Steeplechase Cancer Center offers a full range of outpatient cancer services, including women’s imaging, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, lung cancer screening, a smoking cessation program and psycho-social services. The Sanofi US Breast Cancer Program also offers breast health services such as breast ultrasound, breast biopsy with stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, MRI scans and MRI guided breast biopsy and DXA scanning for detection of osteoporosis.

RWJUH is the flagship hospital of Robert Wood Johnson Health System that includes acute care hospitals RWJUH in New Brunswick and Somerville; RWJUH-Hamilton and RWJUH-Rahway, and a national leader in pediatric rehabilitation, Children’s Specialized Hospital, as well as five fitness and wellness centers and numerous outpatient facilities.

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer has rated RWJUH New Brunswick among the nation’s best comprehensive cancer centers and designated the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJ Somerset as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. The Joint Surgery Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total knee and total hip replacement surgery.

For more information go to www.rwjuh.edu. To schedule an appointment for a 3D mammogram at The Sanofi US Breast Care Program in the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJ Somerset, call 908-704-3740. For more information about the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, go to www.rwjuh.edu. For a referral to a physician affiliated with RWJUH, call 1-888-MD-RWJUH. Follow on Twitter at www.rwjuh.edu.twitter and Facebook at www.rwjuh.edu/facebook.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey        

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey surgical oncologist Laurie J. Kirstein, MD, FACS, and Cancer Prevention, Control and Population Science Associate Director Sharon L. Manne, Ph.D., have been awarded a $404,089 grant from the National Cancer Institute to explore the decision-making process women with nonhereditary breast cancer undergo when considering the removal of a healthy breast. The goal is to develop a Web-based tool to aid them in this process.

Removal of a healthy breast (contralateral prophylactic mastectomy or CPM) has risen five-fold in the past 15 years in women diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast with no family history (Stucky, Gray, Wasif, et al., Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2010; 17: 330-337). Kirstein, who manages the care of patients in the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute and is an assistant professor of surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, says typically CPM is not medically recommended for this population, but there are a number of reasons why these women choose to have it.

“Fear of return of the breast cancer and perceived risk of recurrence increase the stress related to this decision," she said. "Advances made in breast reconstruction give many women more confidence about having the procedure, whereas even 10 years ago, the risks involved might have dissuaded women from this choice. And as more celebrities are choosing CPM, this seems to make the procedure more socially acceptable to some.”

“There is a clinical need for greater patient education with regard to making this complex decision,” added Manne, who is a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “Decision support aids that address the risks and benefits of the procedure can be helpful in promoting a well-informed choice.”

The ultimate goal is to develop a Web-based decision support aid for women considering CPM. The first phase of the project will focus on development of the content of the tool based on interviews with women who did or did not choose to undergo CPM. Once the data is analyzed, the Web-based tool will be developed and feedback gathered from patients. This will be followed by a clinical trial involving 80 women comparing the feasibility and acceptability of the new tool to women who receive the standard education and discussion from their physicians.

The project period runs through July 2017.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-3637 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.

To make an initial appointment, or if you have not been seen at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey within the last two years. For adult appointments, call 732-235-8515 and pediatric appointments, call 732-235-7552.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital

The Breast Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has been granted a three-year/full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. The Saint Peter’s Breast Center also received full accreditation from the NAPBC in 2009, becoming the first breast center in Central Jersey to be accredited by the organization, and in 2012.

“We are certainly proud to be re-accredited,” said Dr. Susan McManus, director of the Saint Peter’s Breast Center. “We strive on a daily basis to improve the care and experience of all of our patients at the Saint Peter’s Breast Center.”

Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

“The Breast Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital was the first NAPBC-accredited center in central New Jersey,” an NAPBC surveyor said. “They have demonstrated a commitment to the guidelines and standards set by the NAPBC to effect positive change. I believe the Saint Peter’s Breast Center has an important impact in the community.”

The members of the Saint Peter’s Breast Center pool their expertise, covering multiple medical specialties, to design a customized treatment program for each patient. Using the most advanced oncology treatment options available, Saint Peter’s offers a full range of state-of-the-art services, including Women's Imaging, Screening and Diagnostic Mammography Services, Bone Density, Breast Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Survivorship Services, Moving On Therapeutic Exercise Program for Patients in Treatment such as Nutrition and Social Services, Lymphedema Prevention and Rehabilitation, Wellness and Genetic Counseling.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to: comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services; a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options and, most importantly, quality breast care close to home.

The Saint Peter's Breast Center is at 240 Easton Ave. For more information, call the Breast Center at 732-846-3300 or go to www.saintpetershcs.com/breastcenter.

For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.