Back to home Oct. 2012
The Regional Cancer Center
A Team Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment
Just as every patient is different, so is every breast
cancer diagnosis and each requires close collaboration
between cancer specialists with different areas of
expertise. To ensure a comprehensive consultation
and evaluation, the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic at
the Regional Cancer Center brings these specialists
together in one place, in one visit, to develop a
treatment plan.
A visit to the clinic includes an individual meeting with a medical oncologist, surgeon and radiation oncologist. Each physician completes a full assessment, discusses possible treatment options and answers any questions related to the breast cancer diagnosis.
After meeting all three physicians, the patient is treated to a complimentary lunch while the physicians—along with a pathologist, radiologist, nurse navigator, genetic counselor, oncology clinical pharmacist, dietitian, and, if necessary, plastic surgeon—discuss the patient in detail.
Using National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and reviewing all radiology films and pathology slides, the group determines the best individualized plan of care for the patient. Once the patient returns from lunch, the nurse navigator explains the recommended plan of care to the patient and all necessary appointments are scheduled in a timely manner.
"The goal of the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic is to educate and engage patients in their breast cancer treatment so that they can make informed decisions," says Dara Leichter, RN, a breast cancer nurse navigator. "Having all of the necessary experts at one visit means that questions are answered and a collaborative treatment plan is determined and can begin quickly. It helps our patients feel confident and hopeful after a frightening and complicated breast cancer diagnosis."
Individuals can ask their physician for a referral to the clinic, or may self-refer if they have not decided on a plan of care or would like a second opinion.
For more information or to make an appointment,
call Dara at 239-343-9543 or
Tammy Zinn, RN, breast
cancer nurse navigator, at 239-343-9546. Or,
visit www.LeeMemorial.org/cancercare/navigators/
“Nurse navigators are available for brain, breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian/uterine and prostate cancers. There is no cost for navigation services at the Regional Cancer Center.”
Breast Cancer Risks Rise with Weight
space
Visit Lee Memorial Health System on Vimeo
spacer
spacer