Breast Cancer Treatment

Statistics show that nearly one in eight U.S. women develops breast cancer at some time in her life. The good news is that survival rates are over 90% when cancer is caught early. And studies also show improved patient survival when cancer physicians work as a team. At Martha Jefferson Cancer Center, from the time the patient first enters the door, the cancer specialists work together to accurately diagnose and stage the cancer and determine optimal treatment choices. Physicians can review cases as a group at the weekly multidisciplinary cancer conference or simply pick up the phone to confer with a colleague.

For the patient, the continuous behind-the-scenes communication translates to individualized treatment options, designed to fit patient and family needs and lifestyle. Thanks to active physician partnerships with NCI-sponsored cooperative groups, eligible patients have access to the most promising research trials.

Our numerous available services include:

• Stereotactic biopsies
• Comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer conferences where physicians as a team review cancer cases
• State-of-the-art breast MRI and MRI-guided biopsies
• Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy administered in comfortable, sunny infusion centers
• Clinical research trials for eligible patients
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• 5-day, 10-treatment Mammosite catheter breast brachytherapy
• Genetic testing and counseling for high-risk families
• A Breast Health Liaison RN to accompany patients to breast biopsies or other breast procedures
• Complementary massage, dietary consults, social worker consults, yoga and exercise classes
• Lymphedema treatment by specially certified Physical and Occupational Therapists
• Breast Cancer Support Groups
• Complimentary wigs and head coverings from Marianne's Room
• Digital and analog mammography and ultrasound
• A Cancer Resource Center staffed by an oncology-certified nurse to help you access cancer information
• Reconstructive surgery
• Free scheduled screenings for uninsured women