When it Comes to Overcoming Breast Cancer, Take the Team Approach

This multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic approach can help ease the minds of patients already experiencing a challenging time because they do not have to travel to different doctors for multiple consultations, which also allows treatment to begin much faster.

From AdventHealth

Medical science is making breakthroughs every day, finding cures and new treatments for multiple forms of breast cancer. Many of these innovative and revolutionary treatment programs are available right here in Central Florida.

One new approach that's gaining attention involves bringing together a team of breast cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and breast cancer surgeons, all at the same location. These specialists can each evaluate a patient and then work together to develop a targeted treatment plan in a single visit.

Multidisciplinary Expertise Means Quicker Treatment

This multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic approach can help ease the minds of patients already experiencing a challenging time because they do not have to travel to different doctors for multiple consultations, which also allows treatment to begin much faster. Combining this approach with today's advanced technologies for treating breast cancer like the new TrueBeam system, which precisely delivers radiation to a tumor site while sparing healthy tissue, patients have a much better chance of finding cures.

"We believe the team approach provides patients with the highest quality of care," says Lisa Minton, MD, board-certified breast cancer surgeon. "We can evaluate breast cancer patients in a comprehensive, single-day setting and decrease the time between diagnosis and treatment." Detailing what the team approach really means, Dr. Minton says that prior to a patient's appointment, her medical oncologist, breast surgeon and radiation oncologist jointly review her case to determine a path that is most likely to produce an optimal outcome. Next, the care team personally consults with the patient to discuss her treatment options and what might work best for her. Additional appointments for medical imaging, labs or ancillary services such as plastic surgery are discussed with the patient and scheduled as needed.

Specialists on Your Side

A medical oncologist has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. "Often the main healthcare provider for cancer patients, a medical oncologist can provide supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists," Dr. Minton explains.

Meanwhile, sub-specialized radiation oncologists use some of the most innovative radiation therapies and techniques available to target and kill cancer cells. "The latest technologies can target cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unscathed," says a Dr. Catherine Hwang, a board-certified radiation oncologist who is part of the same breast cancer team as Dr. Minton.

The third part of your team is your breast cancer surgeon, a physician who specializes in the surgical management of breast cancers. Speaking on behalf of her team, Dr. Minton says, “our surgeons are also there to discuss surgical pain-management options and coordinate reconstructive breast surgery plans if the patient desires."

Stay Connected

Remember that your best defense against breast cancer is to be proactive with a regularly scheduled mammogram. To learn more about AdventHealth’s breast care program or access to breast health resources, visit PinkOut.com.