A diagnosis of breast cancer is life-altering and for approximately 330,000 women this year, it will be an unfortunate reality.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, are facing a recurrence, or seeking a second opinion, you’ll undoubtedly have many questions about your treatment plan. Will it include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, plastic surgery and/or genetic testing? What will come first, and how long will it take before you’re on the road to recovery? How will it impact your work and family?
Overlook’s comprehensive breast cancer treatment program takes the guesswork out of the process with a single phone call, connecting patients with a multidisciplinary team of leading breast cancer specialists. During one convenient visit, patients and their family members can meet with a breast surgeon, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist — each of whom will discuss the patient’s diagnosis, answer questions, and outline every step of the recommended treatment plan.
“We understand that women today are juggling many roles,” says Bonni Guerin, MD, a board-certified hematologist/oncologist and director of Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center.
“They may be caring for elderly parents, have a demanding job, or parenting a special needs child. That’s why every treatment plan is highly individualized. It reflects both the highest standard of medical care as well as the patient’s own unique needs and lifestyle.”
“Advances in imaging, medical oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology have revolutionized the way we detect and treat breast cancer,” comments Rebecca C. Yang, MD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon, fellowship-trained in breast surgery and medical director of breast surgery at Overlook Medical Center.
“While surgery may be the first line of treatment for some women, others may benefit from an initial course of targeted medical therapy. Each case is unique, and that’s why a collaborative multispecialty approach to treatment is essential. It is a model that is in place at most major academic institutions and one that we are proud to offer here in a community setting. This program empowers patients to be engaged in their treatment planning process and facilitates relationships with their physicians before treatment has even begun.”
Getting three expert opinions in one afternoon saves significant time and expedites treatment, points out board-certified radiation oncologist Joana Emmolo, MD.
“Traditionally, patients shuttle from one doctor to the next, gathering different opinions and losing precious time. Here, our team of specialists have a standing appointment to review breast imaging together, discuss the patient’s history, and collaborate on the best course for a cure. Patients are on a path to recovery the moment they walk through our door.”
For a consultation, call 908-608-0078, ext. 6.
Drs. Guerin (board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine), Yang (board-certified by the American Board of Surgery) and Emmolo (board-certified by the American Board of Radiology) are part of Atlantic Medical Group, a multispecialty network of health care providers. Learn more >