Innovating Breast Cancer Care: Explore Montefiore's Brand-New Breast Care Center!
Montefiore Medical Center is a top-tier institution in the field of cancer care in the United States, ranking 35th in cancer treatment nationwide. In early 2024, to meet the growing demand, Montefiore opened a new Breast Care Center at its Hutchinson campus, aiming to elevate the quality and quantity of breast imaging services to new heights. Fully integrated with the Montefiore Comprehensive Cancer Center, the center boasts some of the nation's leading breast tumor specialists, surgeons, and researchers. It offers advanced imaging screenings, minimally invasive surgeries, plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Services also include breast cancer prevention for high-risk groups, genetic counseling, arrangements for patients to participate in lymphedema prevention programs, nutritional counseling, and the BOLD health and support program.
The Breast Center is designed to minimize stress and shorten the time needed for clinical care, providing a comfortable, patient-centered environment to deliver exceptional care experiences for every patient.
"Every square foot of the new space, every procedure performed, and every clinical physician has a common goal: to enhance our ability to provide the most personalized care to our patients."
"By customizing every element to the needs of our patients, we will increase the number of screening and minimally invasive treatment options available to the community. Our goal is to reduce the incidence of late-stage cancer in New York."
—Dr. Sheldon M. Feldman, Breast Surgical Oncologist, and Professor of Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
When someone presents with a breast lump, abnormal mammogram results, or concerning ultrasound findings, surgeons and radiologists will consult with the patient immediately and determine the next steps as a team, reducing the need for people to return for potentially repetitive appointments or procedures. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, this patient-centered approach ensures timelier diagnosis and shortens the time to start treatment.
Another innovation with a patient-centered approach is that all breast cancer patients have access to cutting-edge cancer treatment opportunities. As one of 14 Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Programs (MU NCORP) in the United States, Montefiore Comprehensive Cancer Center encourages every patient to ask their care team about clinical trials available for selection. By participating in clinical trials, patients can receive new treatments. This also means patients may have access to and experience new screening, diagnostic, and treatment modalities.
"For many women, scheduling a breast exam means taking time off work and then attending an appointment that makes them anxious." Dr. Laura J. Hodges, Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention at Montefiore Comprehensive Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Radiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said.
The center is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D breast X-ray imaging equipment, using the latest technology including Senographe Pristina™, which allows women to adjust breast compression levels themselves during breast X-ray exams using a handheld controller, giving them a sense of control.
"We aim to create a safe space where women and men can come here and receive care in a serene and compassionate environment, and you won't feel like you're at a medical center, more like going to a spa." Dr. Feldman said.
One of the goals of the center is to reduce the incidence of advanced breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for late-stage breast cancer is 31%, compared to over 99% for stage one (early) breast cancer.
"This beautiful new center reflects our breast team's commitment to advancing patient care. Screening is the best form of early diagnosis, and it can only be most effectively performed when access barriers are directly addressed. From parking to how new technologies are embedded at the time of scheduling, to the connections between our clinical team members and our outstanding BOLD support program, we are truly advancing and meeting the comprehensive needs of our community." Susan Green-Lorenzen, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Montefiore Einstein System, said.
As a leading cancer treatment center in the United States, Montefiore Einstein Breast Center is patient-centered, designed to meet the needs of each patient, from innovative space design to cutting-edge medical solutions, tailored to the individual. It is a therapeutic base that combines prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, providing medical care and psychosocial support to patients, family members, and even caregivers, making them feel respected and cared for throughout the treatment process. This is not only a healthcare institution that provides the highest quality medical services but also a warm home, a community to rely on and trust, bringing hope and strength to every patient, reclaiming confidence in health and life in the fight against cancer.
BOLD Introduction
The BOLD (Bronx Oncology Living Daily) Health and Support Program is a rehabilitation support ecosystem jointly established by Montefiore's professional medical team, mainly for cancer patients in the Bronx and other areas of New York. The BOLD program provides free health and support services to comprehensively meet the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of cancer patients. The program's nationally recognized expert team and volunteer team (including many cancer survivors) support cancer patients through activities such as individual counseling, nutrition and fitness seminars, one-on-one and group support, health workshops, etc. They also care for loved ones, friends, and caregivers who have been affected by cancer in patients' lives, so that they can best support them in the patient's cancer journey.
Aurora Health Intelligence (AHI)
Aurora Health Intelligence (AHI) is committed to excellence and continuous medical education in global healthcare. Our mission is to create high-quality and safe services through extensive training and intelligent integration. Compliant with JCI and ISO certification standards, we help healthcare professionals, nurses, and administrators achieve excellence through our top-tier global health organizations. Our approach prioritizes ongoing professional development, rigorous safety protocols, sound financial management practices, and cultural competency to effectively serve our diverse global clientele.