Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic Provides Team Approach
Today, there are numerous choices available for breast cancer treatment and women want to be a part of that decision-making process. The Nebraska Medicine’s Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic at Village Pointe Cancer Center provides a very personalized and comprehensive approach to breast cancer care based on a patient’s individual needs and wishes as well as the expertise and careful assessment of a team of breast cancer specialists.
Sarah Thayer, MD, PhD
“We believe that the best care plan is one that has been developed with the input and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts,” says Sarah Thayer, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist at Nebraska Medicine and physician-in-chief at the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “Our multidisciplinary team of experts will help each patient navigate through the many decisions available in breast cancer treatment including lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and breast reconstructive surgery in a collaborative approach.
The multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oncology nurses, geneticists and social workers who will work closely with each patient to provide a very personalized and patient-directed care experience.
The Seventh: Extraordinary Innovations and Emerging Trends in Transplantation and Oncology
July 12 – 13, 2016
Nebraska Medicine is co-sponsoring a two day conference with OPTUM Health that highlights advances in complex cancer treatment and transplants’ organ failure management. The structure of the Nebraska Medicine’s Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic will be reviewed, in addition to, key components in managing organ failure.
For more information about this continuing education series, visit optumhealtheducation.com.
As part of the evaluation, all outside films and mammograms are re-reviewed by a specialized breast radiologist. The clinic also offers the newest, most advanced form of mammograms, called 3-D mammography. “This new technology increases detection rates by 40 percent and is able to find the cancers at a smaller size — in all levels of density of the breast,” says Cheryl Williams, MD, radiologist at the Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic. “This is very important. The smaller a tumor is when we find it, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to cure it.”
“Patients benefit from getting not just one opinion, but a comprehensive plan developed by a multitude of breast cancer experts using the most recent studies,” says Dr. Thayer. “This model allows for enhanced communication between providers and the patient to ensure her goals and individual needs are met.”
When a patient arrives for her appointment, she sees all of the specialists required for that visit in one setting and one appointment. Not only does this save the patient time, but helps eliminate duplication of tests and services. “This streamlined approach to care provides a more comfortable and pleasant experience for the patient,” says Dr. Thayer.
The Village Pointe Cancer Center is located at 175th and Burke St. just west of the Village Pointe shopping center. The Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic offers easy access with care provided in an intimate and comfortable environment. Patients can receive an array of cancer services in one convenient location:
•Comprehensive care plan developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts
•Consultative services or second options from cancer experts in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic and reconstructive surgery
•Infusion services within private infusion rooms
•Radiation treatment center
•Women’s Imaging Center with state of the art 3D-mammography and MRI capabilities
•Amenities and supportive services including wig fittings, a free wig bank, prosthetic and bra fittings, yoga, massage therapy, skin care and make-up lessons specifically geared for people with or recovering from cancer
“Addressing a patient’s physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs are important aspects of providing a more complete and holistic approach to care,” notes Dr. Thayer.
Patients will also be given the opportunity to participate in breast cancer clinical trials offered through the University of Nebraska Medical Center as part of their treatment program.
“The Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic is designed to provide patients the most oncologically-sound plan in an environment that is more personal, private and positive,” says Dr. Thayer.
To speak to a member of our multidisciplinary breast cancer team or to make a referral, please call 402-559-1600.