Breast Cancer 

Specialized Team Approach to Breast Care

Geisinger Health System’s Breast Cancer Program offers a specialized team approach to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The program offers the following:

• Radiologists specially trained to read mammograms
• Early detection of precancerous or cancerous findings on mammograms
• Dedicated pathologists who pinpoint diagnosis
• Experienced oncologists who help establish the best treatment plan
• Specially trained breast surgeons
• Improved outcomes

A weekly conference brings breast cancer specialists together in one place to review every newly diagnosed patient’s records and set forth an individualized treatment plan. Patients benefit from a treatment plan agreed on by all specialists, as well as the convenience of seeing each specialist during one appointment.

Technology-Aided Treatment

The latest breast imaging modalities and treatment options are available at Geisinger, including: 

•  Digital mammography
• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound
• 3D conformal radiation therapy

With advanced technology, physicians are able to perform partial mastectomies and deliver radiation therapy in a shorter amount of time, and spare healthy breast tissue surrounding the tumor.

Nurse Navigator

The nurse navigator will become the breast cancer patient’s survivorship partner. Each nurse navigator is specially trained in breast disease and breast cancer care and offers the following support to patients:

• Helps coordinate appointments
• Schedules necessary tests
• Serves as an important resource for information
• Educates patients
• Participates in support groups
• Accompanies patients to oncology appointments 

BRCA1 and BRCA2

Women concerned that they may be at risk for  breast cancer can enroll in Geisinger’s high-risk and family history program. Through this program women are evaluated of their risk for breast cancer through genetic counseling and, if appropriate, genetic testing. Women at high risk can take part in a cancer prevention program, which incorporates risk reduction strategies such as medications or prophylactic surgery  (in cases of extreme risk). In some cases women may overestimate their risk, and genetic counseling can help to alleviate fear through education.

Research

Geisinger’s more than 30-year relationship with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project indicates a strong commitment to clinical research of breast cancer. Clinical research strongly correlates to quality of care because patients can participate in advanced treatments that are not yet available at other hospitals. At Geisinger these treatments include partial breast radiation and drugs that deter tumors from producing the new blood cells that are needed in order for the tumor to survive and grow.

Our Door is Open

At Geisinger, our door is always open and women diagnosed with breast cancer at another institution can receive a comprehensive second opinion prior to surgical treatment. This allows women to explore all of their options and determine the very best treatment approach.

The Breast Program offers all of the advancements found in major metropolitan areas, with the convenience of being close to home.  Our experience and dedication is unmatched in the region. If you have reason to be concerned about breast cancer, call us.