Early detection of breast cancer translates to a greater chance of survival and affords the patient more treatment options. It is important to
do a monthly breast self-exam and report any changes to a physician. The newest technology available assisting in the early detection of breast
cancer is digital mammography, which captures images in computer code providing physicians with more clear images of the breast tissue. Research
indicates that getting a regular mammogram can reduce cancer deaths up to 35 percent for women between the ages of 50 and 69 and about 20 percent
in women who are in their 40s. Ultrasounds and MRI are also used to detect tumors which may not be found during a routine mammogram.
Targeted Treatments
With modern treatments breast cancer is considered to be a very curable disease. Depending upon the stage of diagnosis and the type of cancer
a patient has, the overall survival rate is near 80 percent. Targeted therapies, combined with traditional treatments, are improving the
outcomes for breast cancer patients. Targeted therapies refer to treatments that attack tumors with minimal harm to healthy tissue. There
are three major types of targeted therapies including: aromatase inhibitors, HER-2 therapy and anti-angiogenesis drugs.
MammoSite
MammoSite therapy is a direct radiation treatment option for some early-stage breast cancer patients. Drs. Andrew Wahl and Edibaldo Silva explain how
MammoSite works and the benefits it can offer over other treatments such as whole breast radiation or mastectomy.
INTRABEAM
Intrabeam low-energy radiation therapy offers two advantages to traditional radiation therapy. The therapy provides a targeted dose of
radiation to the surgical site at the time of surgery, rather than delivering total breast radiation. Intrabeam can eliminate the six-week
daily regimen of radiation therapy that normally accompanies lumpectomy without compromising the outcome.
The Nebraska Medical Center Survivorship Program
A Survivorship Program at The Nebraska Medical Center are available to patients as point of transitional care before the patient returns to
their primary care doctor. Introduction to this program is made following the completion of cancer care at The Nebraska Medical Center. During
participation in this program the survivor is offered a multi-disciplinary clinic where social workers, physical therapists, registered nurse
case managers and nutritionists develop a survivorship care plan based on the survivor's special medical, physical and nutritional needs.
Breast Cancer Education Series
An educational group focused on the needs of those who have breast cancer or have been treated for breast cancer and concerned family and friends.
Each group presented by a health-care professional and information is provided on community resources. This is a six-month series beginning in May
through October. Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the new Cancer Center near Village Pointe. Please contact
the Social Work Department by calling 1-800-922-0000 to be placed on this mailing list or to attend a meeting.
Look Good, Feel Better
This group provides assistance to patients who are in need of make-up and wigs and scarves after receiving cancer treatments. Meetings are held
on the first Monday of the each month at 6 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Lied Transplant Center in the Education Consultation Center. Pre-registration
is required. Contact the Volunteer Department by calling 1-800-922-0000.
Research
The Nebraska Medical Center’s campus is home to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center Institute for Research. As a one of 60 National Cancer Institute’s
designated cancer centers, it is recognized for ground breaking research and patient care. Specifically, the breast cancer research conducted
focuses on the development of new treatments such as targeted therapies. These targeted therapies are used in conjunction with traditional methods
of treatment and greatly improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.
