Women Have A 1 in 8 Chance Of Developing Breast Cancer. A Combination of Medical Care and Lifestyle Changes Reduces Risk and Gives Women Better Control of Breast Health.
Each year, an estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In New Jersey, the rates are slightly higher than the national average. Fortunately, survival rates continue to improve—thanks to better detection and treatment methods, coupled with easy-to-follow lifestyle strategies.
This powerful combination is in full swing every day at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, where breast specialists work hand in hand with wellness experts. Through an integrated team approach, the Sanofi US Breast Care Program educates and empowers women, teaching lifestyle strategies that help prevent cancer and using the latest medical and surgical approaches to treat it if it does occur.
Focus on Prevention
Studies have shown that nutrition, exercise and weight control can reduce a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer. Breast surgeon Deborah Lue, MD, with RWJ Physician Enterprise’s Steeplechase Breast Specialists, is an advocate for healthy living who frequently lectures about wellness and cancer and champions the Seven Pillars of Prevention and Early Detection (see below). Registered Dietitian Karen Connelly collaborates with Dr. Lue when the duo educates women about healthy living. Connelly provides medical nutrition therapy to inpatient breast cancer patients and also sees outpatients at the Steeplechase Cancer Center.
“Cancer has touched my own family,” says Connelly, who is certified in oncology nutrition. “Good nutrition can make a huge difference to quality of life. It can help prevent cancer from happening or recurring and can reduce side effects for people going through radiation or chemotherapy, keeping them stronger during treatment.”
One Heart. Many Hands
The Sanofi US Breast Care Program includes a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, medical physicists, plastic surgeons, radiation therapists, certified oncology nurses, nutritionists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators and pharmacists. Support specialists from social work and psychology, pastoral care, rehabilitation and complementary therapies bring an added dimension. One of the few programs in New Jersey to achieve full recognition from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, it is also recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Together with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the Steeplechase Cancer Center offers patients the opportunity to take part in the latest clinical trials, including those for breast cancer.
“Our doctors and staff are focused on each patient as an individual,” says Dr. Lue. “We’re dedicated to the best possible outcome and do everything in our power to make it happen. Because not one approach fits every woman, we tailor services to meet each person’s needs—from prevention education to regular screenings all the way through diagnosis, targeted treatment and into survivorship.”
7 Prevention Tips
Protect yourself from breast cancer by following these Seven Pillars of Prevention and Early Detection from breast surgeon Deborah Lue, MD:
- Have an annual mammogram
- Know your family cancer history
- Eat a plant-based diet, whole grains and healthy fats
- Exercise regularly (both aerobic and resistance training)
- Maintain a healthy weight (body mass index below 25)
- Don’t smoke
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
3D Mammography
3D mammography is an FDA-approved advanced technology that takes multiple X-rays to recreate a 3D picture of the breast. 3D mammography makes it easier to detect small cancers, is effective for dense breasts and lowers the chance that retesting will be required.
Benefits of 3D mammography at the Steeplechase Cancer Center:
- Board-certified radiologists fellowship-trained in breast imaging
- No prescription needed for screening mammography
- Convenient hours: Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Results are read promptly by board-certified radiologist
RWJBarnabas Health and RWJUH Somerset, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—bring a world-class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatments and clinical trials.
For more information on breast health services at RWJUH Somerset, click here. For a physician referral, call 888-MD-RWJUH.