Froedtert and Medical College Breast Care Center

The Froedtert and Medical College Breast Care Center provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to breast cancer patients through diagnosis and management. Individualized patient management includes surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, education, support and follow-up. The multidisciplinary team of physicians is composed of specialists from surgery, breast imaging, radiation oncology, hematology/oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pathology, and nuclear medicine.

The Breast Care Center includes an imaging program which uses mammography, ultrasound, and stereotactic techniques to evaluate a mass. Nucleotides are used to identify lesions considered indeterminate but of concern mammographically. When a diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed, the Breast Cancer Center staff coordinates and directs the total care of the patient, including consultations with specialists in radiation oncology, hematology/oncology, and plastic surgery, so that the patient can be presented with all treatment options. Family members are encouraged to be present at these consultations, to gain an understanding of these procedures so that they can provide insight and support to the patient.

Once a patient is admitted for surgical treatment, the nursing staff oversees the care of the patient following surgery until the time of discharge. The nursing staff cares for the patient and provides information to the family on surgical wound care and rehabilitation.

In cases where breast reconstruction is required or desired, the expertise of the surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon come together in the operating room to concurrently coordinate resection and reconstruction procedures.

Two full-time psychologists work in conjunction with the plastic surgeons to provide an additional resource to patients. The Breast Cancer Support Group and "Image Reborn," a breast cancer reconstruction support group, meet monthly, and are open to all patients and their families.

The multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference meets bimonthly, composed of staff from surgery, breast imaging, nuclear medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, hematology/oncology (including bone marrow transplant), radiation oncology, and pathology. This group discusses new cases and develops comprehensive treatment plans, serving as a teaching forum for residents and students. The entire team works closely together to formulate an individualized plan before proceeding with treatment.

Clinical research is a fundamental component of the Breast Care Center. As active participants in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), the MCW physicians are able to involve patients in a number of national studies investigating new and innovative ways to treat breast cancer. Some of the current protocols in progress are summarized below:

• Clinical trial to determine the worth of Tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen agent, for preventing breast cancer.

• Evaluation of Fenretinide, an experimental anti-tumor drug, in combination with Tamoxifen, for the treatment of breast cancer.

• Autologous bone marrow transplants for treatment of breast cancer.

The Breast Care Center sponsors community-wide seminars and events to educate the public about breast cancer. Frequently covered topics include reducing risk of breast cancer, mammography screening for detection of breast cancer, breast self-examination, and nutrition and breast cancer.

The Breast Care Center is located at Froedtert and Medical College Clinics. Patients may access these services through physician referral or by calling (414) 805-4950.

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.