The idea behind a breast center is to have multiple disciplines working together in an integrated way.
The treatment of breast diseases from simple to more advanced, such as cancer, frequently requires multiple health care providers in different specialties. Some of these include surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, plastic surgery, genetics, radiology, as well as other departments. The idea behind a breast center is to have these disciplines working together in an integrated way. By approaching breast diseases in a multidisciplinary way, a breast center can provide the best possible care for their patients.
What are the benefits for patients?
The benefits for patients are immeasurable in that there is a comprehensive, dedicated approach to seamless delivery of care and a commitment to the quality of that care.
Another valuable aspect of care at a breast center is that there are usually tumor boards where multiple physicians involved in breast care from various specialties meet and discuss new cancer patients. This allows every patient to have multiple experts weighing in on the best possible treatment for them, even if not all of these specialists are directly involved in their care.
Oftentimes, breast center patients can be entered into national trials that they may qualify for to allow participation in newer treatment regimens. A breast center may choose to participate in various national certification programs that require demonstration of dedication to improving breast care delivery. This too shows a commitment to the highest level of breast care.
It is not required that all services be offered under one roof to be a breast center, just that they be delivered in a unified way.
These are the reasons that St. Mary's Health Care System has made the development of a new breast center a priority because, simply said, it does matter!
Are you part of a quality measurement program?
Yes. We are proud that St. Mary’s is our region's first certified participant in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers program – and only the third in the state of Georgia. The NQMBC, which was developed by the National Consortium of Breast Centers, enables breast centers to measure their performance against other breast centers. This capability allows us to elevate our quality of care and improve patient outcomes. Joining NQMBC is a further demonstration of St. Mary’s commitment to providing our breast cancer patients with the highest quality care possible.
What breast health services do you offer?
As we move toward the full implementation of St. Mary's Breast Health Center, we continue to offer our full continuum of breast health services, including:
- High risk clinic with genetic testing
- Screening and diagnostic mammography using state-of-the-art 3D imaging
- Ultrasound and breast MRI studies
- Multiple types of biopsy capabilities, including MRI-guided
- Surgical services including
- Lumpectomy
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Oncoplastic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Breast cancer nurse navigators
What is the most important thing for me to know?
The first and most important step in breast health is regular screening mammography to detect cancer in its earliest stages. Numerous studies and decades of tracking patients over time clearly show that early detection leads to enhanced outcomes. We urge all women to talk to their primary care physician about mammography, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or are age 40 or older. And know that St. Mary's and I are here to be your partner for optimum breast health.
Take Action
Schedule an appointment at St. Mary's Breast Health Center.
About Kathleen Jeffery, M.D.
Dr. Jeffery comes to St. Mary's from Greenwood, S.C., where she served as medical director of the Breast Center at Self Regional Healthcare and as a partner in Advanced Surgical Associates. Previously, she practiced with Summit Surgical in Dahlonega, Ga., and was an assistant professor of surgery with the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.