The Breast Center in Florida

Overview

The Breast Center at Mayo Clinic in Florida is designed to streamline the evaluation process for women and men with breast changes or problems. The center can help people who have an abnormal mammogram, newly diagnosed or recurrent breast cancer, or are at increased risk of developing cancer.

The Breast Center coordinates state-of-the-art services, research studies and education to provide a highly personalized evaluation and treatment plan. This multidisciplinary approach makes the best use of the combined knowledge and wisdom of many experienced breast cancer specialists.

The program's mission is to provide comprehensive services for any breast problem, ranging from unusual symptoms to breast cancer. Services include evaluation of breast changes, breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnostic testing, education and compassionate and attentive treatment. Emotional support services are available to patients and families, and Mayo's experienced staff is prepared to answer any questions.

Although most breast changes aren't cancerous, they should be evaluated promptly. When changes are detected early, more treatment options are usually available. The result is a better chance of a cure and long-term recovery.

What Mayo Offers

Mayo Clinic is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Breast Center in Florida works closely with the programs at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Minnesota and Arizona. By sharing information and collaborating on research projects, staff can offer patients the collective wisdom of cancer experts at all three Mayo locations.

Mayo physicians also have research affiliations with the following national cancer research groups:

• Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB)
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)
• National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)
• North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG)
• Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG)

The Breast Center in Florida is staffed by internists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons and a physician assistant. The team also includes a breast cancer program coordinator, nurse educator, advanced registered nurse practitioner, dietitian, psychologist, social worker, physical therapist, genetic counselor and clinical research coordinators. (See the Medical Specialist Glossary for more information about the team members.)

Approach to Treatment

The team makes treatment recommendations after thoroughly reviewing the options available for each patient's type and stage of cancer. The team meets weekly to discuss patients' cases. The meetings also can be learning experiences for team members. Physicians and health care professionals from other specialty areas are consulted as needed. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is a hallmark of Mayo care. The goal is to maximize medical expertise and assure that the patient's needs are met while providing innovative, compassionate and personalized care.

Staff members from the following specialty areas also can provide medical expertise and emotional support:

• Internal medicine
• Preoperative medical evaluation
• Pathology
• Lymphedema clinic
• Community resources
• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Patient and Family Education

A breast cancer nurse educator, along with the medical and nursing staffs, provides comprehensive breast cancer education. Staff members are available to answer questions. Educational materials cover breast health, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials and follow-up.