Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic and Breast Cancer Program in Florida

Overview

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

The Breast Cancer Program 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 problems, ranging from unusual symptoms to breast cancer. Services include evaluation of breast abnormalities, breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnostic testing, education and compassionate and attentive treatment. Emotional support services are available to patients and families, and our 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 We Offer

Mayo Clinic is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Breast Cancer Program in Florida works closely with the programs at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Minnesota and Arizona. Our 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)

By sharing information and collaborating on research projects, staff can offer patients the collective wisdom of cancer experts at all three Mayo sites.

The Breast Cancer Program provides:

• State-of-the-art screening and diagnostic services, including mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), image-guided breast biopsies and surgical biopsies.
• A team of specialists to provide comprehensive care.
• Innovative treatment strategies and supportive care to make treatment as effective and comfortable as possible.
• High-risk, prevention and genetic counseling.
• Consultation and second opinions.
• Access to the latest novel approaches to therapy as part of clinical trials for newly diagnosed patients as well as those with recurrent or advanced breast cancer.
• A commitment to advance our understanding of breast cancer through education and research.
• Up-to-date educational programs for health-care professionals, patients and families. A Cancer Resource Room on the eighth floor of the Davis Building is available to patients and families.

Mayo's Breast Cancer Program is staffed by medical internists, medical 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 practitoner, dietitian, social worker, physical therapist, genetic counselor and clinical research coordinators. (See the Medical Specialist Glossary for more information about the team members.)

Our Approach

The team makes treatment recommendations after thoroughly reviewing the options available for each patient's type and stage of cancer. The team meets weekly for discussion about 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 care and assure that the patient's needs are met.

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

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

Mayo specialists work as a team to provide innovative, compassionate and personalized care.

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.