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Better Health
I HAVE A LUMP IN MY BREAST: Recommended steps to take, S3 RAYS OF HOPE: Virtual Challenge 2020, S4 BAYSTATE HEALTH: Achieves Fourth Magnet® Recognition, S5
“One of our
primary goals is to
educate women on
the many options they have for
treatment so that they can feel empowered as they make choices about their care.” Dr. Sarah J. McPartland, a surgeon at Mercy Medical Center.
By Cori Urban
SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
The Mercy Breast Care Center has a new name and new services: It has upgraded its level of service to include gynecologic malignancies and has reoriented its vision to function as a full-service women’s health program. The name has been changed to the Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology, which seeks to meet the unique needs of female patients whose issues may be differentiated from those of men. The Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology offers a full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic options including genetics screening, advanced breast imaging, 3D mammography and MRI and surgical options including breast conservation using oncoplastic techniques as well as various mastectomy techniques such as nipple-sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The center’s radiation oncologists participate in the planning, management and follow-up of breast cancer patients and offer them an array of advanced radiotherapeutic techniques as indicated by an individual patients’ needs. The medical oncologists are involved in all phases of patient management and direct the delivery of hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, innovative targeted therapies and, as needed, palliative care. The women’s cancer patient is further supported by a specially trained nurse navigator who provides emotional support and care coordination for the individual patient. “Most patients are prospectively discussed at multidisciplinary cancer conferences
attended by multiple cancer for hundreds of women each As an extension of the surgical procedures or cancer specialists and ancillary year with breast or gynecohigh-quality care delivered care,” Roose said. care providers,” explained logic conditions who want to by the Breast Care Center, All four breast surgeons are Dr. James L. Frank, medical receive care in a network close the Center for Breast Health members of the American director of the Center for to home at Mercy Medical and Gynecologic Oncology Society of Breast Surgery. The Breast Health and Gynecolog- Center. expanded its services to now program is fully integrated ic Oncology at Mercy Medical At the Center for Breast include the diagnosis and into the Cancer Center which Center. “All patients have ac- Health and Gynecologic treatment of all gynecologic provides additional ancilcess to second opinions which Oncology, breast surgical cancers, including cervical, lary support including social are encouraged, as needed, by oncologists focus on the ovarian, and endometrial can- services, psychosocial support our team.” evaluation and care of women cer, in an integrated fashion and financial counseling. As The mission of the center is experiencing the full range of with the Sister Caritas Cancer a consequence of its relationto provide each patient with diseases of the breast, includ- Center. The center opened in ship with Mercy Medical Cencompassionate and individing benign conditions (such as August with the hiring of Dr. ter and Trinity Health Of New ualized cancer care backed masses, breast pain and nipNada Kawar, an expert with England, the program offers by a broad-based, multidisple discharge), familial breast specialized training in both patients additional support ciplinary team of cancer spe- cancer syndromes and breast breast surgery and gynecolog- services including physical cialists and complimentary cancers. These surgeons ic oncology, and is supported therapy, nutritional services, support staff. The focus is on utilize contemporary surgical by Mercy Medical Center. lymphedema therapy, cancer prompt and accurate diagtechniques such as breast conThe Center for Breast support groups, bra and nosis, patient education and serving surgery (lumpectomy) Health & Gynecologic Onprosthesis fitting, spiritual coordinated, state-of-the-art using radiation-free MagSeed cology is located in a private care and access to community cancer care. “Our goal is to localization, nipple sparing office setting. “It is converesources for transportation, become a full partner in each mastectomy, reverse axillary niently located for any type childcare and other social patient’s journey with cancer mapping and oncoplastic of care that might need to be services. and guide them to successful procedures. delivered, including imaging, “Cancer patients are survivorship and assessed for life beyond caninclusion and cer,” he said. given the option “The Cenof participating ter for Breast in a variety of Health and clinical research Gynecologic trials conducted Oncology was both at Mercy developed at and at other terMercy Medical tiary care centers Center to create throughout the a comprehenregion,” Frank sive approach to said. women’s cancer A specially care delivered trained genetics by experts in a nurse practisingle, beautitioner provides ful location,” screening for said Dr. Robert genetic predisJ. Roose, chief position to hemedical officer reditary cancer. at Mercy MediPost-test councal Center. seling is offered As one of the as indicated and largest providers referral to other of care in the specialists for Doctors at the Mercy Hospital Breast Center include (from top), Nada Kawar, MD, greater Springfurther managefield area, Trinity FACOG, Gynecologic Oncologist and Breast Surgeon, James Frank, MD, FACS, Medical ment including Director of the Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology and Health Of New prophylactic Sarah McPartland, MD, MS, FACS, Breast and General Surgeon. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) England cares surgery.
Currently there are 20 such accredited centers in Massachusetts; the Mercy Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology is the only accredited program in Springfield. Each center undergoes a review and site visit by an external reviewer every three years. “In this way patients can be assured that they are getting the highest and most comprehensive level of care that is in accord with national standards established by the American College of Surgeons,” Frank said. “Every member of our team recognizes how overwhelming an abnormal mammogram or cancer diagnosis can be. One of our primary goals is to educate women on the many options they have for treatment so that they can feel empowered as they make choices about their care,” commented Dr. Sarah J. McPartland, a surgeon at Mercy Medical Center. “Being a part of a comprehensive breast center means that we can offer a truly individualized approach to every patient.” The Mercy Breast Care Center was initially developed by Dr. Nancy Weiss in 2005. She was joined by Dr. Steven Schonholz and Dr. Lisa Planeta, who led the breast center until 2019 when Frank, a surgical oncologist, became the medical director. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States and results in nearly 40,000 deaths each year. The Center for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology at Mercy Medical Center is located at 271 Carew Street in Springfield. The office phone number is (413) 452-6600.
VALLEY WOMEN’S HEALTH GROUP
Obstetrics & Gynecology for the Pioneer Valley Our Providers...
3550 Main St. • Suite 302 • Springfield, MA
4 1 3 -7 8 1- 82 90 www.vwhg.com
Charles W. Cahill, MD Hani Haddad, MD
Debra DiSandro, MD Yelena Mikich, MD
Devon Foulks, MD Peilan E. Tang, MD Nicole Thompson, MD
Valley Women’s Health Group provides comprehensive women’s care for all ages in an environment that is comfortable, knowledgeable, and focused on you.