Breast Cancer Care at the NYUCI
For many women, a breast cancer diagnosis comes as a shock. Many cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, thanks to screening tests such as mammography or breast self-examination. As a result, a woman with no family history of the disease who hears the words "You have breast cancer" may feel as if she's been blindsided.
Message from the Director
Today healthcare professionals specializing in breast cancer have reason to be hopeful. We're witnessing an explosion of knowledge about the molecular subtleties that may explain why two apparently similar breast cancers may behave so differently.
Imaging Advances
The number of tools used to gain a clear image of breast tissue has expanded since the introduction of standard film-screen mammography in the 1960s. Today breast imaging specialists also have digital mammography and breast ultrasound at their disposal.
Surgeons Refine Craft
Today's approaches to breast surgery are less invasive than in the past, returning women to the comfort of their homes and their daily life routines more quickly than ever before. "This is because we are increasingly seeing cancers diagnosed at earlier and earlier stages," explains Freya Schnabel, MD, Professor of Surgery and Director of Breast Surgery.
Life After Mastectomy
Women whose breast cancer treatment requires complete removal of a breast (mastectomy) now have more options than ever before. One of them is breast reconstruction, which can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or at a later date.
Fertility Options for Women with Breast Cancer
Will I still be able to have children? This is one of the most common questions doctors hear from young women being treated for breast cancer.
New Targets, New Drugs
For years, anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) and paclitaxel (Taxol®) have been commonly used to treat breast cancer. Today that arsenal has expanded to include new agents that inhibit cancer growth by zeroing in on specific molecular targets
User-Friendly Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is a mainstay of treatment for many women with breast cancer, particularly those with early-stage disease who have had a lumpectomy. It is an effective means of reducing the risk of tumor recurrence. But going to a treatment center five days a week for five to seven weeks can be exhausting and time-consuming.
Gina and Jose Luna
Gina Luna, 43, was diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer in January 2006. She had a partial mastectomy, eight chemotherapy treatments, and six weeks of radiation therapy at the NYU Cancer Institute. Here Gina and her husband Jose share their story.
A Helping Hand, A Shoulder to Lean On
When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she may ask such questions as, "How will I get through this? What should I tell my family? How should I handle this in my workplace? Where can I turn for help?" Loss of control and fear of recurrence are other common concerns.
Supportive Services
The Supportive Services Program at the NYU Clinical Cancer Center is open to all patients at the NYU Cancer Institute, regardless of what type of cancer they have
Living with Cancer Conference
This year marked the 17th anniversary of the "Living with Cancer: Confronting the Challenge" conference, and the first time it was hosted by the NYU Cancer Institute.
Prostate Cancer Screening a Success
Some 713 men came through NYU's doors in June to receive a free prostate cancer screening.
Events Calendar
Events calendar for Fall, 2007
Download the Fall 2007 Newsletter (pdf)
