Comprehensive, Compassionate Care for Breast Cancer
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But with increased awareness, early detection and innovative new treatments, survival rates have never been better.
St. Joseph’s Health provides comprehensive and compassionate breast cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. At every step, our patients receive the support they need to understand and navigate the complexity of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. From innovative therapies and advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive surgery and the latest in radiation therapy, we offer cutting edge medical technology, proven treatments and exceptional support services – all in a comfortable setting close to home.
As part of our commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients, St. Joseph’s Health has partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center to provide patients with the cancer expertise they need without having to travel far for care. Through this unique and powerful collaboration, patients have access to the most advanced treatment options, highly specialized care, and the most recent clinical trials. Our local physicians work seamlessly with physicians at the John Theurer Cancer Center to deliver exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, coordinated, and effective so our patients can get the best possible outcomes.
Breast Cancer Screening
The goal of breast cancer screening is to identify cancer early, when it can be most effectively treated. The important benefit of early detection is that it can lead to the most effective treatment. Early detection may also mean that you require less extensive treatment and experience fewer side effects.
The American Cancer Society advises that women have a mammogram—the X-ray test that’s considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening—every year starting at age 40, with the option to start screening between the ages of 40 and 44. Women age 55 and older may choose to have a mammogram every other year or continue with annual screening. Mammograms are the primary test used to screen for breast cancer, but they may not be the only one our doctors recommend. Other screening tests may include ultrasound and MRI. Our doctors can recommend a more personalized screening plan based on your individual risk of developing breast cancer, taking into account factors such as family history and whether you have a genetic mutation associated with breast cancer.
St. Joseph’s Health offers all-digital mammography, producing images that can be magnified to pinpoint specific areas of concern. We also specialize in 3D mammography to detect even the smallest tumors, especially in patients with dense breast tissue. Our board-certified radiologists have focused expertise in breast imaging, ensuring accurate diagnosis and precise treatment. We offer convenient access to mammography, ultrasound and MRI services.
To schedule an appointment, call 862-657-3000.
Treatments For Breast Cancer
We understand that every patient and every cancer is unique. Treatment of breast cancer depends on many factors, including your overall health, the type, stage, and location of cancer. That’s why we bring together a team of breast cancer experts from multiple disciplines – including surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology – to share their expertise and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you. We carefully customize an individualized treatment plan, which includes a wide range of innovative cancer therapies and support services, to best address your specific needs. Whether you need single, dual or a combination of all three therapies, you can be confident that you are receiving the highest level of breast care. Your tailored treatment may include:
- Breast Surgery: Most women with breast cancer are treated with some form of surgery. Although every case varies, breast cancer surgery usually involves the removal of the tumor and one or more lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the breast. Our board-certified, fellowship trained breast cancer surgery specialists are experts at performing the most advanced surgical techniques available, using innovative techniques and advanced procedures to effectively remove breast tumors while also preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Our surgeons help you maintain a natural appearance after cancer surgery with reconstructive surgery. We offer experience in all the latest techniques, including implants and tissue flap procedures, so you have many options to choose from.
- Radiation Therapy: Doctors may recommend radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams that kill cancer cells. At St. Joseph’s Health, you’ll benefit from innovative technologies that target breast cancer with greater accuracy and safety and with fewer side effects. Our radiation experts determine how to best to target the cancer while sparing as much nearby healthy tissue as possible. Radiation therapy is often used along with surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells to reduce the chance of spreading or recurrence
- Chemotherapy and Other Medical Therapies: We offer the latest available drugs to help manage breast cancer. Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells throughout the body. These medications may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, or after surgery to reduce the chance of a recurrence. Sometimes chemotherapy is given if the cancer has spread throughout the body. We also offer hormone therapy to block the effect or to lower the levels of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
Patient Centered Care
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life changing event, affecting your life in many different ways. At St. Joseph’s Health, we combine our clinical expertise with superior support services to help you through your cancer journey. We offer a full complement of support services tailored to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of our cancer patients, including genetic counseling, support groups, social work, nutritional counseling, and palliative care. From physical discomfort to emotional stress, we are here to guide you through each stage of your cancer journey as you navigate from treatment to recovery.
Contact Us
The Cancer Center at Paterson
703 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
973-754-4891
The Cancer Center at Wayne
234 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-389-6040
The Cancer Center at Totowa
225 Minnisink Road
Totowa, NJ 07512
862-657-4960
