Breast Health
Baptist Health has a long tradition of providing excellence in cancer care for women and especially with breast health and cancer. Baptist Cancer Institute offers comprehensive, advanced cancer services, research-based care, plus a full range of diagnostic and support services in one convenient location. As the region's innovative leader in cancer services, we are dedicated to responding to your specific breast health needs.
The Baptist Cancer Institute's complete Breast program includes the following:
- screening
- prevention
- diagnosis
- treatment
- clinical research
- psychology
- pastoral care
- breast care coordinator (nurse clinician)
- genetic risk assessment
- rehabilitation
All modalities of breast health and care are represented in full strength and effectively coordinated to the betterment of care.
In addition, special clinical research programs are offered to prevent the development of breast cancer. These efforts are sponsored and supported by the National Cancer Institute. In addition, therapy is available for patients in the initial treatment (
adjuvant) of the malignancy and for those with recurrent (metastatic) disease. We have the latest in surgical techniques, hormonal treatment, molecular agents, latest advancements in radiation treatment, and quality of life efforts such as emotional support, osteoporosis prevention and treatment and music therapy.
Of the cancers treated at the Baptist Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most prevalent. Our long history of clinical research dates back to 1971 when we were the first site in Northern Florida and South Georgia to be involved in the use of chemotherapy (adjuvant) research after initial breast cancer surgery. In addition, the first Breast Cancer Prevention Study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute was based here in 1991. Currently, sentinel node research is continuing.
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Contact Information
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Breast Care Coordinators
904.202.3225 (Downtown)
904.202.2559 (South)
904.627.1592 (Beaches)
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Unique for a community hospital, the position of
Breast Care Coordinator was created in 1993 with the enthusiastic cooperation, support and endorsement of Baptist Health staff and physicians. These nurse clinicians are dedicated to providing high quality, comprehensive cancer care and assisting women to make informed decisions.
The Breast Care Coordinators act as liaison between the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, her referring physician, and the mammographer, surgeon, pathologist, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and the psychologist.
She assists patients and their family members from the time of suspected cancer through treatment and follow-up, providing support at critical points of surgery, and provides patients and family members with information on various support services available to them through the community, the Baptist Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society.
The
genetic risk assessment
program is involved with all patients or to those without cancer who wish to be evaluated for one or more of the inherited cancer associated genes.
Clinical research programs in all cancers, including breast are also available within the Baptist Cancer Institute. In 2003, the American Society of Clinical Oncology created an award for the community programs demonstrating excellence in participation and the Baptist Cancer Institute was its first recipient.