Comprehensive Breast Services
Click on a Hyperlink below to learn more.
- Office of Research and Analytics
- High Risk Center
- Genetic Counseling
- Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program
- Nutrition
- Fertility Preservation
- Support Groups
Clinical Trials and Research
Phone: (845) 483-6825
The Office of Research and Analytics at Health Quest provides access to the latest collaborative national protocols. Membership is maintained in the Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) that fosters enrollment of patients into national cancer trials and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). In collaboration with area physicians, access to pharmaceutical sponsored trials is also available.
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Clinical trials help translate basic scientific research into practical treatments.
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Clinical trials enhance our knowledge of the disease process.
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Clinical trials help answer critical questions about treatment and prevention options for cancer patients.
Current Open Trials for Breast Cancer:
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NSABP B-39 - A Randomized Phase III Study of Conventional Whole Breast Irradiation Versus Partial Breast Irradiation for Women with Stage 0,1, or 2 Breast Cancer. |
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NSABP B-43 - A Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Trastuzumab Given Concurrently with Radiation Therapy and Radiation Therapy Alone for Women with HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Resected by Lumpectomy.
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CALGB 40601 - Randomized Phase III Trial of Paclitaxel Combined with Trastuzumab, Lapatinib or Both as Neoadjuvant Treatment of HER2-positive Primary Breast Cancer. |
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TARGIT - TARgeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer. The Targit Trial is an international randomized controlled clinical trial comparing Single-Day Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy to Conventional Postoperative Radiotherapy for women with early stage invasive breast cancer treatable with lumpectomy.
Please CLICK HERE for Health Quest's TARGIT page.
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VIRGO - An Observational Study of Treatment Patterns and Safety Outcomes for Metastatic or Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer. |
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ACOSOG Z1071-Surgery to Remove the Sentinel Lymph Node and Axillary Lymph Nodes After Chemotherapy in Treating Women With Stage II, Stage IIIA, or Stage IIIB Breast Cancer. |
For more information please CLICK HERE to go to the Research and Clinical Trials home page.
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High Risk Center
Phone: (845) 483-6500
The High Risk Center within the Breast Surgery Division at Dyson Center for Cancer Care provides a comprehensive program for risk assessment, cancer prevention, research, and education for patients with increased risk of breast cancer. For each patient, a personalized profile is created that determines future risk of breast cancer and an individualized plan for risk reduction. Evaluation by our cancer experts allows patients to access risk evaluation through genetic counseling and testing, high risk screening imaging protocols, and further consultation for risk reducing medical therapy or surgery.
Who should be referred to the High Risk Center?
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Patients and their family members who are concerned about their risk of breast cancer
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Patients who are known gene mutation carriers for BRCA or variants of undetermined significance, p53, pTEN
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Patients with a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer or male breast cancer
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Patients with a history of breast biopsy or surgery revealing lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
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Patients of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
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Patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer who completed treatment over two years ago
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Genetic Counseling
Phone: (845) 483-6641
BRCA 1 / BRCA 2 and Other Gene Mutation Carriers
Screening recommendations: The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may demonstrate inherited mutations that confer a significant increase in risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Patients with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or patients diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age can be offered a blood test to check for a genetic mutation.
Patients identified as having a genetic mutation are at significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer as well as other cancers in their lifetime. A number of options are available to minimize this risk including both medical and surgical treatments. Risk reduction options can include prophylactic mastectomy or antiestrogen therapy: We offer patients risk reduction therapy tailored to their individual genetic risk profile.
The Breast Center at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care has Board Certified Genetic Counselors available to help patients navigate the choices surrounding genetic testing.
For additional information about genetic counseling please visit National Society of Genetic Counsels website.
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Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program
Phone: (845) 483-6331
A comprehensive rehabilitation program for all people undergoing surgery and treatment for breast cancer.
The program is available at our Westage site, Northern Dutchess Hospital, and Hyde Park offices, as well as the Dyson Center for Cancer Care.
The program consists of three parts:
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Post breast surgery program for anyone having a lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy or full axillary dissection. The program includes instruction and education in sensations, scar management, lymphedema triggers and managing triggers and customized home exercise program.
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Lymphedema remediation - treatment of lymphedema following breast cancer by a certified lymphedema therapist. Treatment includes: manual lymph drainage, compression, bandaging, skin care and exercises.
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Focus on healing through dance and movement: the Lebed Method - a therapeutic dance class that uses gentle movement combined with jazz and ballet movements for people with cancer. The program runs continuously on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30.
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Nutrition
Phone: (845) 437-3026
The Oncology Registered Dietitian (RD) provides expertise in food and nutrition and can give recommendations to help maximize nutritional status before, during and after cancer treatment. Adequate nutrition can help ensure maintenance of strength and energy and help promote healing. Eating a healthful diet may even help to withstand the side effects of treatment. In utilizing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for the cancer patient, the RD monitors body weight, assists with managing eating problems during treatment, discusses herbs, vitamins and minerals, manages tube feedings and addresses any other nutrition related issues the patient would like to discuss. The RD is dedicated to empowering patients by providing reliable nutrition information to develop a healthy lifestyle and help pave the way for a long, happy, nutritious life.
Your doctor may recommend that you meet with the Registered Dietitian to discuss nutrition related issues that may affect your cancer treatment.
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Fertility Preservation
Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often require adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery. These regimens commonly affect fertility and may cause premature ovarian failure.
Numerous options exist for these women who may be interested in future pregnancy. These include ovarian stimulation, embryo/oocyte cryopreservation, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
Please speak with your doctor to determine if consultation with a specialist is needed.
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Support Groups
Vassar Brothers Medical Center along with the American Cancer Society is pleased to offer a variety of programs to help, not only patients, but family members, cope with the diagnosis of cancer. We also have lectures on a variety of topics. Check the special events section of our website under 'News and Events' for an up-to-date listing of special events and lectures.
Vassar Brothers Medical Center Support Groups/Information Sessions - caters to patients and family members. These groups provide an opportunity to share support, information, laughter and hope.
- Cancer Support Group for Cancer Patients- at Dyson Center for Cancer Care, professional social workers and nurses lead discussions on ways to cope with illness and treatments. Groups are also planned at the Fishkill Radiation Oncology Center in the Vassar Brothers Medical Mall and the Ulster Radiation Oncology Center in Kingston. For more information, please call (845) 483-6470.
- Cancer Support Group for Friends and Family of Cancer Patients- available at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care. For more information, please call (845) 483-6394.
- Introduction to Chemotherapy - a short class led by oncology nurses to help patients undergoing treatment to prepare for chemotherapy and or/radiation therapy. For more information, please call (845) 483-6408.
- Living with Lymphedema - this group helps patients coping with lymphedema. Group leaders include occupational and physical therapists. For more information, please call (845) 437-6331.
- Nutrition Counseling - registered dietitians provide counseling for cancer patients and families on maintaining good nutrition and alleviating side effects during treatment. For more information, please call (845) 483-6322 or (845) 437-3026.
American Cancer Society Support Groups
- Breast Cancer Support Group - this program offers support to women with breast cancer and allows them to share their experiences in a supportive atmosphere. For more information, please call (845) 452- 2932, ext 10.
- 'Reach to Recovery' program- provides one-on-one support for breast cancer patients by breast cancer survivors. For more information, please call (845) 452- 2932, ext. 10.
- Look Good, Feel Better - provides cancer patients with the information they need to manage cosmetic and hair loss side effects. For more information, please call (845) 452- 2932, ext. 10.
- 'Road to Recovery' - a transportation program which provides a network of volunteers available to drive patients to and from cancer related appointments. For more information, please call (845) 452- 2932, ext. 10.
- Case Coordinators - professional nurses and social workers help patients deal with illness and make decisions about their care. For more information, call (845) 437- 3115.
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