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1 2 2 0 1 4 B r e a s t H e a l t h S e c t i o n Special Advertising Section It's a six-letter word that we hope we never hear: cancer. And in Kentucky, our cancer rates are among the highest in the nation. But thanks to multidisciplinary approaches to care, patients can now have a team of providers at their service. The James Graham Brown Cancer Center opened in 1981 with a mission of relieving the pain and suffering caused by cancer in Kentucky. Today, the center is a partnership between KentuckyOne Health and the University of Louisville. It was ranked as one of the best hospitals in 2014-15 for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report, which recognizes hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. The James Graham Brown Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care that begins shortly after a patient is diagnosed, regardless of the type of cancer he or she is facing. There are cancer care teams focused on different types of cancer. Each team includes a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, social worker, nurse navigator and specialized nurses. Depending upon the type of cancer, other specialties may be included. The breast cancer team includes a plastic surgeon and genetic specialist. Most people who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. However, if a patient is diagnosed at a young age, or if a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer is present, genetic testing may be recommended to determine if a person has inherited an abnormal gene that increases their risk for these cancers. The results of genetic testing can help inform treatment decisions for those diagnosed with cancer. The results may also impact recommended screening intervals for patients who do not have cancer but are at an increased risk. Weekly collaboration The multidisciplinary breast cancer care team at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center meets weekly to collaboratively review each case. During these meetings, the team reviews the patient's records, such as radiology flms and pathology reports, and decides on the best treatment protocol. The patient then comes to the clinic to meet with one or more members of the cancer team, based upon the disease site and its progression. During this meeting, patients may be scheduled for additional testing, and receive information about the treatment protocol recommended by their team. Once plans are in place to move forward with care, patients may meet with a social worker, fnancial counselor or psychologist, and seek help for basic needs such as transportation. One of the keys to the team approach is the nurse navigator, who acts as a compass for the patient. The nurse navigator knows the patient's treatment plan, where they are in their treatment and where they need to go next. The nurse navigator also connects the patient with any additional resources she needs. Approach benefts patients and physicians The multidisciplinary approach to care is a win for both the patients and the physicians. Physicians like the idea that they are part of a team and they learn from each other. It allows them to stay current on different areas of disease that they may not otherwise study. For patients, the team approach streamlines their care and provides them with a tremendous amount of expertise in one location. This type of care can be especially benefcial for patients from rural areas, since the weekly conference structure allows them to have comprehensive group of care providers looking at their case all at once, instead of just one physician reviewing the case from only one medical perspective. Support an important factor In addition to quality of care, an important part of battling a disease like cancer is support. Using the multidisciplinary care approach creates a strong support center that includes support groups and complimentary therapies such as art, massage and music. For patients battling cancer, it's important that they don't feel like they have to rely on one person to get them through a crisis. They have many avenues of support depending on their needs, and can receive support as long as it is needed. James Graham Brown Cancer Center patients also have access to a myriad of programs and services from M. Krista Loyd Resource Center; from self-esteem boosting programs that provide make-up tips or provide a wig or head covering to art therapy classes and an informative medical library. Prevention frst One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but with early detection, the fve-year survival rate is up to 98 percent. Mammograms are an important tool in early detection. In fact, early detection by mammograms leads to a greater range in treatment options, including less-extensive surgery and the use of chemotherapy with fewer side effects. For more than 20 years, the James Graham Brown Cancer Center's Mobile Mammography Unit has provided mammograms to women in their community, church, school or place of business. The Mobile Mammography Unit uses digital computer aided-detection (CAD) technology to detect early breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women 40 and older. Screening mammograms are covered by most insurance plans and KentuckyOne Health offers programs that provide mammograms to women who are uninsured. Multidisciplinary Teams Tackling Cancer Through Collaboration