Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of tissue in the breast. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Men are also at risk for breast cancer, though at a much lower rate.
Early detection is the key to a positive outcome. The Sanofi US Breast Care Program at The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset delivers state-of-the-art mammography and preventive care, as well as the latest treatments for breast cancer.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer Care
In one convenient location, our award-winning Breast Care Program includes a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists who collaborate on patient care, including:
- Medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists
- Radiologists and radiation therapists
- Pathologists and medical physicists
- Breast care specialists
- Certified oncology nurses
- Social workers and case managers
- Nutritionists
- Pharmacists
- Pastoral care staff
The care team meets weekly to discuss each newly diagnosed case of breast cancer, creating individualized treatment plans to provide the highest quality diagnostic and therapeutic services.
The team is led by fellowship-trained breast radiologists and breast surgeons who discuss findings and work together to ensure the best possible outcomes.
A Center of Excellence
RWJUH Somerset is part of RWJBarnabas Health, the largest academic health care system in New Jersey. In partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute o, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we meet the highest standards in breast cancer prevention, treatment, research and education in the country.
At The Steeplechase Cancer Center, our expert staff has extensive experience diagnosing and treating breast cancer, and we have been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We also meets the Food and Drug Administration's strict standards. Since 2010, the Breast Care Program has been accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, demonstrating outstanding achievement in quality standards.
Comprehensive, High-Tech Breast Cancer Care
Our award-winning program features:
- One convenient location for outpatient breast services with free parking, wireless access and other amenities
- Groundbreaking clinical research
- Personalized treatment planning
- Advanced technology and techniques for diagnosis and therapy
- Support and survivorship programs
- Access to the hospital’s full complement of services, including the Paul R. Nardoni Oncology Pavilion for inpatient care
- Access to the latest treatment options including clinical trials and precision medicine through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
At The Steeplechase Cancer Center, we use the latest technology in the field to capture the most precise images of areas inside of the body. These pictures enable our specialists to provide accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. Imaging services include:
- Breast tomosynthesis
- 2D and 3D mammography
- 2D and 3D stereotactic breast biopsy
- Breast ultrasounds
- dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scans
Bone Scans
Breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy with aromatase inhibitors, can impact your bone health. Before you start your treatment, your doctor may recommend a DEXA scan for a baseline assessment of your bone density. This scan may be repeated after your treatment to determine if you have had any bone loss. It is also recommended that women over age 65 have a bone density scan to screen for osteoporosis.
Screening exams such as bone density testing are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans.
Survivorship and Support Services
As part of our comprehensive services, we support you through your cancer journey and beyond. We connect you with wellness programs and community resources to get you through, including:
- A nurse navigator to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery
- Survivorship Care Planning Program
- Complementary medicine programs
- Wellness and exercise programs
- Nutrition counseling
- Resource library
- Patient and caregiver support groups
- Sanofi US Wellness Boutique, featuring certified wig, prosthetic and lymphedema garment fitters
- Social work services
- Transportation Assistance Program
- Palliative care, pain management and hospice
Inclusive Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients
We provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ patients seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. In the video, Understanding and Providing Cultural Competent Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients, our advanced practice nurse explains how we strive to reduce barriers to care and ensure that all individuals receive the equitable medical care they deserve.
More Information Related to Breast Cancer and Its Diagnosis and Treatment
- Clinical trials
- Symptoms
- Screening mammograms
- Diagnosis
- Second Opinion Program for patients with breast cancer
- Treatment options
- Diagnosing benign breast conditions
- Facts
- FAQs
- Genetic testing
- Scalp cooling treatment
- Support services
- Health Talk: Advances in Breast Cancer [Video]
Our Breast Cancer Patient Navigator Can Be Your Guide
Our Breast Cancer Patient Navigator, Kimberly Cromwell-Piniella, CBCN, BSN, RN, can guide you through the ins and outs of the sometimes challenging health care system. She can:
- Create an individualized plan of care
- Coordinate referrals
- Connect patients with resources
To reach the patient navigator, call 908-252-4053 or email kimberly.cromwell-piniella@rwjbh.org.
Video: Sensation-Preserving Breast Surgery
Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of tissue in the breast. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Men are also at risk for breast cancer, though at a much lower rate. After a breast cancer diagnosis is made, oncology teams take a multidisciplinary approach to find the most effective breast cancer treatment for each patient’s specific disease. In this video, Deborah Lue, MD, Breast Surgeon, Medical Director of Breast Cancer Services at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and Colin Failey, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon at Steeplechase Cancer Center describe a new surgical procedure that preserves the nipple and sensation in the nipple for cancer patients during mastectomies.
Location
The Steeplechase Cancer Center
at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
30 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ
