Maimonides marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The team of specialists who treat breast cancer at Maimonides Medical Center joined together to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a flag-raising, outside the hospital’s main entrance on 10th Avenue in Boro Park.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year in the United States more than 200,000 women will get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Maimonides Breast Cancer Center, housed in the Gilbert Rivera Pavilion at 745 64th Street, has everything women need to combat this disease according to hospital representatives.

“It is extremely important for women to get annual screenings and mammograms –- early detection is key in increasing the survival rate among breast cancer patients,” said Dr. Patrick Borgen, chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the Maimonides Breast Cancer Program.

Maimonides is home to Brooklyn’s only fully accredited Breast Center, as designated by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) administered by the American College of Surgeons.

Additionally, the American College of Radiology has designated Maimonides’ center a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

“We receive over 7,500 patient visits annually and our facility provides one place that meets all of their treatment needs,” explained Borgen. “And our staff’s team mentality provides patients with a sense of family and support – the warmth and camaraderie engendered here are the special ingredients that truly set us apart.”

The $8.6 million facility fulfills the need for highly-specialized breast cancer services in Brooklyn. Located in a 14,750-square-foot, eco-friendly space, the Center’s LED lighting and energy efficient heating/ventilation/air-conditioning systems offer patients a comfortable environment. The feature they appreciate most, though, is the spa-like décor with interior landscaping that includes a waterfall feature and soothing music.

Maimonides reps note that state-of-the-art technology at the Breast Center includes 3T MRI with advanced breast imaging and biopsy capability; three full-field digital mammography units including tomosynthesis; Breast Specific Gamma Imaging unit; stereotactic breast biopsy unit; and three ultrasound units optimized for breast imaging and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.

The Maimonides Breast Center offers comprehensive screening, diagnostic, medical and surgical breast services, as well as nutrition and genetics counseling, and a full array of psycho-social support for patients and families. Treatment team members are deeply committed to offering patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease by providing them with the highest level of quality breast care.

Members of the medical staff, many of whom are renowned nationally, are skilled and experienced — all collaborating in multidisciplinary teams to devise the best individualized treatment plans for our patients.

The Maimonides Cancer Center itself is fully accredited by American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. To learn more, call 718-765-2550 or visit maimonidesmed.org/cancercenter/BreastCancer.aspx.