New Monte Breast Center Brings Compassionate Care in a More Comprehensive Way

By Sheldon M. Feldman, M.D.

and Laura J. Hodges, M.D.

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Michele Eiley was lying in bed with her daughter one day after work last October when she found a lump in her Breast. Although she was in shock, when her daughter asked what was wrong, she told her daughter she was fine. After that, Michele immediately scheduled a mammogram appointment at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) to get more information.

Michele, a 47-year-old mother of two teenage girls, soon discovered she had stage 2 Breast Cancer. She immediately realized she needed to prioritize taking care of herself to make a full recovery. Over the past year, she has had surgery, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy. She is currently receiving radiation treatment at MECCC.

For women like Michele, cancer adds to the many items already on their plate. That is why our new breast center was designed to have screening studies, advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, plastic & reconstructive surgery, a high-risk breast cancer prevention and lymphedema prevention program, as well as genetic counseling under one roof. Complemented by services like medical & radiation oncology, nutrition, and access to our Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD) wellness and support program, it is imperative that people have ONE place where their comprehensive care needs are addressed.

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The goal of our breast center, which is located at 1250 Waters Place on the 7th Floor of Tower 1, is to provide every person with an unparalleled level of evaluation and care. When someone has a breast lump, abnormal mammogram or ultrasound result, surgeons and radiologists immediately have a consultation with patients, and together, determine next steps in “real-time” to expedite care and reduce the need for women having to come back for potentially repetitive appointments or procedures. 

Tackling Disparities in our Community

Women of color are at greater risk of being diagnosed at later stages and with more aggressive cancers. There is also a national trend showing Black and Hispanic women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, which is why screening is so important. 

We recommend that once women turn 40 they have a screening mammogram every year. Women with a family history of breast cancer or dense breasts should talk with their physician since they may need to begin screening sooner or schedule a screening ultrasound.

Screening mammograms can pick up cancers before they can be felt, or before any symptoms arise. When breast cancer is found early, there are more opportunities for less aggressive treatments and reducing the risk of cancer spreading beyond the breast, which is referred to as metastasis.

Screening is so important, and our research is finding more and more reasons this is the case.

At MECCC, we discovered that breast metastasis occurs through what we call “doorways.” These “doorways,” or portals, allow cancer cells to enter the blood stream and spread from the breast to other parts of the body – and these “doorways” are common in Black women when compared to their white counterparts. Medications are being developed to close these doorways to prevent cancer from spreading.

Only by having our community members come in for screening and participating in clinical trials (at MECCC we have approximately 320+), can we begin to understand and tackle these disparities, and develop personalized treatment plans for every person who comes through our doors. 

What You Can Do This Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Over the course of this October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), we urge people in our community to schedule an appointment to get screened. Technology is making screening more effective and more comfortable for people seeking care than ever before.

At our new center the Senographe Pristina 3D mammography system from GE HealthCare, even gives women a handheld remote, allowing them to determine breast compression levels during their mammograms. These are just some of the many elements at our new breast center that enable women to regain a sense of control.

We also have a new phone number, 844-BREAST6, for all breast needs, and on Saturday, October 21, we will hold our 15th annual Edward S. Greenwald, M.D., Breast Screening Event at our new center from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This screening event is free for people without documentation or insurance. Results will be provided the same day.

To register for a screening, you can call 844-BREAST6 or 929-246-6300, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and please know that we are here for you.  

Sheldon M. Feldman, M.D., chief, Breast Surgery & Surgical Oncology and director, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) Breast Cancer Services, and Laura J. Hodges, M.D., director, Breast Imaging & Interventions at MECCC and assistant professor of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine