Lung cancer kills more Americans than any other cancer. Breast cancer is the one most women fear. Both are far more treatable when they’re caught early.
That’s the idea behind Holy Name Medical Center’s breast and lung cancer screening programs. The Teaneck hospital aims to guide patients from their first question about risk all the way through follow-up care.
The programs combine advanced imaging, specialists and navigators who help patients figure out whether they should be screened, get the screening done and know what comes next if something turns up.
Here’s how they operate:
Breast cancer
Most women at average risk should begin routine mammograms at 40, though that can change with family history and other risk factors.
Holy Name’s Breast Center offers 3D mammography read by fellowship-trained breast radiologists. When more is needed, patients can get additional imaging, biopsies, genetic counseling and treatment there too. The center is designated a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center by the American College of Radiology.
Dr. Kim Clarkin, a board-certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging at Holy Name, said screening isn’t only for women who are due.
“Whether you’re due for routine screening, have a family history or other risk factors, or have noticed a change in your breast, mammography can be an important part of understanding your breast health,” she said.
Treatment options have grown, too, including newer oral medications, antibody-based therapies and immunotherapies. Researchers are also studying ways to use artificial intelligence to sharpen risk assessment, and to track treatment response by analyzing tumor cells circulating in the blood.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, which makes catching it early especially important.
Holy Name, an American College of Radiology-designated Lung Cancer Screening Center, offers low-dose CT screening for eligible patients. A dedicated navigator helps them sort out whether they qualify and what follow-up they need.
When a scan finds something suspicious, Holy Name has tools to take a closer look. The Galaxy robotic bronchoscopy system uses robotic navigation and 3D imaging to help doctors reach and biopsy small nodules deep in the lung. Photon-counting CT gives an even more detailed picture of potential abnormalities.
Dr. Charles Shieh, a board-certified thoracic surgeon at Holy Name, said the technology makes a real difference.
“These technologies empower us to confidently detect lung cancer earlier, ultimately saving more lives,” he said.
For patients, the first step is the same for both cancers: Know your risk, and talk to your doctor about which screenings make sense.
For breast cancer, that might mean scheduling a mammogram, talking through family history or following up on an abnormal result. For lung cancer, it might mean finding out whether you’re eligible for low-dose CT.
The earlier the answer, the better the odds.
For information about Holy Name Medical Center, go to holyname.org.
