Northside Hospital Breast Care Program Alpharetta location brings expert, personalized care to patients locally By Michelle Martin October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a good opportunity to remind women in the North Fulton community to perform monthly breast cancer self-exams at home and to schedule their annual mammogram. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, 232,670 cases of invasive breast cancer are expected nationally with more than 7,000 cases in Georgia. These startling statistics underscore the importance for women to be educated about breast health and have access to quality breast care services. Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta provides comprehensive, quality medical services for breast care for women in the North Fulton and surrounding communities. Recently designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, Northside Hospital's full-service breast care program in Alpharetta features the most advanced technology available for routine screenings; diagnostic imaging; radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy; physical and occupational therapy; genetic counseling and testing; and clinical research studies. In addition, the Alpharetta location has a fully accredited outpatient surgery suite for breast mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Certified nurses and counselors provide important educational and emotional support as well, helping guide patients throughout their entire breast care experience. The comprehensive services, support and care offered at the convenient Alpharetta program are part of the acclaimed Northside Hospital network and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, which leads the Southeast in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Patients can trust they will receive the same level of quality care by Northside Hospital's highly trained and experienced medical team at a location that is convenient and close to home. The recent accreditation of the Northside Hospital Breast Care Center at Alpharetta as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence offers patients additional reassurance that they are receiving the highest quality care available from a program that meets the American College of Radiology's rigorous standards for physician expertise and care, procedures and technology. Dr. Iqbal Garcha, chief of staff for Northside Hospital, has been involved in developing the Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta. His approach to patient care is built on "integrated, well-coordinated, multi-disciplinary care" that streamlines the process in an effort to reduce patient anxiety. "With breast health, it's imperative that we are sensitive to patients' needs, both physically and emotionally," he says, "and that involves streamlining processes to create a more efficient center that helps patients move quickly through their care. Our team of physicians, nurses, and counselors at Alpharetta works well together to coordinate quality, personal care for our patients." Certified breast imaging and oncology nurse navigators play a big role in helping breast care patients understand and gain quick access to the next step after an abnormal finding. For most women, the fear of the unknown is one of the biggest contributors to their anxiety. Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta's certified nurse navigators help educate patients about what to expect, as well as help alleviate additional anxiety by assisting patients with appointment scheduling and pre-registration, physician's orders, insurance and financial arrangements. Same-dayand next-day appointments are available for screening mammography and diagnostic breast imaging. Advanced medical technology at Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta makes it possible for many breast cancers to be detected and treated early. In addition to traditional mammograms, Northside was the first to introduce 3D mammography, which provides enhanced imaging around the breast. The combination of 3D and multiple images makes it easier for radiologists to identify cancer areas that may not be visible through other screenings. Advanced diagnostic and imaging services also include breast ultrasound, MRI and minimally invasive breast biopsy procedures. As a member of the National Cancer Institute's Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), Northside Hospital is able to provide patients access to state-of-the-art cancer clinical trials, many of which address breast cancer research. Patients of Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta who are approved for these latest treatments and medications can trust they are receiving the most comprehensive, extensive care currently available anywhere. Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta offers genetic counseling and testing for women who may be at a higher risk of breast cancer based on a family history. It is important for women to understand the risk factors and most common warning symptoms of breast cancer. Northside Hospital Breast Care Program at Alpharetta offers a variety of educational and support services to help women understand the most effective steps to prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. When caught early, breast cancer is one of the most successfully treatable and curable forms of cancer. Northside Hospital Breast Care Program3400 Old Milton ParkwaySuite 145, Building CAlpharettaNorthside.com To schedule your breast imaging appointment, call: 404-851-6577 For more information about breast care services, contact the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute at: 404-531-4444
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