Research
The Nebraska Medical Center’s campus is home to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center Institute
for Research. As a one of 60 National Cancer Institute’s designated cancer centers,
it is recognized for ground breaking research and patient care. Specifically, the
breast cancer research conducted focuses on the development of new treatments such
as targeted therapies. These targeted therapies are used in conjunction with traditional
methods of treatment and greatly improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Prevention and Early Detection
Early detection of breast cancer translates to a greater chance of survival and
affords the patient more treatment options. It is important to do a monthly breast
self-exam and report any changes to a physician. The newest technology available
assisting in the early detection of breast cancer is digital mammography, which
captures images in computer code providing physicians with more clear images of
the breast tissue. Research indicates that getting a regular mammogram can reduce
cancer deaths up to 35 percent for women between the ages of 50 and 69 and about
20 percent in women who are in their 40s. Ultrasounds and MRI are also used to detect
tumors which may not be found during a routine mammogram.
Targeted Treatments
With modern treatments breast cancer is considered to be a very curable disease.
Depending upon the stage of diagnosis and the type of cancer a patient has, the
overall survival rate is near 80 percent. Targeted therapies, combined with traditional
treatments, are improving the outcomes for breast cancer patients. Targeted therapies
refer to treatments that attack tumors with minimal harm to healthy tissue. There
are three major types of targeted therapies including: aromatase inhibitors, HER-2
therapy and anti-angiogenesis drugs.
INTRABEAM
Intrabeam low-energy radiation therapy, which has been FDA-approved, can offer two
advantages to traditional radiation therapy, says Dr. Thompson. First, it provides
a targeted dose of radiation therapy to the surgical site at the time of surgery,
rather than delivering total breast radiation. Secondly, it may eliminate the six-week
daily regimen of radiation therapy that normally accompanies lumpectomy without
compromising the outcome.
Read more
The Nebraska Medical Center Survivorship Program
A Survivorship Program at The Nebraska Medical Center are available to patients
as point of transitional care before the patient returns to their primary care doctor.
Introduction to this program is made following the completion of cancer care at
The Nebraska Medical Center. During participation in this program the survivor is
offered a multi-disciplinary clinic where social workers, physical therapists, RN
case managers and nutritionists develop a "survivorship care plan" based on the
survivor's special medical, physical and nutritional needs.
Read more
Breast Cancer Education Series
An educational group focused on the needs of those who have breast cancer or have
been treated for breast cancer and concerned family and friends. Each group presented
by a healthcare professional and information is provided on community resources.
This is a 6 month series beginning in May through October. Meetings are held on
the 4th Thursday of each month at Clarkson West Hospital. Please contact the Social
Work Department at 402-559-4420 to be placed on this mailing list or to RSVP for
a meeting.
Look Good, Feel Better
This group provides assistance for make-up and wigs/scarves. Meetings are held on
the 1st Monday of the each month at 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Lied Transplant
Center in the Education Consultation Center. Pre-registration is needed and can
be done by contacting the Volunteer Department at 559-4197.
For Physician Referrals or more information on breast cancer and survivor programs
call 1-800-922-0000