If you have a question about the Breast Center, please call 845-334-3090
The Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center was opened in 1994 to address the elevated breast cancer rates in this region. Bringing together the most expert medical staff and advanced technologies, The Breast Center, located in the hospital, is able to provide comprehensive preventative, diagnostic, treatment, and recovery services to over 10,000 women each year.
Groundbreaking diagnostic technologies are available at The Breast Center. The Breast Center offers patients the fastest, most affordable, and least invasive way to diagnose breast cancer: Stereotactic Needle Biopsy with the Mammotone System. This is an outpatient procedure requiring only local anesthesia, with test results available within 48 hours. This biopsy is a minimally invasive, tiny core biopsy, and is sometimes performed after a mammogram reveals an abnormality in the breast.
The Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center at Benedictine Hospital offers the most comprehensive range of services for breast care in the Hudson Valley. The center was inaugurated in 1994 to address the elevated breast cancer mortality rate in this region. Currently, 10,000 women visit the Center annually, and our mobile mammography unit is the only one serving rural populations in Ulster County. Consistent with our philosophy that the whole person must be treated, our goal is to meet the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of women facing breast cancer. The Center offers a complete range of breast health services including mammograms, breast examinations by specially trained and certified nurses, ultrasound, laboratory services, dietary consultation, Mammotome system biopsy, counseling by an oncology social worker, and a lending library. The Center is a nurturing, supportive environment equipped with the latest in technology, as well as amenities such as terry cloth robes, flannel exam table covers, and walls decorated with original pieces of donated women's art
The Breast Center has taken an active part in the nationwide effort to find a cure for breast cancer. Our team of specialists has participated in clinical research studies, and stays up to the minute on the latest treatments, technology, and news.
The Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center participates in clinical research studies to advance knowledge about breast cancer. The Center has been involved in a three-stage national sentinel node study, under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute, to determine if probe-guided resection of radioactive sentinel nodes (the first nodes to receive drainage from tumors) can identify regional metastases in patients with breast cancer. The importance of the study's results is in earlier, more accurate staging of the tumor, and the possibility of less invasive and extensive node removal.
The less invasive surgery requires local rather than general anesthesia, involves less recovery time, and has fewer long-term side effects such as swelling, limited range of motion, and lingering discomfort from damaged nerves in the affected arm. The Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center is the only community hospital included in the multicenter national study led by the University of Vermont Cancer Center. Results of the study were published an article entitled The Sentinel Node in Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Validation Study, in The New England Journal of Medicine, October 1, 1998 issue.
A second article, also available at the same location, entitled Limitation in Gamma Probe Localization of the Sentinel Node in Breast Cancer Patients with Large Excisional Biopsy, was published in 1999 by the American College of Surgeons. A second research study ongoing at the hospital is attempting to discover whether there is a correlation between breast cancer and environmental pesticides. The study involves women who are currently breast cancer patients and a control group which does not have the disease but does have other conditions requiring breast surgery. Fat and blood cells, as well as urine samples are examined for pesticide levels and endocrine metabolites. Patients participating fill out a detailed questionnaire on medical, reproductive, residential, occupational and family history, as well as diet patterns and exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. The study is an outcome of a breast cancer patient's concerned inquiry regarding whether there could be a connection between the higher use of pesticides in Ulster County due to the number of orchards in the area.
Early detection is the best prevention. It is the single most effective factor in treating breast cancer. The importance of effective breast self-exams (BSE) and skilled, regularly scheduled mammograms cannot be overstated.
The Breast Center supports early detection through free BSE classes throughout the year, BSE presentation speakers for local organizations, and the Breast Center Registry. Sign up for the registry service, and we’ll give you a reminder when it’s time to schedule your next mammogram or medical consultation for breast care. We’ll also keep you up to date on the latest breast cancer studies, and let you know about any upcoming events.
At the Breast Center we provide a multi-disciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Medical oncologists and surgeons, radiologists, registered nurses trained in oncology, certified mammographic technologists, social workers, dietitians, and pastoral care staff are all part of the team committed to meeting your individual needs. Our specialists will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you, always consistent with the latest advances in technology. At The Breast Center, we are committed to breast conservation whenever possible.
Whether you're visiting The Breast Center to learn more about breast disease, to have your annual mammogram, or to consult with our medical staff, rest assured that you will receive the finest breast care available in the Hudson Valley. We know that all women react differently to the news of breast cancer. Many experience fear, anxiety and confusion. That's why we guide each woman through every step of diagnosis and treatment, providing the emotional and spiritual support that is necessary for healing. If you come to us by way of referral, our staff will work closely with your primary care physician, always with your individual needs in mind. We encourage you to take an active role in your care and to involve your loved ones in the treatment process. For more information about our support group programs, please call 845-334-3090.