Providing Leading-Edge Cancer Care
Put your mind at ease by receiving the most comprehensive care available to you!
The Comprehensive Cancer Program of Broward General Medical Center holds the prestigious cancer program approval by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Our cancer program is affiliated with the world-renowned Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, the only affiliation in Broward, Dade and Monroe counties. Moffitt, part of an elite group of National Cancer Institute Centers, is solely dedicated to the rapid translation of research discoveries to directly benefit people with cancer.
Our Comprehensive Cancer Services offer a full spectrum of cancer care to meet the needs of the Broward County community. Education and screening programs (including genetic screening) are provided to promote awareness and early detection. The cancer program also delivers the most current diagnostic and treatment methods as well as support services to help meet the needs of patients and their families.
Other Services Include:
Adult Hematology Oncology
Board certified hematological oncologists utilize the latest clinical treatments and research trials for cancer and blood disorders.
Barbara Ziegler Palliative Care Program
The first of its kind in South Florida, this program is dedicated to the physical comfort and emotional and spiritual support of patients with advanced illness regardless of diagnosis, prognosis, other treatments or resuscitation wishes. [more...]
Breast Services
Patient services include breast self exam instruction, genetic testing, second opinion referral, education resources and counseling. The widespread use of screening mammography and other breast imaging has resulted in earlier tumor visualization. Breast imaging services include state-of-the-art digital screening and diagnostic mammography with computer enhancement along with breast ultrasound. Breast MRI has become an integral component of diagnostic breast imaging, with American Cancer Society guidelines recently established for breast MRI screening in select patients. Breast intervention (precutaneous mass biopsy) has routinely replaced the need for surgical biopsy and is performed using all imaging techniques. Broward General is one of the very limited number of facilities capable of performing MRI breast biopsy. New cutting edge technology, the Ventana Image Analysis System (VIAS), is available to provide better breast cancer detection through the use of a microscope that helps detect, classify and count cells of interest. The microscope substitutes for the human eye resulting in a more accurate and individualized test.
Cancer Data Centers
Much of the understanding of cancer and the advances in cancer treatment today are due to very carefully compiled worldwide information about the outcomes, quality of life and survival of patients receiving treatment. The Cancer Data Center, while following confidentiality policies, collects, manages and analyzes this data in order to make it available for education and research.
Data on treatment and outcomes is reported to the National Cancer Database (NCBD) and to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) through the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACOS-COC) and the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS). This gives us the opportunity to demonstrate that we meet or exceed national standards.
Cancer Research
The newest research in cancer prevention, detection and treatment is offered through a wide variety of clinical research studies. Our affiliation with the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute increases access to the latest cancer treatment discoveries. Children with cancer are offered participation in research trials through worldwide collaborative memberships.
Community Education and Outreach
Each year the Comprehensive Cancer teams develop a complete community education and outreach plan. Support groups, health fairs, physician lectures and community screenings are used to educate residents regarding cancer risk factors, early detection and treatment. Offerings include a mobile mammography van that visits throughout the community. Our teams can design a presentation on prevention, early detection and treatment for any community organization, group or employer.
Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
The pathology and laboratory departments' staffs are committed to providing the highest quality services crucial to the rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. Pathologists are laboratory-based physicians who collectively have specialty board certifications.
Genetic Screening and Counseling
This program primarily serves patients at high risk for cancer based on their personal and/or family history. Cancer risk assessments are provided, as well as education regarding cancer risk and inherited forms of cancers. The option of genetic testing is extensively explored with patients and/or family members based on the risk assessments and family history.
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecological oncology services offer care to women with cancer and pre-invasive conditions of the reproductive organs. Highly trained and experienced gynecological oncologists serve as the primary physicians responsible for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
Melanoma Treatment Services
Our melanoma treatment specialists are experts in the surgical and medical treatment of melanoma. The treatment team includes oncologists, dermatologists and plastic and general surgeons who support the evaluation and treatment of each patient's condition. Surgical oncologists have expertise in sentinel lymph node biopsy – the current standard for treatment of most melanomas.
Nursing Services
Oncology-certified nurses receive advanced education in the care of cancer patients. Training includes the administration of cancer drugs, assessing and monitoring of side effects and the education of patients and their families.
Nutrition Services
Clinical dieticians offer assistance in meeting daily nutritional needs to maintain strength and prevent weight loss. Nutritional counseling is also offered to patients who experience side effects while undergoing cancer treatment.
Patients and Family Education
A cancer care plan is completed for all patients to ensure that they and their families receive the information needed to fully understand their illness and its treatment. Resource libraries are available to provide information on all types of cancer, support groups and treatment side effects.
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at Broward General Medical Center is part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Chris Evert Children's Hospital.
Our board certified pediatric oncology hematologists serve patients from birth to 18 years who suffer from cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia. The Center has a multidisciplinary team and state-of-the-art resources for both the detection and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. As a member of the Children's Oncology Group, the latest clinical research trials are available. The Sickle Cell Day Treatment & Wellness Center opened in 2007 to provide transition care to our young adults with sickle cell anemia.
Pharmacy Services
Oncology trained pharmacists work with physicians to review, plan and monitor all drugs used for cancer treatment and their interactions, ensuring dose accuracy and minimizing side effects.
Radiation Oncology
An experienced and highly skilled team of radiation oncologists and therapists work with a team of surgical and medical oncologists to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment. One option includes brachytherapy, in which radioactive seeds are implanted for prostate and other cancers.
Preparation is underway for Proton Beam Therapy, the next generation of radiation delivery systems that will place us ahead of most academic programs.
Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
The department of radiology plays an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Radiologists utilize the most up-to-date technology to provide state-of-the-art detection and follow-up to assess treatment effectiveness.
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
The highly trained staff in the departments of rehabilitative services offers each patient personalized treatment with the ultimate goal of resuming the most normal life possible.
Social Service and Patient Support
Oncology social workers provide each patient and their family with information and referrals to community resources, counseling, financial assistance and emotional support. The Comprehensive Cancer Center offers access to support groups and educational programs.
Surgical Oncology
Oncologic surgeons who are fellowship trained (surgical oncologists, urologists, gynecologic oncologists and thoracic surgeons) utilize all the latest surgical protocols in the treatment of cancer including minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery and thoracoscopic surgery.
Tumor Board/Cancer Conference
Tumor Board meetings are held weekly at Broward General Medical Center. Tumor Boards are multidisciplinary consultations about the best treatment options available for cancer patients.
For more information about cancer services, free community programs and screenings, call the Broward Health Line at 954-759-7400.