Services for Clients

Surgical Treatment

Surgeons and nurses assess clients with breast health concerns and/or breast cancer signs and symptoms. A surgical treatment room offers a space where minor breast surgery can be performed onsite. A treatment plan is suggested for newly diagnosed breast cancer clients. Information and education are offered to help the client make the decision about how to proceed. Surgery is coordinated by the surgeons and the Centre's team.

Surgeons

Dr. Ethel MacIntosh - Medical Director
Dr. Jamie Gillespie - Surgeon
Dr. Duncan Inglis - Surgeon
Dr. Cliff Yaffe - Surgeon
Dr. Brent Zabolotny - Surgeon
Dr. Magdy Zaki - Surgeon

Diagnostic Imaging

Leaders in breast imaging and on-site diagnostic imaging equipment are a powerful combination in the timely diagnosis of breast cancer. Diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, ultrasound core biopsy, mammography and stereotactic biopsy aid in the fact finding quest for determining the characteristics of breast health concerns.

Radiologists

Dr. Murray Wilson - Radiology Director
Dr. Mike Davideson - Radiologist
Dr. Sean Tsuyuki - Radiologist

Program and Administration

From the program staff (surgeons, radiologists, nursing and intake, technologists, therapists, social worker and dietitian) to the administrative team, the people who answer the phones and greet you when you come in to the Breast Health Centre, and those who work behind the scenes to register you as a client with our clinic, schedule your appointment, transcribe your reports and update your electronic client record, the entire staff form the multidisciplinary team that manages client care, to ensure your journey through the Breast Health Centre is smooth and coordinated.

Leadership Team

Tania Sloan, Program Director
Dr. Ethel MacIntosh, Medical Director
Dr. Murray Wilson, Radiology Director

For more information, call (204) 235-3879.

Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema therapists with clinical experience educate clients at information sessions about post-operative arm exercises to encourage mobility and restore range of motion.

Clients who develop lymphedema following breast cancer treatment require a physician's referral to see a certified Manual Lymph Drainage therapist. These consultations include decongestive therapy, exercises, skin care, compression bandaging and teaching the client how to manually drain at home.

Nutrition Services

Nutrition is key to breast health. That's why a clinical dietitian is available to provide clients with education and counseling about how food can positively impact treatment and overall health. Presentations on Bone Health after Breast Cancer and Eat Well, Get Fit & Live Well workshops are offered throughout the year. At least one presentation for the general public is offered yearly.

Psychosocial Counseling

There's an emotional component to receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer. To help support clients and their families, a social worker offers counseling related to coping with breast cancer and other life stressors. Along with providing information and referrals, the social worker can also provide information on how to access peer support, support groups, transportation and financial supports.

Education

Knowledge is power. That's why nurses are available to answer your questions about breast health and breast cancer. Our breast health experts are consulted on breast health issues by individuals, community groups and other regional health authorities. Along with individual consultations, extensive information is available online and each person newly diagnosed with breast cancer receives an information package pre and post surgery.

Information sessions are offered weekly to educate clients and their families about what to expect for before and after surgery care. For those who are unable to attend, a DVD of these information sessions can be borrowed.

Before Surgery Session

Representatives from your multi-disciplinary team help provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect as you prepare for surgery. Along with different surgical scenarios and subsequent results, details for preparing for the surgery, what to expect at the hospital, the recovery process and what to watch for are topics covered. Self care during recuperation and available supports are also explored.

After Surgery Session

Representatives from your multi-disciplinary team help provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect after surgery as you prepare for follow up with oncology. Along with what to expect at your first oncology appointment, nutritional needs, the benefits of staying active during treatment, exercises to do to increase shoulder mobility after surgery and lymphedema risk and treatment are explored.

Genetics

The Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinic is located at Health Sciences Centre. They accept referrals for individuals and families with the suspicion of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer.

For more information, please call the Genetics Counselor at 787-8860.