The Power of Teamwork in Fighting Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event, initiating a journey that requires strength, support and expert medical care. The treatment process can be complex, involving multiple specialists and therapies.

At Baptist Health Cancer Care, which includes Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach is fundamental to providing comprehensive and personalized patient care.

Why a Multidisciplinary Team is Essential

The concept of bringing together specialists from different fields to collaborate on a patient's care plan originated with breast cancer treatment. This model breaks down the traditional silos between medical departments to ensure every aspect of a patient's health is considered from the very beginning.

"The entire concept of multidisciplinary care actually came from breast cancer care—we broke the silos of surgery, medical oncology and radiation to work together,” explains breast surgical oncologist Mehran Habibi, M.D., chief of breast surgery at Miami Cancer Institute and deputy chief of breast surgery for Baptist Health Cancer Care.

This integrated approach ensures that all specialists involved in a patient's care are aligned.

The team typically includes:

·      Radiologists

·      Pathologists

·      Surgical oncologists

·      Medical oncologists

·      Radiation oncologists

·      Reconstructive plastic surgeons

Dr. Habibi emphasizes the necessity of collaboration: “Radiology, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, reconstructive surgery—all must work closely from the first encounter through the entire journey.” This constant communication allows the team to develop a treatment plan that is not only effective against the cancer but also tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

Advancements in Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Continuous progress in cancer care technology has further enhanced the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Habibi notes, “This is a field that is ever-changing. It has changed significantly in the last five years and will continue to change significantly going forward, given the increasing use of technology… and making a better fit of treatment to the patient.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant asset, too, Dr. Habibi says. “I am incredibly excited about the advancements of AI. It is impacting, in a very positive way, almost all aspects of our care.” In breast imaging, “AI helps detect lesions that would have been very hard to detect or almost invisible to the human eye. It allows radiologists to focus more efficiently on specific areas.”

In the surgical setting, Dr. Habibi says that with the help of AI, “we can now create accurate volumetric measurements of the tumor compared to the size of the breast. This helps determine whether partial breast surgery or total mastectomy is better, and it also informs breast reconstruction.”

With these advancements, surgical approaches and treatment plans are more precise, leading to better outcomes for patients.

A Personalized Path to Healing

As any breast oncologist will confirm, no two breast cancer cases are exactly alike. Advances in technology and a deeper understanding of the disease allow for highly individualized treatment strategies. A multidisciplinary team is crucial for analyzing all available data—from imaging and genomic testing to the patient’s personal preferences—to determine the best course of action.

“With advances in imaging, MRI, and AI, we can design a surgical approach based on each patient’s tumor size, breast size, and personal wishes,” says Dr. Habibi.

Personalization also extends to the sequence of treatments. For some patients, surgery may be the first step. For others, systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy might be recommended to shrink a tumor before an operation. “Some tumors respond very well to systemic therapy—we start there. Others don’t, so we plan surgery first. Using genomic testing, we can individualize each plan,” Dr. Habibi notes.

The Patient at the Center of Decision-Making

The patient is at the heart of every care plan. While a team of experts provides guidance, the multidisciplinary group’s role is to present the best possible options and offer recommendations, empowering the patient to make informed decisions about their care.

“Patients are the center of everything. They are effectively the decision-makers throughout the entire process,” Dr. Habibi states. “We give recommendations as if we are treating our family members, but at the end of the day, they have the final say.”

This patient-centered approach is supported by dedicated navigators. “Our navigators are focused on patients, not divisions—they follow each patient throughout the entire journey, which is unique and very helpful.” Navigators help organize appointments, answer questions, provide education, and remove barriers to care, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Turning Breast Cancer into a Manageable Condition

The vast majority of breast cancer patients—especially those whose lesions are detected early—are either cured completely or live with it long-term with good outcomes, says Dr. Habibi.

“The challenge is the small group of patients whose disease behaves very differently—very aggressive and resistant to treatment. But for most, we either cure them or turn it into a chronic situation.”

Beyond Medical Treatment: Holistic Care and Healing

Treating breast cancer involves more than eliminating the disease. A multidisciplinary approach prioritizes both the physical and emotional well-being of patients throughout survivorship. The goal is to restore a sense of normalcy and improve quality of life after treatment.

Modern surgical techniques, including oncoplastic surgery, aim for the best possible cosmetic outcomes. “Our goal is to remove and eliminate the cancer, then bring back as much of the breast’s normal shape, contour and functionality as possible,” says Dr. Habibi. By preserving the skin and nipple–areola complex when possible, surgeons can minimize the physical and emotional scars of treatment.

“Going through breast cancer is incredibly difficult and stressful. If we can minimize the scars they will have—physical and emotional—that helps them in the process of survival and healing much more,” Dr. Habibi adds.

Survivorship support for patients who have completed their treatments is also an ongoing priority. “Survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues for life. Once they’re done with therapies, their care continues—with support groups and programs to prevent recurrence and other complications. We aim to get them back to the normal self they were before their diagnosis.”

The Importance of a Second Opinion

Given the complexity of breast cancer, seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance and ensure that all potential treatment avenues have been explored. “Second opinions are incredibly important. Studies show that even when two doctors see the same data, treatment recommendations can vary,” Dr. Habibi advises. He reminds patients that, “Breast cancer is not an emergency. You have time to think, seek second and third opinions and find the best treatment for you.”

A Great Amount of Hope and Progress

Throughout the patient’s journey, hope and progress are central themes. “At the beginning, it can feel like there’s no hope—but as they go through the process, they’ll see there is a great amount of hope and progress.” The vast majority of patients experience excellent outcomes. “We are here to help and answer all questions. There are so many treatment modalities that the vast majority of patients will have a fantastic outcome.”

The collaborative environment at both Miami Cancer Institute and Lynn Cancer Institute ensures that each patient benefits from the collective expertise of a world-class team, continual advancements in care and a compassionate approach that extends well beyond treatment.

VisitBaptistHealth.net/Mammoto learn more or schedule your breast cancer screening this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.