By Lois Thomson
Two years ago, Broward Health established the High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening and Genetics Clinic with the purpose of providing breast cancer screening and genetic risk evaluation for individuals who are at a greater risk.
Dr. Alia Abdulla, D.O., FACS
“The clinic is important to help identify and educate those who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Alia Abdulla, D.O., FACS, with Broward Health Physician Group.
Dr. Abdulla is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who has practiced medicine since 2007 and specializes in treating breast cancer. She is also widely trained in the role of genetics in breast cancer and is one of the clinic’s founders.
“The most important life-saving determinants when it comes to cancer are early diagnosis and early treatment,” she said. “This clinic serves to identify these patients so that if they develop cancer, it will be detected early enough that it will be in a treatable form.”
Dr. Abdulla explained that the clinic, held weekly at the Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center at Broward Health Medical Center, serves those patients who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Abdulla pointed out that the physicians who perform services in the clinic are trained in the specialized area of breast surgical oncology and breast radiology.
“Patients are given additional time to discuss their imaging thoroughly with a breast radiologist,” she said. “They are also tested and then educated about the genetic changes they may have, and how that will affect their risk of cancers, including breast, colon, pancreatic, ovarian, and other types.”
She went on to say that when a patient is diagnosed with cancer, a team is created that includes a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a surgical oncologist, and a reconstructive surgeon to coordinate care and develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. “The goal is to meet the patient’s medical needs and to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Dr. Abdulla explained the process for someone who goes to the clinic: Patients scheduled for clinical services can expect a personalized and thorough exam. “Some patients may feel anxious about the visit, so our team strives to make the environment and experience warm and welcoming. The exam includes a breast surgeon evaluating the patient. During the visit, prior imaging reports are reviewed by a breast surgeon or breast radiologist and then the patient undergoes an imaging test.”
She said that as a breast surgical oncologist, she understands the amount of anxiety that can surround the imaging results. With that in mind, the patient’s studies are reviewed with them immediately by a breast surgeon or breast radiologist. If a biopsy is needed, they try to schedule it the same day, or as soon as possible.
Because genetics can heighten cancer risks, the clinic also offers genetic risk evaluations. “If a patient or one of their family members has a specific gene mutation known to influence cancer risk, they may be eligible for risk-reducing surgeries or therapies prior to developing cancer,” Dr. Abdulla said. “Gene mutations can also affect the options offered in the active treatment of cancer.”
Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer are guided through their treatment process, which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Dr. Abdulla said the patients who could most benefit from the clinical services include: Anyone with a significant family history of cancer (either breast or other kinds); anyone with a genetic mutation that puts them at higher risk of cancer; or anyone with increased risk factors of breast cancer. Those who are interested in scheduling an appointment can either request a referral from their physician or place a call themselves to be evaluated.
The High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening and Genetics Clinic at Broward Health is focused on providing high-quality and individualized care for patients, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t challenges. However, Dr. Abdulla stated, “As a physician, I love being able to guide, educate, and treat my patients facing medical challenges and uncertainty. It is great when a patient can say ‘I beat cancer’ with our team’s help. This makes all the challenges worth it.”
For more information, call (954) 355-4917 or visit BrowardHealth.org.
