Stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to confirm whether an abnormal breast mass is cancerous. This outpatient procedure uses highly detailed computer-generated imagery to enable physicians to precisely target and remove small samples of abnormal breast tissue through a slender needle. A pathologist analyzes the sample to determine whether it is harmless or requires more extensive treatment.

“We’re excited about this accreditation and that we’re on par with what the American College of Radiology has established as the standard of care for breast imaging facilities,” said Julia Marshall, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of radiology in the University of Florida College of Medicine. “It’s nice to have this stamp of approval.”

In addition to stereotactic breast biopsy, Park Avenue Imaging Center offers mammograms, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and breast ultrasounds. It is also ACR accredited in mammography and breast ultrasound.

The UF&Shands Breast Center is a nationally-recognized center of excellence in breast cancer. It provides a multidisciplinary patient care team including radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, rehabilitation specialists and social workers, who deliver the best practices currently existing in breast care.

“This ACR accreditation is something of which our multidisciplinary breast cancer program is very proud,” said Stephen Grobmyer, M.D., a UF College of Medicine associate professor of surgery and director of the UF&Shands Breast Center. “It compliments very nicely with our recent National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers accreditation. Both are reflective of a full programmatic and institutional commitment to provide the highest quality of care with regard to early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”

According to the ACR, Park Avenue Imaging Center underwent a peer-reviewed, educationally focused evaluation process to make sure the highest levels of image quality and safety were provided. The facility met accreditation requirements for equipment, continuing education and personnel. Clinical and phantom image quality review as well as radiation dose assessments are critical elements of accreditation.

“Quality is Job 1 at UF&Shands, and convenient access is an important part of quality. In this spirit, free parking is an important step in our continued commitment to improve the patient experience at UF&Shands,” said David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president for health affairs and president of the UF&Shands Health System. “We want to make it as easy as possible for patients and their families to receive the care they need from our world-class physicians and facilities.”

Breast cancer patient Janice Northrup (pictured with her husband, Shaun) was one of the first patients at UF to undergo the Intrabeam procedure.)

Her husband placed the newspaper by her chair, carefully positioned so the article would be the first thing she saw.

Janice Northrup, 83, had been praying for an answer for weeks, ever since her doctors in Ocala told her she would need radiation to treat her early-stage breast cancer. Suffering from extreme claustrophobia, she couldn’t face the idea of five to six weeks of radiation, spending time each day alone, confined in a small space.

“I looked down at the newspaper and right on the front page was the Intrabeam at the University of Florida and a telephone number,” Janice said. “I got on the phone and called. This was a lifesaver.”

Unveiled in November, the Intrabeam is the newest cancer-fighting weapon in the UF Shands Cancer Center’s arsenal. Intrabeam allows doctors to deliver precise doses of radiation in the O.R. after surgery to remove a tumor, shortening what often takes weeks into one 20- or 30-minute session. UF, which is now taking part in Intrabeam clinical trials, is one of fewer than 20 centers nationwide with the technology.

Date: Friday, November 4
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: The Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Drive

Refreshments  will be provided.

Reservations are requested, as space is limited.  For reservations go to Shands.org/HA or call 866-931-1185.

Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida

1515 SW Archer Road (free valet parking for seminar at main entrance)

6:00- 6:30 PM Hors d’oeuvres; 6:30-8:30 PM Presentations

How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?   Karen Daily, DO, UF Medical Oncologist

Recent advances in the treatment and staging of breast cancer    Robert Carroll, MD, UF Medical Oncologist

The advantages of intraoperative radiation therapy    Stephen Grobmyer, MD, UF Surgical Oncologist

What’s new in reconstruction after breast cancer surgery?    Bruce Mast, MD, UF Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Treating metastatic cancer as a chronic disease    Paul Okunieff, MD, UF Radiation Oncologist

Reservations are required.  Please go to www.Shands.org/WA or call 352.265.0943 to reserve your seat.

Saturday, October 15

NW Corner of Gale Lemerand Drive and Archer Road

To reserve your pumpkin, RSVP to 352.273.5718 by Oct. 14

 Visit the UF&Shands Pumpkin Patch, choose a pumpkin and paint it pink in honor the Breast Cancer Awareness Month! FREE and FUN for the whole family!