Newswise — Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center now offers one of the only comprehensive High Risk Genetics Clinics in the region. The clinic provides support for men, women and families who are predisposed to cancer causing genes, or are currently living with cancer.
“We’re extremely excited to offer these services to community members who have been diagnosed with genetic changes that put them at risk for cancer,” says Thomas Bauer, M.D., clinical medical director Oncology Services Hackensack Meridian Health, medical director Thoracic Oncology Hackensack Meridian Health Monmouth and Ocean counties and chief, Thoracic Surgery, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “The use of genomic testing for targeted therapy of tumors is a tremendous advancement in the treatment of breast cancer, as well as many other cancers such as pancreatic, cervical, endometrial and ovarian. This type of ‘precision medicine’ uses information about a person’s genes and proteins to prevent, diagnose, and treat their disease.”
The program is specially designed to address the complicated aspects of hereditary cancer risk assessment. Each patient has the opportunity to meet with several specialized cancer experts and a genetics counselor in one convenient visit to assess their individual and family risk, screening needs, and prevention and treatment options, if indicated. The team includes:
- Angela Musial Fay, M.S., LCGC - Cancer Genetic coordinator;
- Verda Hicks, M.D., FACS, FACOG - medical director, Gynecologic Oncology, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties;
- Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., FACS -medical director, Breast Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties;
- Ronald Matteotti, M.D., FACS, FMH, ABHIM, DABS - medical director, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Patients with a known or suspected hereditary cancer risk will receive the highest quality evaluations, testing and counseling by a caring, compassionate team,” says Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health.
Dr. Bauer adds, “As a scientific field that has progressed a great deal in the past decade, genetic knowledge opens a whole new area of therapies that were previously unavailable to prevent and treat cancers. Bringing these innovative resources to our local community advances our mission and commitment to being at the forefront of cancer care. ”
For information about the High Risk Genetics Clinic at Jersey Shore University Medical Center or to make an appointment, call 732-897-3580.
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ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Neptune, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level II Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 1,200 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s team provides quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.
The team’s commitment to excellence has earned Jersey Shore University Medical Center numerous accolades, including being named #4 in New Jersey. The medical center’s clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through an affiliation with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and a new affiliation with St. George’s University School of Medicine. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s programs and services have received national recognition, including designation as high-performing in cardiac, stroke, surgical and oncology services. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is also recognized as the first hospital in New Jersey to have implanted the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System – the world’s smallest pacemaker, and is one of the elite facilities in the region to perform robotic-assisted minimally invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Transcarotid Arterial Revascularization.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently completed the HOPE Tower Project – a $265 million 10-story medical office building that provides a new healing outpatient experience. Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, HOPE Tower includes advanced imaging services, a clinical academic center, innovative stimulation laboratory, state-of-the-art amphitheater, specialty physician offices, a nine-level parking garage, and a 58,000 square foot cancer facility. The new cancer facility features a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Nurse navigators guide patients through every step and provide an extra layer of support and coordination.
For additional information, please visit www.JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com.
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