Breast Cancer Services at Southside Hospital
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and women on Long Island have higher rates of breast cancer than in most other communities. Southside Hospital has ample breast cancer diagnostic and treatment services including a large mammography and diagnostic ultrasound service. Surgeons use sentinel node biopsies to determine how much surgery is needed, and are experienced in breast-sparing techniques.
Patients who choose reconstructive surgery have several options open to them, including the TRAM flap procedure which uses the body's own muscle tissue to rebuild the breast area. If treatment includes radiation oncology, patients can be seen in the spacious, convenient Frank Gulden Radiation Oncology Center, where new techniques can shorten the treatment time from weeks to days. The center has its own parking and registration facilities. Patients and families also can take part in breast cancer support groups, receive support services from the Town of Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, or take part in Southside's Annual Cancer Survivors Day.