State of the Art Care – State of the Art Caring

Seton is very committed to developing a nationally recognized cancer center, and the new Breast Cancer Center is a fundamental part of the overall cancer strategy for the Seton Healthcare Family. We believe this new center holds the potential to dramatically elevate both the quality of cancer care in Austin and the manner in which we deliver care. The new Seton Breast Cancer Center at SMCA will have a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer care that brings together the best medical technology with personal attention and support throughout a patient’s cancer journey…from mammography through treatment and recovery.

The Key Components of the Seton Breast Cancer Center at SMCA are:

State of the Art Care — State of the Art Caring
The Seton Breast Cancer Center at Seton Medical Center Austin (SMCA) will have a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer care that brings together the best medical technology with personal attention and support throughout a patient’s cancer journey…from mammography through treatment and recovery.

Multi-Disciplinary Care
A team of physicians and staff meet weekly with specialties including surgery, plastic surgery, medical oncology (chemotherapy) and radiation oncology, and support services team representatives (i.e., navigator, dietitian, etc.) to develop a patient’s individualized comprehensive plan of care for treatment and survivorship.

Patient Navigation
Trained breast cancer survivor navigators guide patients through mammograms and initial diagnostics. If breast cancer is diagnosed, an RN Navigator then guides the patient through the entire process from that point onward.

Comprehensive Oncology Support Services
The treatment of cancer affects the entire family, and Seton Medical Center Austin cares not only about meeting our patients’ physical needs but also about providing support for the emotional, mental and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones. The plan for the Breast Cancer Center includes many opportunities for patients to become active participants in their medical care, as well as special places for pampering and support.

Expansion of the Dedicated Cancer Inpatient Unit
Our oncology unit will double in size when it expands to the entire 7th floor at Seton Medical Center Austin, enabling our cancer inpatients to be in one area dedicated to their specialized needs and care.

Certified Staff and Technologically Advanced Equipment
The Seton Family of Hospitals is already the only Central Texas cancer program accredited as a Network Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer. Seton Medical Center Austin serves the large majority of Seton’s breast cancer patients and has more oncology certified nurses than any hospital system in Central Texas. Physicians and staff dedicated to quality cancer care include two network oncology medical directors, oncology research and patient navigator nurses, and the necessary support staff for a caring, comprehensive oncology program that meets the needs of our community.

The next step is providing our patients with access to technologically advanced equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer including digital mammography, stereotactic biopsy equipment, breast MRI and ultrasound.

Telemedicine and Information Systems
Telemedicine, including video conferencing and consulting, will allow a wide variety of specialists and a patient’s primary care physician to participate in treatment planning and conferences. Seton's secure electronic health record facilitates the monitoring of quality of care and long term outcomes.

Infusion Center
Services will include chemotherapy and biological therapy, blood transfusions and other intravenous therapy. The vision for this treatment center includes reclining chairs in small groups as well as private treatment suites, pillows and warm blankets, outside views, internet access, flat screen TV/DVD and CD options, refreshments, music therapy and special spa services.

For more information about supporting the Breast Cancer Center at Seton Medical Center Austin, contact Linda S. Lotz, director of development for The Seton Fund, at (512) 324-1942 or lslotz@seton.org.