Breast Cancer: New Horizons, Current Controversies is a comprehensive educational program that covers the entire spectrum of breast cancer treatment. Topics include disease mechanisms, improvements in diagnosis, treatment and management of breast cancer patients. The primary objective of the class is to increase the knowledge, abilities and clinical skills of healthcare professionals who specialize in cancer. As such, the curriculum is appropriate for medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists; breast and general surgeons; internalists; physician assistants; and nurses. These professionals are all involved in the treatment of breast cancer patients.

Learning Goals

Agenda

Combine the knowledge of recent clinical research data with the current recommendations of experts in breast cancer treatment to choose patients for new treatments.

Incorporate knowledge in the treatment of breast cancer in specific populations (including the elderly and young women) and make treatment decisions for specific patients as appropriate.

Select the appropriate method of risk assessment, if applicable, and make therapeutic decisions that are based on the evidence for women who are candidates for preemptive or retrospective therapy and understand the limitations of genomic testing.

Combine the recent clinical data and expert recommendations regarding the management of women with breast cancer that are treated with mastectomy, this includes the integration of surgical methods, reconstructive options, and post-mastectomy radiation if necessary.

Review the current practices regarding the management of symptoms during active treatment and in the long run, and consider the requirements of fertility and lifestyle counseling for patients with breast cancer and those who have sobrevived, and improve current practices if necessary.

Review the genetic and personal history of breast cancer and utilize genetic testing that is appropriate for hereditary breast cancer.