A Team Approach That Places Patients FirstWelcome to the Cancer Center at Boston Medical Center.
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness MonthCancer of the esophagus is a rare but devastating disease. Most patients first learn they have the disease when they experience discomfort on swallowing, by which time it is often too late for a cure. One particular type of this disease, esophageal adenocarcinoma, is rising rapidly in the United States for reasons that are not entirely clear. The single major risk factor for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma is chronic heartburn which eventually leads to a change in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett’s Esophagus. Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus have an 11 - 40 times increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, roughly the same increased risk as long-term cigarette smokers have for developing lung cancer. If you have a history of heartburn or acid reflux, you may be at risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. A change in heartburn symptoms without intervention can also mean Barrett’s esophagus has developed. If you have experienced persistent or a long history of heartburn, contact an esophageal surgeon or gastroenterologist. If you have a known diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus, we have outpatient therapies available to eliminate the Barrett’s Esophagus. Our team of physicians and surgeons are available to evaluate people with chronic heartburn or a diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus. Learn more about the Dempsey Center for Digestive Disorders. The Center for Minimally Invasive Esophageal Therapies has dedicated professionals available 5 days a week to help with your heartburn and Barrett’s Esophagus. Please contact us at: 2012 Gala VideoThis video presents three brave cancer survivors who received their care at BMC's Cancer Care Center. They describe the multidisciplinary approach to their care and the exceptional support they received from physicians and staff. Please click on the image below to play the video: "Exceptional Cancer Care."
As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University School of Medicine we provide exceptional patient care and conduct innovative research to find new and better ways to treat and cure disease. Whether a treatment plan includes surgery, medical oncology or radiation, our patients have access to an extensive roster of research and clinical trials. Study protocols are being conducted for cancers of the breast, lung, colon, prostate, head and neck, blood cells (leukemia and lymphoma) and more. Patients at Boston Medical Center can access a wide range of support services. Our programs include counseling, support groups, nutrition classes and complimentary medicine such as acupuncture and massage – all designed to ease the stress of cancer treatment. For additional information about the Cancer Care Center, contact us at Cancer.Care@bmc.org.
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At Boston Medical Center, our experienced cancer specialists combine their extensive knowledge and expert skills to focus on each patient’s needs. This comprehensive, multi-specialty team approach to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up ensures that the most up-to-date options and recommendations are offered to patients in a timely and coordinated way.
