There are many ways the cancer journey can make you feel. But when you’re surrounded by innovative treatments and supportive experts who deeply care, you’ll see that this personalized journey wasn’t just designed to make you feel better. We designed it around research and compassion to make you feel well.
Welcome to Baptist Health Cancer Care.
Baptist Health Cancer Care: Cancer Treatment That Goes Beyond the Disease.
Research has shown that a healing environment improves cancer outcomes. At Miami Cancer Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, both part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, that means beautiful facilities from the Florida Keys through Palm Beach that are equipped with the most advanced technologies and compassionate experts. That’s just part of the picture, however. Holistic patient support services that contribute to the well-being of patients and their families throughout the cancer journey — and in survivorship — are a priority at Baptist Health Cancer Care. They are in particularly high demand among breast cancer patients, many of whom face unique challenges.
“Comprehensive and personalized care of the whole patient is considered a key variable in the formula for world-class cancer care,” says Beatriz Currier, M.D., medical director of the cancer patient support center at Miami Cancer Institute and chief of psychosocial oncology for the Institute and for Baptist Health.
Whether it’s mindfulness training, acupuncture, music and art therapy, individualized exercise and nutrition programs or support groups, attention to the whole person contributes to patient satisfaction and patient outcomes and has resulted in recognition of the programs as top-performing cancer centers in the nation.
Here are a few of the unique patient support services offered at Miami Cancer Institute:
- Arts in Medicine — Eight contracted musicians and visual artists, funded through philanthropy, dedicate 20 hours per week at the Institute, performing in the lobby, waiting and treatment areas and leading arts activities. In 2024, a research project led by Dr. Currier resulted in the largest database of its kind (4,000 patients) and showed that anxiety, pain and depression were significantly reduced when patients were exposed to an artistic intervention during chemotherapy. The program received the Arts in Health/Wellness Award from the Miami-Dade County Arts & Business Council in 2024 and the Arts Transforming Environments award from the National Organization for Arts in Health in 2023.
- Acupuncture, massage, visual-guided mindfulness meditation, blue-light meditation suites, an eight-week stress management and resiliency training workshop, and an insomnia clinic.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment for patients whose depression doesn’t improve with medication, uses pulses of electromagnetic energy to target specific areas of the brain commonly associated with depression.
- Rehabilitation programs, including a new Brace Clinic that provides onsite brace fittings rather than sending patients to outside orthotic services.
- The Brain Fitness Lab that diagnoses and treats “chemo brain” issues.
Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital is recognized for programs such as:
- The Be U tiful Program, an image-appearance workshop led by licensed cosmetologists
- Weekly group reiki and meditation classes
- Two designated breast cancer support groups, one specifically for women under age 50, who often have fertility questions, unique family dynamics that may include very young children and concerns about career-family-treatment balance
- ABC Fitness and Wellness, that includes one-on-one sessions with a certified cancer exercise specialist and an oncology-certified dietitian
- Art and music therapy, onco-acupuncture and yoga
“Life is interrupted when a cancer diagnosis is received,” says Darci McNally, an oncology-certified social worker and director of oncology support services at Lynn Cancer Institute. “We don’t treat body parts, we treat people. And that means building empowerment, validating that they are not alone, reducing isolation and increasing connections.”
The Latest in Breast Cancer Screening
An update on breast cancer screening guidelines in 2023 recommends that screening mammograms begin 10 years earlier than previously advised. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now says women at average risk for breast cancer should begin screening at age 40, with a mammogram being the most important test. The experts at Baptist Health Cancer Care add that all women, by the time they are 30, should have a discussion with their gynecologist, primary care or internal medicine physician about their risk. Monthly breast self-exams are also critical. Of course, any woman with a family history of breast cancer should speak to her doctor even earlier. And women with any symptoms, including skin dimpling, nipple discharge, a lump or bump, pain in the breast or a change in size or shape of the breast, should consult a doctor immediately. Dedicated breast radiologists at Baptist Health Cancer Care use AI technology as an additional tool when they review 3D mammogram images, an extra level of scrutiny that is helping identify potential breast cancers that the human eye cannot detect.
In addition to mammography, Baptist Health physicians use other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and MRI. All imaging facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology, recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging.
Surgery and Research
At Baptist Health Cancer Care, offering clinical trials to patients not only helps shape the future of care but provides participants with novel treatments.
Reshma Mahtani, D.O., chief of breast medical oncology at Miami Cancer Institute, is principal investigator of a clinical trial that is studying the sequential use of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. ADCs combine an antibody that targets a protein on the cancer cell, along with potent chemotherapy drugs.
“Personalized medicine is the wave of the future,” she says. “We aim to give the right drug to the right patient. As we better understand the biological drivers and mechanisms of resistance to therapies, we develop more customized treatment plans. With this approach, we’ve seen that patients are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life.”
When surgery is indicated, Baptist Health breast cancer surgeons are prepared. “Our surgeons are trained in all techniques so that we can do what is best for the patient,” says Jane Mendez, M.D., chief of breast surgery at Miami Cancer Institute. “And, when possible, plastic reconstructive surgery is performed at the same time so that there are no delays for the patient.”
The message from Baptist Health Cancer Care physicians is to stay on top of screenings and speak to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Visit us at BaptistHealth.net/CancerCare for more information.