Northwell Health Launches $14 Million Center for Women’s Cancer in New Hyde Park
Northwell Health has announced the impending opening of the Center for Women’s Cancer, which will focus on treating women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers. Scheduled to begin operations on October 6, the facility will be located at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center and aims to provide comprehensive care for these conditions.
Importance of Addressing Women’s Health Needs
The establishment of this $14 million center is particularly relevant as breast and gynecologic cancers frequently occur in tandem. Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, highlighted the connection between these types of cancer, noting that inherited mutations, such as the BRCA mutation, can predispose women to both breast and ovarian cancer. This underscores the necessity for specialized facilities dedicated to women’s health, which has historically received less research focus compared to men’s health.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
The new 21,000-square-foot center will feature over 20 physicians, 26 exam rooms, 10 consultation rooms, and two procedure rooms. Additionally, it will house an onsite laboratory. It will take a holistic approach to patient care, which includes not only medical treatment but also support services such as:
- Oncology nutrition
- Social work
- Financial counseling
Streamlined Patient Support
To further enhance patient experience, the center will employ patient navigators fluent in nine languages, facilitating access to treatments and supportive services for a diverse population. According to Dr. Veena John, medical director of the center, “We recognize that there are distinct challenges faced by women who are battling cancer. This facility is designed to offer a very holistic approach to that.”
Research and Clinical Trials
The center will also provide access to experimental cancer therapies, representing a unique aspect of its offerings. By streamlining appointment scheduling and improving the reporting timeline for test results, the facility aims to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with waiting for medical information, as noted by Joanne Marquardt, a breast cancer survivor and research advocate.
Local Context and Broader Implications
The incidence of breast cancer is notably higher on Long Island compared to the national average, reinforcing the need for such specialized facilities. Data from the New York State Cancer Registry indicates that from 2017 to 2021, breast cancer diagnoses averaged 146.8 per 100,000 women in Nassau County and 140.7 in Suffolk County.
Monica Lefton, communications director at the nonprofit Society for Women’s Health Research, stated that the New Hyde Park center is a critical step toward addressing the gender gap in medical research and treatment, ensuring that caregivers possess specific knowledge about women’s cancers.
Community and Survivor Support
Donna Marano, president of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, expressed her enthusiasm about the dedicated services for breast and gynecological cancers, emphasizing the importance of support networks for patients. Numerous local coalitions work to connect patients with resources, guidance, and community during their treatment journey.
The Center for Women’s Cancer is expected to significantly benefit the local community while also contributing to a national movement aimed at improving women’s health outcomes.
