Breast Health Clinic

The mission of the Breast Health Clinic at Denali Surgical Specialists is to provide comprehensive breast health care. This includes evaluation and treatment of pain, lumps, infection, discharge, and cancer. The early detection of breast cancer is of primary importance. Education and surveillance are the most critical aspects of the service that we provide. There are standardized approaches to most situations so patient history, physical examination, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI must be utilized appropriately. Even with standard, traditional approaches every patient is an individual with unique considerations. Fortunately, most patients who undergo thorough evaluation don't have cancer and can be confidently reassured, but we are well aware that their journey has been one of high anxiety.

One woman in eight will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Under the unfortunate circumstances that a cancer is discovered, our first and foremost goal is to empower the patient and family with information and education about the condition. Modern medicine provides excellent treatments options for breast cancer patients. A frustration for many patients and families is that there are options. The old days where every woman gets a modified radical mastectomy are gone. The news of cancer is often emotionally devastating leaving a person shocked and not able to think clearly at first. As a person understands her unique set of circumstances she will almost always arrive at a clear chosen pathway, based on professional recommendations and personal wishes. Breast cancer is almost never requires an emergency operation but once a person is discovered to have a breast cancer their her is fast tracked. Those who know Jo Miller, PA-C understand that she becomes their personal ombudsman to help them with the many medical and emotional hurdles.

In addition to Dr. Lieberman and Jo Miller, other health care professionals are integral members of the breast cancer team. These members include other Fairbanks General Surgeons, Pathologists, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologists, Plastic Surgeon, and Radiologists. There are some circumstances where we feel that it is in the patients' best interest to seek an opinion and/or treatment at a major academic medical center. Fortunately, most of the time we can offer the most advanced evaluations and treatment options.