St. Mary launches GRACES program to help women navigate the complex world of breast cancer screenings and risk factors
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
All too often, women who are at high risk for breast cancer are unaware until they’re diagnosed. On the other hand, many who fear they are at high risk may actually have lower odds. The point is, a number of patients are uncertain and misinformed about their specific risk for cancer. That’s where St. Mary Medical Center’s GRACES comes in, a new program designed to help women navigate the complex, overwhelming world of breast cancer screenings, risk factors and prevention techniques.
GRACES (Guidance, Risk Assessment, Counseling, Education, Screening) became an official offering at St. Mary toward the end of December thanks to breast surgeon Dr. Renee Quarterman, who created and organized the program. Quarterman joined the staff in June as medical director of the breast program and is already proving herself a valuable addition.
As an advocate for patient education and empowerment, it only made sense for her to put something like GRACES together. At its heart, the program allows women to be more informed and aware regarding their individual health.
“More women than we think have elevated breast cancer risks,” Quarterman said.
Patients are usually referred to GRACES by a physician or, if they fear they are at high risk, can reach out to Quarterman on their own depending on their insurance. Upon starting the program, women enter the “Guidance” phase where they immediately establish a connection with a breast care provider (doctor or nurse), who meets with and advises them on which St. Mary services will be useful. The provider oversees all appointments for each service to eliminate unnecessary stress on the patient’s part.
Next, the patient participates in a “Risk Assessment.” Quarterman explained how a number of factors are analyzed, including age, hormone levels and density of breast tissue. The provider makes a detailed record of the patient’s personal and family histories and discusses how they contribute to her breast-cancer risk, which are calculated and compared to that of the general population.
In the “Counseling” phase of GRACES, the provider gives advice about managing all of the patient’s controllable risk factors and, if appropriate, refers her to genetic counseling.
Depending on the patient’s risk factors, St. Mary then provides her with the latest information regarding elevated breast cancer risk and simple ways to reduce it. She’ll be able to take advantage of the hospital’s specialists in the Wellness Center to learn how stress reduction, exercise and nutrition can lower her risks, as well as the Cancer Center’s psychological services.
The final phase of GRACES is “Screening,” during which a customized surveillance plan is made for each patient based upon her calculated breast cancer risk and personal values. According to Quarterman, some women may have a lower risk than they initially thought, which means they require less frequent screenings.
For Quarterman, it’s all about being proactive and taking necessary precautions. Many women don’t realize they are predisposed to breast cancer risks and therefore rarely take preventative measures. Sometimes, just implementing a basic diet and exercise regime could have a significant impact. Through GRACES, Quarterman is able to uncover genetic mutations earlier than ever, giving patients a greater head start in making those simple lifestyle changes that could ultimately save their life.
“The overall goal is to have a healthier community in Bucks County,” she said.
To achieve this, the entire St. Mary staff has stepped up to help women leave its doors with satisfaction, knowledge and comfort. Throughout the five elements of GRACES, patients are able to take advantage of a number of services already offered at the hospital, such as dieticians, genetic counselors and an exercise club.
“The whole team is ready and poised to deal with breast cancer,” Quarterman said. “It’s an exciting new collaboration of people providing these services anyway.” ••
For more information on GRACES, call 215–710–4130 or visit stmaryhealthcare.org/graces-program.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
