Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center at Windber Medical Center

The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) is located in a secluded area on the grounds of Windber Medical Center. This venture began as a collaboration between Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and WMC. The Joyce Murtha Breastcare Center at Windber Medical Center opened in February 2002 offering full diagnostic services for breast health and disease in one convenient location.

Breast cancer clinical trials at Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of female cancer death (only lung cancer has more). Approximately one in seven women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates in 2007 that 178,480 American women and 2,030 American men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that 40,460 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer this year.

The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services related to breast health and disease, including lymphedema evaluation and treatment, genetic counseling, mind-body counseling and cosmetology services. In addition, bone densitometry is available to diagnose osteoporosis. The Center houses a digital mammography unit as well as film screen mammography equipment. Stereotactic breast biopsy, using the Mammotome™

device offers women a less painful, less invasive way of having a
breast lump biopsied for diagnosis. Ultrasound equipment also
provides diagnostic capabilities at the Center.

High Technology, Healing Environment

The ultra-high technology equipment is just one facet of the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center. The human component is equally important. The emphasis is on treating our patients and their families with respect and dignity throughout their care. The private location sets the stage for the personalized, compassionate care that each patient receives from the moment she enters the doors. The exam/dressing rooms ensure the privacy and confidentiality that is so important to patients and their families.

In the Planetree tradition, the environment itself is "healing" in nature, soothing to the senses, and envelops our patients in holistic nurturing that is so vital to caring for the entire person: body, mind, and spirit. Women and their loved ones who choose the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center can be assured of receiving the utmost in quality care and education so that they may achieve and maintain the best possible breast health. Whether you are coming for a routine mammogram, or you have detected a breast lump, or you are being treated for breast cancer, your multidisciplinary plan of care will combine the best of science and medicine in a warm, friendly environment provided by highly skilled, compassionate individuals.

In addition to all of the above elements, perhaps the most exciting are the clinical trials that are being conducted. A breast cancer vaccine to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, and a trial for individuals who are at high risk for breast cancer are just two of the clinical protocols currently being conducted.