The Hospital is designated an accredited breast center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for delivering the highest level of evidenced-based care for patients with diseases of the breast. Michelle Azu, MD, FACS, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at NYP Lawrence Hospital Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, leads the charge to ensure that the Cancer Center’s breast surgery program offers exceptional quality-care standards.
“Our patients never need to worry about the caliber of expertise that our breast team provides,” said Dr. Azu, who serves as Director of Breast Surgical Services and Associate Director of the Breast Disease Management Team at the Cancer Center. “Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, patient navigators and many others closely collaborate to provide the highest level of care to our patients. Our goal is for the patient to have the best experience possible, and we are all driven to get it right the first time, every time.”
The NYP Lawrence Cancer Center is the ideal setting for Dr. Azu to set quality care initiatives into action. “Here, under one roof, patients can receive the breast services they need with confidence, from screening and mammography to treatments that may include surgery, radiation and/or medical oncology, as well as rehabilitation, survivorship services and support,” she said. “Our dedication to quality care is quite palpable. You can actually feel the level of commitment that our clinicians have to each other and to our patients. The amount of enthusiasm we have for the work we’re doing is really quite special.”
Dr. Azu diagnoses and treats a full spectrum of breast disease, including breast cancer and benign breast conditions such as breast cysts and fibrocystic changes. “Recent advances in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are enabling women to live longer and healthier lives,” said Dr. Azu. “The options for surgical management continue to evolve, allowing opportunities for less invasive surgeries in many cases.”
As an active member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Azu offers her patients the latest information about their disease and provides unyielding support. “I am devoted to empowering women by helping them achieve breast wellness through education and treatment, when necessary,” she said. “The healthcare journey is one my patients do not walk alone because I am with them every step of the way.”
To make an appointment with a cancer specialist call the NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Westchester at 914-787-3100.
For more information about the NYP Lawrence Cancer Center visit nyp.org/lawrence.