Health and Wellness Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. David Rock, a board-certified general surgeon specializing in oncoplastic breast surgery, who has recently joined the Magnolia Breast Center in Bonita Springs, FL. Dr. Rock shared his insights on the advancements in breast cancer treatment and the personalized care approach he brings to the Magnolia Breast Center.
H&W: Dr. Rock, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your approach to breast cancer treatment and how it has evolved over the years?
Dr. Rock: Certainly. When I started in the 1990s, the treatment for breast cancer was quite uniform—everyone essentially received the same treatment. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, we understand that not all cancer patients are the same, and they shouldn’t all receive the same treatment. Our approach is to individualize each patient’s treatment based on their unique circumstances and the specific characteristics of their cancer.
H&W: How do you incorporate oncoplastic surgery into breast cancer treatment?
Dr. Rock: Oncoplastic surgery is a significant advancement in the field. It’s not just about removing the tumor; it’s also about reshaping the breast to maintain or even improve its cosmetic appearance. This technique allows us to ensure that patients not only have a successful oncological outcome but also feel positive about their appearance post-surgery. Many women view this as a silver lining—undergoing a reduction and reshaping that they may have desired for years, which would otherwise be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.
H&W: What other aspects of care are important in treating breast cancer patients at Magnolia Breast Center?
Dr. Rock: At Magnolia, we take an individualized approach to care, considering the whole person, not just their cancer. This includes integrating radiation oncology, medical oncology, exercise medicine, lymphedema therapy, and nutrition into the treatment plan. Nutrition and exercise are just as crucial as the surgical aspects. We involve patients in shared decision-making to ensure their needs and preferences are central to their treatment plan.
H&W: You mentioned de-escalating therapy in some cases. Can you explain what this means and its importance?
Dr. Rock: De-escalating therapy is about using less toxic treatment or less extensive surgery in women with early stage cancers who are unlikely to benefit from more aggressive treatment. For example, women over 70 with small Estrogen sensitive tumors are often able to omit lymph node surgery and avoid the risk of lymphedema and decreased arm mobility. Those same women may be able to consider omitting radiation therapy with little increase in their risk of recurrence. In older patients with small areas of precancerous disease called DCIS, or even small estrogen sensitive invasive cancers, we may be able to treat them with a daily oral estrogen blocker and close xray follow-up rather than surgery.
H&W: Are there specific cases where you see medication playing a more significant role than surgery?
Dr. Rock: Absolutely. For example, in some cases, we see complete responses in 60 to 80% of patients where the tumor disappears with medication alone. This has led us to investigate whether we can follow these patients with imaging rather than immediately resorting to surgery. We might perform a needle biopsy around the area where the tumor was to ensure no cancer cells remain. This approach can potentially avoid surgery altogether for some patients.
H&W: How has the treatment for early-stage breast cancer changed over the years?
Dr. Rock: The cure rate for stage one breast cancer is now about 98%, which is incredible. Because of this high success rate, we no longer need to treat everyone as aggressively as we used to. We’ve shifted towards a “less is more” strategy, where we focus on minimizing side effects and long-term issues like neuropathy, chronic chest pain, lymphedema, cardiac toxicity, and brain fog which were more common with older, aggressive treatments.
H&W: What improvements have you seen in surgical techniques and patient recovery?
Dr. Rock: Advances in anesthesia and less invasive surgical techniques have significantly improved recovery times. Most patients who undergo surgery at Magnolia Breast Center can now go home the same day. This is a testament to the improvements in patient care and surgical methods, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery.
H&W: How do you see the future of breast cancer treatment evolving?
Dr. Rock: The future is promising. With ongoing research and advancements in medicine, we aim to further reduce the need for invasive procedures and enhance the quality of life for our patients. Our goal is to continue tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs, improving outcomes while minimizing side effects.
H&W: Dr. Rock, thank you for sharing your insights with us. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
Dr. Rock: I want to emphasize the importance of personalized care and our holistic approach at Magnolia Breast Center. Listening to our patients and involving them in their treatment decisions is crucial. We’re here to support them every step of the way, not just through their cancer treatment but in ensuring their overall well-being.
H&W: Thank you, Dr. Rock. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to seeing the continued advancements in breast cancer care at Magnolia Breast Center.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Rock at Magnolia Breast Center, please visit Magnolia Breast Center’s website or call (239) 555-1234.
David T. Rock, MD, FACS
Board Certified Breast Surgeon
Dr. David T. Rock is a boardcertified breast surgeon with more than 10 years’ experience performing oncoplastic breast surgery that preserves and can even enhance the appearance of a woman’s natural breast while safely removing cancerous tissue.
As part of Southern Crescent Breast Specialist in the Atlanta area, he helped pioneer Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and has helped refine that procedure to benefit more women who require or choose to have a mastectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment. Dr. Rock has used various techniques to help hundreds of women avoid unsightly, disfiguring scars, and was recently honored by receiving Hidden Scar Surgery Certification recognizing his expertise and contributions to the technique. In addition to minimizing the scarring associated with surgery, he has developed an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program that minimizes or eliminates pain after surgery. Dr. Rock is involved in Breast Cancer clinical research and has presented his research at national breast cancer meetings.
Board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he is also a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Rock earned degrees in both Pharmacy and Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia. After Medical School, Dr. Rock completed his Residency training at East Carolina University. He has a special interest in Oncoplastic Surgery including Nipple Sparing Mastectomy techniques. He is involved in Breast Cancer clinical research and making sure that all his patients benefit from the latest techniques available for their treatment.
3530 Kraft Rd, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34105
24040 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 202
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239.758.PINK (7465) | magnoliabc.com