Spring is in the air and although we have had to deal with quite a bit of wet weather in the last few weeks, we all know that April showers bring May flowers! We will begin to experience warmer weather and our daylight evening hours have already been extended. This edition of our e-newsletter focuses on living a healthy lifestyle and how it affects breast health. Part of living healthy is to get regular exercise, so get outside in this spring weather and enjoy.

The Breast Center at Milford Regional Medical Center was established last year when breast specialist and surgeon Renée L. Quarterman, MD joined our staff in the Women's Pavilion. Dr. Quarterman is leading our experienced team of professionals in diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, physical therapy and nursing towards national distinction in breast care. While Milford Regional has had these separate specialties caring for breast diseases for years, the mission of The Breast Center is to unify these resources to ensure patients receive the very highest standards of care.

Research into healthy living has given us a lot of information about the effects of lifestyle on breast tissue. What we have found is, for the most part, there is no reliable association between breast disease and what we eat. But, as with the rest of the body, health-minded habits do result in lower risks of breast problems.

Read more.

Listen to your doctor! Most physicians still advocate yearly screening mammograms beginning at age 40 as well as regular breast self examinations (in addition to physician-directed exams). Most providers believe that these measures help us detect breast cancer early and that early detection has a significant effect on outcomes. 

If you are due for your annual mammogram and would like to make an appointment, please call 508-422-BOOK (2665). You don’t need a physician referral to have a screening mammogram. Our women’s diagnostic services are located in the Women’s Pavilion, Hill Health Center, Fourth floor.

-Renée Quarterman, MD, Medical Director, The Breast Center

Q & A

Q: Is The Breast Center just for people who have breast cancer?

Most people with breast issues do not have cancer. The Breast Center at Milford Regional Medical Center cares for women and men who have any kind of breast concern. We are able to fully diagnose and treat all breast issues. If you have a breast issue and would like to speak to someone in our Breast Center, please call 508-482-5439.

-Renée Quarterman, MD, Medical Director, The Breast Center

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology at Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional has recently been awarded accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards. The accreditation gives assurance that staff and equipment have passed the ACR’s rigorous evaluation. This accreditation should provide a high level of confidence for patients, referring physicians and managed care organizations that only the highest quality care is being provided to our patients.

New Laboratory Location in Mendon

Our lab, currently located at 327 West Street in Milford, is moving in April. The new location will be 12 Uxbridge Road (Route 16) in the Imperial Plaza, Mendon, MA. At this location, we will provide laboratory services Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. All patients are welcome to have their lab work done at any of our locations no matter where your physician’s office may be located.

We have seven laboratory locations throughout our service area. To find the location most convenient for you, please visit our Web site at milfordregional.org.

Diabetes Exercise Program

There is a new program open to anyone with diabetes called Get Fit with Diabetes. The program takes place at Midtown Family Fitness, 51 Sumner St., Milford and it is for diabetics who want to start an exercise program and gain better blood sugar control. It is a 4 week program that includes personalized attention, classes, instruction on and use of fitness equipment and a home exercise program for off-days. The 4 week series begins monthly and costs $40.00 for the series. The program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. or Mondays and Fridays 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. For more information about this program, talk to your Milford Regional Diabetes Educator or call Sheri at Midtown Family Fitness (508) 478-3030.

Milford Regional’s active medical staff, consisting of over 200 doctors, is highly qualified to treat you and your family through life’s ups and downs. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, you can be assured of the best possible care.

If you need a primary care physician, please call our Physician Referral Line at 1-888-DRS-HERE (1-888-377-4373). Our Referral Line, a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has access to physicians who are accepting new patients. You may also call our Referral Line to find a specialist.

See our list of Primary Care Physicians who are accepting new patients. It is important to note that not all physicians accept all insurances. Please call the physician’s office directly to find out if they accept your insurance plan.

Medical Oncologists

Two years ago Milford Regional partnered with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center to open The Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center. The 54,000 square-foot Cancer Center, located across the street from Milford Regional’s main campus, provides medical oncology, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Our patients are now able to access world-renowned cancer care close to home.

There are four outstanding Dana-Farber Cancer Institute medical oncologists on Milford Regional’s active medical staff. Read more.