Methodist's Cancer Services Director is a Survivor

The Methodist Hospital's new director of cancer services, Roberta Levy Schwartz, is all too familiar with her business.

Schwartz, who recently came to Methodist, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27. A routine visit to her gynecologist turned into anything but routine when the physician noticed a lump in her breast. Schwartz said the physician assured her that she was young and it likely was benign. A biopsy, however, revealed not only that it was malignant, but aggressive.

"I laughed at the guy when he told me," she said. "I told him I was 27 and this doesn't happen to 27-year-olds with no family history. I didn't know then how many younger people this strikes."

As Schwartz began her treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, she started searching for information about breast cancer in younger women. There was a huge void, she said.

"I felt so lonely," she said. "I didn't know if I was going to make it to 30 and I couldn't find good information about my situation."

So, Schwartz took matters into her own hands. In 1999, she co-founded the Young Survival Coalition, an advocacy group for young women with breast cancer. At the first meeting, there were 14 women, now there are 1,500 members in 10 different communities around the country.

The group's mission is to draw attention to younger women with the disease, mostly the gap in research and education for this population. Already, she said, they have managed to get one of their members on the board of directors of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

It is this experience, melded with Schwartz's professional experience as a health care consultant and administrator that makes her a unique cancer program director.

"I believe that all cancer services and facilities must designed with the patient in mind," she said. "I know what it is like to wait four or five days for a pathology report to come back."

Methodist treats an enormous number of cancer patients every year and is actively working to expand its cancer services and facilities in coming years.

"From state-of-the-art technology such as digital mammography to support groups, Methodist Hospital will care for patients in comprehensive and multidisciplinary environments," says Schwartz.

With her expertise, Methodist will provide needed expanded cancer services to the community.

But the best thing she said she could offer is this advice our community, "You are never too young or too old for cancer - no one is immune. Talk to your doctor about screening recommendations ... our best defense is early detection."

For more information on the Young Survival Coalition access http://www.youngsurvival.org. For more information on The Methodist Hospital, access http://www.methodisthealth.com.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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