Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Guest: Dr. B. Marie Ward, MD, MPH, FACS – Director of Breast Surgery, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
Host: Laura Deardle
Date: October 23, 2025
Theme:
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Marie Ward discusses key advances, current trends, and ongoing challenges in breast cancer detection, treatment, and equitable care. The conversation centers on the evolution toward individualized therapies, the impact of new technologies, patient-centered approaches, and the critical importance of access and outreach for underserved communities.

Guest Introduction and Background

[01:28] Dr. Marie Ward:

• Native New Yorker, educated and trained in the SUNY system, including medical school and general surgery residency in Brooklyn.
• Chose breast surgery to combine interests in women's health, surgery, and oncology for maximum impact.
• Over 20 years’ experience, 7 years at Jacobi, rising to Regional Director.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Evolution of Breast Cancer Treatments

Trends Toward Individualized and Tailored Care

• Greater understanding of breast cancer biology enables development of targeted therapies.
• Quote: "A current trend in breast cancer management today is really individualized, tailored care based on the individual's specific type of breast cancer." – Dr. Ward [02:45]
• Targeted therapies are driving decreased mortality rates.

Decline in Mortality and The Role of Mammograms

• Regular annual mammograms have contributed to about a 40% mortality reduction.
• Improved treatments are also a major factor.

De-Escalation of Therapy

• Shift from overtreatment to right-sizing interventions based on patient biology and risk.
• Vision for the future: Some patients may not need surgery as medical therapies improve.
• Quote: "We're able to de-escalate some therapies and tailor therapies... I can envision in the future some patients might not even need surgery." – Dr. Ward [03:50]

2. Advances in Detection, Prevention, and Treatment

Adjuvant Therapies & Immunotherapy

• New medications that leverage the body's immune system are an exciting area.
• Quote: "Immunotherapy is actually using medication that enhances our own immune system to help combat the cancer cells... that's really an exciting area." – Dr. Ward [05:25]

Genetic Testing and Prevention

• Increased genetic testing allows for identification of high-risk women and implementation of preventive measures.
• Quote: "If we find that a woman has a mutation that significantly increases their risk, we can implement certain risk-reducing strategies." – Dr. Ward [05:43]

3. The Patient Experience: Communication and Decision-Making

Simplifying the Complexities for Patients

• Importance of educating and supporting patients through clear communication, including visual tools.
• Ensure every patient is confident in their diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up plan.
• Quote: "I created some visual tools that we use while we're talking to patients because there are certain concepts that are difficult to understand." – Dr. Ward [06:49]

Shared Decision-Making

• Patients are empowered to co-decide on treatments, such as surgery choices.
• Quote: "Another focus...is shared decision making so we can present the different treatment options and approaches... the patient too has a say." – Dr. Ward [07:48]

4. Challenges and Barriers Ahead

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

• Cited as the most aggressive subtype with fewer treatment options, disproportionately affecting some populations.
• Research for additional therapies is urgently needed.
• Quote: "Triple negative breast cancer...is the most aggressive subtype...I'm hoping that in the future we develop additional therapies." – Dr. Ward [09:02]

Health Equity and Access to Care

• Ensuring all population segments have timely mammograms and quality treatment.
• Barriers persist for vulnerable populations, making outreach essential.
• Quote: "Health equity, having access to good mammographic screening as well as treatment...that can be a challenge for some people." – Dr. Ward [09:34]
• NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest safety net system, playing a key role in bridging gaps.

5. Community Outreach and Health Promotion

Community Events

• Hosting breast cancer awareness events and giving talks to educate patients and the community.
• Engaging and teaching other providers to increase screening rates.

Innovative Approaches to Outreach

• Setting up educational tables at farmers' markets to promote mammograms and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Quote: "Every week when the farmers market comes out, we put a table out as well with educational material and we try and get the word out to get your annual mammogram and how important that is." – Dr. Ward [13:56]

6. Recommendations for Expanding Awareness and Access

• Foster strong relationships with primary care and OB/GYN providers to ensure routine mammogram referrals.
• Make educational efforts engaging and community-based.
• Quote: "The earlier we catch things, the less we have to do...the most important thing that women can do is to get their annual mammograms." – Dr. Ward [13:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We really are learning more and more about the biology of breast cancers and so developing really kind of targeted therapies for different subtypes of breast cancer.” – Dr. Ward [02:52]
• "De-escalation of therapy...we were over-treating some patients before...in the future some patients might not even need surgery." – Dr. Ward [03:49]
• “Immunotherapy...right now is a very exciting field.” – Dr. Ward [05:47]
• "Triple negative breast cancer...is the most aggressive subtype...I'm hoping that in the future that we develop some additional therapies to address that." – Dr. Ward [09:02]
• "Access...is having facilities just as Jacobi Safety Net Hospital...to deliver excellent breast care for these vulnerable populations." – Dr. Ward [11:41]
• “The most important thing that women can do is to get their annual mammograms.” – Dr. Ward [13:29]

Key Timestamps

• 01:28 – Dr. Ward's background and motivations
• 02:45 – Evolution in breast cancer treatment and individualized care
• 03:49 – De-escalation and the future of breast cancer care
• 05:10 – Advances: Immunotherapy and genetic testing
• 06:49 – Patient communication strategies and shared decision making
• 09:02 – Challenges: Triple negative breast cancer & health equity
• 10:48 – Community and provider outreach for better access
• 13:19 – Importance of annual mammograms & community engagement

Conclusion

The episode offers an optimistic yet grounded perspective on breast cancer management. Through her experience and leadership, Dr. Ward underscores the power of tailored, less invasive treatments, the promise of immunotherapies, the necessity of health equity, and the vital role of outreach and education. Her practical advice and community-focused innovations serve as a compelling model for women’s health providers nationwide during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

“Definitely good news in breast cancer care.”
— Dr. Marie Ward [15:06]