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Richard J. Bleicher, MD, FACS
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- Clinical Locations
- About
- Education and Training
- Patient Stories
- Research Profile
- Publications
- Ratings
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
About
Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Attending Surgeon
Leader, Breast Cancer Program
Director, Breast Fellowship Program
Specialties
Treatment Focus
Novel Treatment Modalities for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Clinical Trials, Cosmetic Outcomes in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Research Program
Key Awards
Surgery
Jamie Brooke Lieberman Remembrance Award, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia, 2020
Appointments
- Member, Board of Directors, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Chairman, Quality Improvement and Informaton Technology Committee, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Surveyor, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Vice Chairman, Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship Program Directors Training Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer Operative Standards Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer, Quality Integration Committee
Treatment Philosophy
I am acutely aware of the impact that a breast cancer diagnosis has on an individual. I do my best to foster a positive environment in which to start my patients' course of treatment and take the time to explain the pros and cons of each treatment option, so that they can make an informed decision. My treatment philosophy also includes, not just an emphasis on successful treatment, but also preserving a good cosmetic outcome. I feel fortunate to be a fellowship trained, very highly specialized clinician practicing at Fox Chase Cancer Center, which is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, because this combination of factors allows me, and our treatment team, to focus on one thing all day, every day, and do it well: curing breast cancer. I think there is nothing more rewarding that I could do as a clinician.
Follow on Twitter: @RichardBleicher
Education and Training
Educational Background
- Fellow, Basic Science Research, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA
- Resident, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1994
- BA, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 1990
Certifications
- Board Certified, General Surgery
Appointments
- Member, Board of Directors, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Chairman, Quality Improvement and Informaton Technology Committee, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Surveyor, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Vice Chairman, Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship Program Directors Training Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer Operative Standards Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer, Quality Integration Committee
Memberships
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Epic User Group Committee
- American College of Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons Oncology Group
- American Medical Informatics Association
- American Radium Society
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Association for Academic Surgery
- Oncology Group American
- Society of Breast Surgeons
- International Sentinel Node Society
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- Society of University Surgeons
Honors & Awards
- Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2017-20
- Jamie Brooke Lieberman Remembrance Award, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia, 2020
- America's Top Doctors®, 2016-17
- Best Doctors in America®, Best Doctors Inc., 2014
- Breast Cancer Researcher of the Year Award for 2009, Adams County Breast Cancer Coalition
- Sentinel Node 2002 Congress Young Investigator Award, 2002
- American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award, 2002
Patient Stories
Melanie Fowler
Breast Cancer
Melanie Fowler
Breast Cancer
I’m 65 years old, and thanks to a 35-year career at the Department of Defense, I’ve been happily retired for just about a decade. I live in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, with my husband Bill, our dog Tess, short for Tess the Mess, and our cat Amoco, who is named for the gas station where we found her.
Kat Kramer
Breast Cancer
Kat Kramer
Breast Cancer
When I was growing up in Philadelphia’s Olney-Feltonville neighborhood, my grandmother made sure I knew how to run a household. She taught all of her grandchildren how to do essential household tasks, like sewing and cooking. I always looked forward to the day when I’d get to follow in her footsteps and pass these skills along to my son, Alex.
But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at age 43, I found myself worried about whether I would be able to carry on family traditions like this.
Denise Portner
Breast Cancer
Denise Portner
Breast Cancer
In May 2008, Denise Portner, 45, underwent genetic testing that showed she carried the BRCA2 mutation, just like her mother and aunt, who had breast cancer. Genetic counselors at this hospital advised her to consider prophylactic oophorectomy, a surgical procedure to remove one or both of her ovaries to help reduce her risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Denise decided to get a second opinion from the Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and on June 16, 2009, she learned that she had breast cancer, which changed her treatment plans. Instead, she had a double mastectomy that summer, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and, later, the originally planned oophorectomy. "It was a challenging ride, but I always felt that I was getting the best possible treatment and that I was fortunate to have a world-class cancer center within a 10-minute drive of my home," Denise said. "If I had not been aware of my genetic status, I would not have had the MRI and would not have known that I had breast cancer."
Rosella Nelson
Breast Cancer
Rosella Nelson
Breast Cancer
In 2007, Rosella Nelson was diagnosed with breast cancer after years of being treated for noncancerous fibroids in her right breast. A general surgeon she met with recommended a double mastectomy within a week, which meant removal of both of her breasts and her lymph nodes. Anxious for a second opinion, Rosella scheduled an appointment at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where her surgeon recommended a much less invasive surgery to remove the tumor. Because the surgery was an outpatient procedure, she was able to go home the same day. And because it was Stage 2 cancer and had not metastasized, she did not need any additional treatment. "I can’t say enough about everyone at Fox Chase. There was not one person I met that wasn’t helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable," Rosella said. "I feel very protected in the Fox Chase environment, and I feel that they really care for me and about me. Thanks to Fox Chase, I have both of my breasts and my life to prove it."
Patti Rose
Breast Cancer
Patti Rose
Breast Cancer
At 36, Patti Rose, a wife and mother to seven children, was shocked to learn she had a rare form of breast cancer. Because her husband works in construction and had done several projects for Fox Chase Cancer Center, they knew right away Fox Chase was the right place for Patti's treatment. At Fox Chase, Patti underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by a lumpectomy and additional surgery. The experience was extremely difficult, but Patti credits the staff at Fox Chase for giving her a positive outlook and helping her get through it. Today, she is cancer free and could not be more pleased with the treatment she received. "Fox Chase helped me to be positive. If I didn’t have that connection with doctors and nurses and even the security guard that I would talk to every time I was there, I think I would have felt more afraid," she said. "Knowing all those people were praying for me, thinking of me, and trying to get me through it made me feel like I could overcome it."
Pages
Research Profile
Research Program
Research Interests
Health services research, breast imaging, breast cancer, population studies; Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer; Novel treatment modalities for breast cancer; Breast cancer clinical trials; Breast imaging and cancer outcomes, Disparities in breast cancer, Male and female breast cancer.
Publications
Selected Publications
Esposito AC, Crawford J, Sigurdson ER, Handorf EA, Hayes SB, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Omission of radiotherapy after breast conservation surgery in the postneoadjuvant setting. Journal of Surgical Research, 221:49-57, 2018. PMC5729922
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Beck RJ, Ross E, Wong YN, Patel SA, Boraas M, Chang EI, Topham NS, Egleston BL. Time to surgery and breast cancer survival in the United States. In Press, JAMA Oncol 2015
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Daly JM, Boraas M, Anderson P, Egleston BL. Breast Conservation Versus Mastectomy for T3 Primaries (>5 cm): A Review of 5,685 Medicare Patients. In Press, Cancer 2015.
Bleicher RJ. Reply to E. Peralta, et al. re: Breast MRI as it is, in contrast to how we wish it to be. J Clin Oncol 2014; 32, 2818-2819.
Loveland-Jones C, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Egleston BL, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Breast conservation surgery in the Medicare patient: Will the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Trial change the pattern of care? Br Cancer Res Treat 2014; 143, 571-7. [DOI 10.1007/s10549-014-2834-9, PubMed]
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Ross E, Wong YN, Patel SA, Boraas M, Topham NS, Egleston BL. Preoperative delays in the United States Medicare population having breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30, 4485-92. [DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.41.7972, PubMed]
Crivello M, Ruth K, Egleston BL, Sigurdson ER, Wong YN, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Advanced imaging modalities in early stage breast cancer– preoperative use in the United States Medicare Patient. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20: 102-10. [DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2571-4, PubMed]
Patel RR, Li T, Ross EA, Sesa L, Sigurdson ER, Bleicher RJ. The effect of simultaneous peripheral excision in breast conservation upon margin status. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 17, 2933-9. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1123-z, PubMed, NIHMS: 200283]
Bleicher RJ, Ciocca RM, Egleston BL, Sesa L, Evers K, Sigurdson ER, Morrow M. The association of routine pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging with time to surgery, mastectomy rate, and margin status. J Am Coll Surg 2009; 209: 180-187. Quiz 294-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.04.010, PubMed
Bleicher RJ, Kloth DD, Robinson D, Axelrod P. Inflammatory cutaneous adverse effects of methylene blue dye injection for lymphatic mapping/sentinel lymphadenectomy. J Surg Oncol 2009; 99:356-60. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.21240, PubMed]
Bleicher RJ, Topham NS, Morrow M. Beauty and the beast: Management of breast cancer after plastic surgery. Ann Surg 2008; 247:680-6. [DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318161b40f, PubMed]
Additional Publications
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Attending Surgeon
Leader, Breast Cancer Program
Director, Breast Fellowship Program
Specialties
Treatment Focus
Novel Treatment Modalities for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Clinical Trials, Cosmetic Outcomes in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Research Program
Key Awards
Surgery
Jamie Brooke Lieberman Remembrance Award, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia, 2020
Appointments
- Member, Board of Directors, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Chairman, Quality Improvement and Informaton Technology Committee, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Surveyor, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Vice Chairman, Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship Program Directors Training Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer Operative Standards Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer, Quality Integration Committee
Treatment Philosophy
I am acutely aware of the impact that a breast cancer diagnosis has on an individual. I do my best to foster a positive environment in which to start my patients' course of treatment and take the time to explain the pros and cons of each treatment option, so that they can make an informed decision. My treatment philosophy also includes, not just an emphasis on successful treatment, but also preserving a good cosmetic outcome. I feel fortunate to be a fellowship trained, very highly specialized clinician practicing at Fox Chase Cancer Center, which is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, because this combination of factors allows me, and our treatment team, to focus on one thing all day, every day, and do it well: curing breast cancer. I think there is nothing more rewarding that I could do as a clinician.
Follow on Twitter: @RichardBleicher
Education
Educational Background
- Fellow, Basic Science Research, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA
- Resident, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1994
- BA, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 1990
Certifications
- Board Certified, General Surgery
Appointments
- Member, Board of Directors, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Chairman, Quality Improvement and Informaton Technology Committee, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Surveyor, American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
- Vice Chairman, Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship Program Directors Training Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer Operative Standards Committee
- Committee Member, Commission on Cancer, Quality Integration Committee
Memberships
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Epic User Group Committee
- American College of Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons Oncology Group
- American Medical Informatics Association
- American Radium Society
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Association for Academic Surgery
- Oncology Group American
- Society of Breast Surgeons
- International Sentinel Node Society
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- Society of University Surgeons
Honors & Awards
- Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2017-20
- Jamie Brooke Lieberman Remembrance Award, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia, 2020
- America's Top Doctors®, 2016-17
- Best Doctors in America®, Best Doctors Inc., 2014
- Breast Cancer Researcher of the Year Award for 2009, Adams County Breast Cancer Coalition
- Sentinel Node 2002 Congress Young Investigator Award, 2002
- American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award, 2002
Research Profile
Research Interests
Health services research, breast imaging, breast cancer, population studies; Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer; Novel treatment modalities for breast cancer; Breast cancer clinical trials; Breast imaging and cancer outcomes, Disparities in breast cancer, Male and female breast cancer.
Publications
Selected Publications
Esposito AC, Crawford J, Sigurdson ER, Handorf EA, Hayes SB, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Omission of radiotherapy after breast conservation surgery in the postneoadjuvant setting. Journal of Surgical Research, 221:49-57, 2018. PMC5729922
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Beck RJ, Ross E, Wong YN, Patel SA, Boraas M, Chang EI, Topham NS, Egleston BL. Time to surgery and breast cancer survival in the United States. In Press, JAMA Oncol 2015
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Daly JM, Boraas M, Anderson P, Egleston BL. Breast Conservation Versus Mastectomy for T3 Primaries (>5 cm): A Review of 5,685 Medicare Patients. In Press, Cancer 2015.
Bleicher RJ. Reply to E. Peralta, et al. re: Breast MRI as it is, in contrast to how we wish it to be. J Clin Oncol 2014; 32, 2818-2819.
Loveland-Jones C, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Egleston BL, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Breast conservation surgery in the Medicare patient: Will the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Trial change the pattern of care? Br Cancer Res Treat 2014; 143, 571-7. [DOI 10.1007/s10549-014-2834-9, PubMed]
Bleicher RJ, Ruth K, Sigurdson ER, Ross E, Wong YN, Patel SA, Boraas M, Topham NS, Egleston BL. Preoperative delays in the United States Medicare population having breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30, 4485-92. [DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.41.7972, PubMed]
Crivello M, Ruth K, Egleston BL, Sigurdson ER, Wong YN, Boraas M, Bleicher RJ. Advanced imaging modalities in early stage breast cancer– preoperative use in the United States Medicare Patient. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20: 102-10. [DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2571-4, PubMed]
Patel RR, Li T, Ross EA, Sesa L, Sigurdson ER, Bleicher RJ. The effect of simultaneous peripheral excision in breast conservation upon margin status. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 17, 2933-9. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1123-z, PubMed, NIHMS: 200283]
Bleicher RJ, Ciocca RM, Egleston BL, Sesa L, Evers K, Sigurdson ER, Morrow M. The association of routine pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging with time to surgery, mastectomy rate, and margin status. J Am Coll Surg 2009; 209: 180-187. Quiz 294-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.04.010, PubMed
Bleicher RJ, Kloth DD, Robinson D, Axelrod P. Inflammatory cutaneous adverse effects of methylene blue dye injection for lymphatic mapping/sentinel lymphadenectomy. J Surg Oncol 2009; 99:356-60. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.21240, PubMed]
Bleicher RJ, Topham NS, Morrow M. Beauty and the beast: Management of breast cancer after plastic surgery. Ann Surg 2008; 247:680-6. [DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318161b40f, PubMed]
Additional Publications
Related Articles
21 PATIENT COMMENTS
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5.0
July 29, 2020
Always a positive experience.
-
5.0
July 17, 2020
I am so grateful for Fox Chase team including Dr. Bleicher, Dr. [...], and the whole team too numerous to mention and since being diagnosed should have kept notes of people's names. Eveyone was very kind, professional and I was never uneasy about any test or procedure being done as I could tell that the very best was being given to me. Dr. Bleicher's thorough explanation of tests and the procedure that I had were helpful. He was able to identify exactly what was needed before and after surgery. He anticipated some concerns and was patient in every way. I appreciate his positive and kind energy. [...] I truly appreciate the talented skill of your surgeons and kind professionalism of the entire staff!
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5.0
June 25, 2020
Dr Bleicher and team are very attentive. experienced, and well educated in breast cancer. I have confidence in their care.
-
5.0
May 28, 2020
felt important never rushed
-
5.0
April 16, 2020
I cannot say enough about how amazing I was treated! I felt like I was part of your family.
-
5.0
April 13, 2020
Wonderful provider, great experience - as usual!
-
5.0
April 01, 2020
this was a good experience.
-
5.0
February 04, 2020
Richard Bleicher is an excellent doctor. I have confidence in him and Fox Chase.
-
5.0
February 01, 2020
Dr. Bleichard was very knowledgeable about my condition. He gave me options to choose from with pros and cons to consider.The staff at Fox Chase was kind, very accommodating and efficient.
-
5.0
December 29, 2019
very Excellent
-
5.0
November 29, 2019
as usual I was treated with kindness and respect which I greatly appreciated
-
5.0
November 21, 2019
this was my first time visit for continued care. I had a very good experience. Thank you!
-
5.0
October 23, 2019
Very impressed [...].
-
5.0
October 22, 2019
Very happy to be going to Fox Chase! Love my doctor and staff.
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4.5
August 21, 2019
[...] Bed side manners and being a great listener, is a quality all oncologist should have. It is imperative for great care. My cancer dx and treatment is personal. It's not the same as the next cancer patient. Thanks all. I love Dr. Bleicher he rocks!
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5.0
July 24, 2019
very pleased with the service
-
5.0
July 18, 2019
very good people & Doctor
-
5.0
May 30, 2019
Excellent experience [...].
-
5.0
May 20, 2019
As always I had an excellent experience w/Dr. Bleicher & her staff. Thank you!
-
5.0
May 12, 2019
Good experience - I felt confident in staff & doctors.
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