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Due to a system-wide technology update, we are experiencing extremely high call volume. We appreciate your patience with our operators during this time. Thank you for choosing Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Attending Surgeon
Leader, Breast Cancer Program
Director, Breast Fellowship Program
Novel Treatment Modalities for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Clinical Trials, Cosmetic Outcomes in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
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Surgery |
Jamie Brooke Lieberman Remembrance Award, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia, 2020
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
There were a lot of things going on in my life when I first found a lump in my breast. My mother-in-law was in failing health, my two children were teenagers, and I was separating with my husband of 23 years. My life was in chaos; when I found the lump, it further added to that.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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] Collapse
Our Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to care provider related questions from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more.
Dr. Bleicher & his staff are excellent and I feel safe that they are caring for me.
I've only met Dr. Bleicher once so far but it was a very impactful appointment. After just one conversation, he has given me complete confidence that he can help me and REALLY knows his craft. I couldn't be more grateful.
I really like my doctor and Fox Chase Center.
Very good experience. Very glad I chose Fox Chase and Dr. Bleicher for the care I needed. Everyone was wonderful.
Very good visit! Dr. Needs to talk slowly. He was excellent, just needs to slow down
Dr. Bleicher was knowledgeable and caring. His staff was courteous and kind.
Always a good experience.
Very good experience
Dr B & his staff are AMAZING!!! He takes his time to fully address & answer my questions, no matter how silly or simple. He is a professional that is relatable. I thank God he was/is my surgeon.
I came in for a second opinion/consultation and was extremely impressed with Dr. Bleicher's fellow as well as Dr. Bleicher. I was so impressed I have decided to continue to see Dr. Bleicher for my follow up care/visits.
I appreciate Dr. Bleicher and his demeanor which is energetic, focused and intelligent. I feel like he is listening to me as an individual, not just another person with the same diagnosis of breast cancer.The staff are ways kind and professional as well as the interns The imaging staff are wonderful also, truly appreciated as the women who are waiting are anxious, and appreciate hearing kind words.
Everyone on my team including Dr. Bleicher and staff are all knowledgeable, kind and caring. Thankful I was treated at Fox Chase.
First-rate experience.
Dr Bleicher was very optimistic and comforting. I feel confident that I can get through my Cancer treatments with a good outcome.
I always feel reassured, knowing Dr. Bleicher is doing the best for me.