Ask an Oncology Expert with Doctor Brookland

Dr. Robert Brookland is the Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology for the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. Dr. Brookland’s dedication to GBMC goes all the way back to 1984 when he began in the Department of Radiation Oncology.

In addition to his main role of treating patients, Dr. Brookland serves on various committees such as the American Joint Committee on Cancer, which develops the cancer staging manual. Dr. Brookland was an editor on the 8th edition. In the most recent Ask the Oncology Expert, Dr. Brookland shared his knowledge on cancer staging and why it is so important for diagnosis.

Three Takeaways

1. Staging of cancer is an important communication tool when diagnosing cancer, and every cancer has its own staging system. The components to determining the staging of cancer include the location where the cancer started, the size of the original cancer, and if the cancer has spread, specifically to the lymph nodes. Once the stage has been determined, physicians can communicate to determine the best course of treatment.
2. A late-stage cancer does not always mean the patient is terminal. While a cancer cannot go from a stage 4 to a stage 1, a patients' overall prognosis can change. After treatment, a patient may show no signs of cancer and will be considered “in remission.” After years of remission and still no signs, a patient would be considered “cured” or “cancer free.”
3. The multi-disciplinary team at GBMC is an important factor in delivering the best care for our patients. Physicians and other members of the care team come together to give their best perspectives on every patient's case to determine the best overall course of treatment and outcome for each patient individually. Multi-disciplinary teams at GBMC can include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon, genetic counselor, social worker, pathologist and more.

Dr. Brookland shared that the cancer program at GBMC is made better by philanthropic support from our community. Donations allow the team to have access to items like the linear accelerator, which allows Dr. Brookland and his team to deliver more accurate radiation treatment. Additionally, Dr. Brookland shared GBMC is currently fundraising for a new patient care building for our cancer patients to be able to receive all of the necessary treatment and services in one location. The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion is part of The Promise Project capital campaign, which is currently 80% funded.