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From China to MSKCC: How Remote Consultation Changed Her Breast Cancer Treatment

Updated: Dec 30, 2024




1. What is Breast Cancer, and What Are Global Incidence Rates?

The journey with breast cancer often begins in a doctor's office, where you learn that your cancer has progressed despite local treatments. Advanced cancer typically means the cancer has spread from its original site to other parts of the body, creating a more complex treatment scenario.


1.1 Understanding Cancer Stages

Cancer staging helps doctors determine how far the disease has progressed:


  • Stage I: Cancer is localized and contained within the organ of origin

  • Stage II & III: Cancer has grown larger and may have spread to nearby tissues

  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (advanced/metastatic stage)


1.2 Global Statistics and Risk Factors

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its burden varying across regions due to differences in risk factors, healthcare access, and socioeconomic conditions.


2. What Are the Treatment Options for Cancer?

Modern cancer treatment offers multiple approaches, with US medical centers often leading in innovative therapies.


2.1 Standard Treatments Available

Current standard treatments include:


  • Surgery: Removal of tumors and affected tissues

  • Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs targeting cancer cells

  • Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells

  • Hormonal therapy: Treatments affecting cancer growth hormones

  • Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's natural defenses


2.2 Advanced Treatment Methods and Recent Progress in US Healthcare: 

Advanced Breast Cancer Care is rapidly evolving at leading US Cancer Hospitals. Groundbreaking technologies now include:


  • 3D Mammography for precise tumor mapping

  • AI-powered ultrasound diagnostics

  • Advanced MRI techniques for detailed imaging

  • Robotic-assisted surgery minimizes recovery time


These advances are complemented by:


  • Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) during surgery

  • Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) for dense tissue

  • Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for earlier detection

  • Precision-guided biopsy techniques



3. Is Advanced Cancer Curable?

The curability of advanced cancer varies significantly depending on the cancer type, its progression, available treatments, and individual patient factors. In many cases, advanced or metastatic cancers are challenging to cure completely. 


However, treatments can often control disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life.


4. Challenges International Cancer Patients Face

For families confronting a cancer diagnosis, accessing advanced cancer treatment in the United States often feels overwhelming. However, understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for finding practical solutions.


4.1 Challenge 1: Limited Access to Advanced Care

International patients seeking US cancer treatment face several hurdles:


  • Complex medical documentation requirements

  • Need for comprehensive record translation

  • Time-sensitive treatment decisions

  • Insurance and coverage coordination

  • Managing international treatment logistics


4.2 Challenge 2: Treatment Duration and Distance 

Cancer treatment requires significant time commitment:


  • Multiple evaluation phases

  • Extended treatment periods

  • Regular follow-up appointments

  • Ongoing monitoring requirements

  • Return visits for continued care


All of this traditionally meant:

  • Long stays away from home

  • Separation from family support

  • Career interruptions

  • Complex travel arrangements

  • Regular international travel


Is There a Better Way for International Patients?


The answer is yes


5. A New Beginning: Connect with America's Top Cancer Specialists:

Here's what most people need to learn: You can get a second cancer treatment opinion from world-class doctors without leaving home.


For the past 9 years, Medebound HEALTH has been connecting international patients with America's top cancer specialists. 


Sitting in your favorite chair, you could be face-to-face with the same experts who treat patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or any other top USA Cancer hospital through remote cancer consultation.


Founded in New York, Medebound HEALTH's secure video consultation service offers:


  • Direct access to US healthcare specialists.

  • Comprehensive evaluation from top US cancer doctors.

  • Native language support (professional medical translators).

  • A clear understanding of all treatment options.

  • Informed decisions about cancer treatment abroad.

  • Special hospital rates through partnerships.


Let's talk about why US cancer hospitals matter so much. The numbers tell a striking story: 

The overall five-year survival rate of breast cancer in the United States is 89%, and the cure rate for early-stage patients has reached 98%.


The incidence of breast cancer in other countries is growing rapidly, at 3-4% per year, but the level of treatment is very low, and the five-year survival rate is still less than 60%. 


The probability of breast cancer being diagnosed at stage I in the United States is more than 80%, while the probability of breast cancer being diagnosed at stage I in other countries is less than 20%. 

Let's explore the real story of Ms. Wang, which shows exactly how these statistics play out in real life - and, more importantly, how one patient found a solution that changed everything.


5.1 A Patient's Journey Begins:

Ms. Wang's story might sound familiar to you. Like many patients seeking cancer treatment abroad, she faced a challenging situation with distant breast cancer metastasis. 


Despite receiving breast-conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection at the prestigious Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, followed by radiotherapy in May 2022, her condition wasn't improving. 


The endocrine therapy wasn't delivering the results she desperately needed, and her disease continued to progress.


Like many in her situation, her first thought was to travel to US hospitals for advanced proton therapy. But before making this life-changing decision, something unexpected happened.


Our medical team took a different approach. Instead of immediately arranging overseas travel, we suggested a smarter first step: remote consultation with US doctors. Here's why:


  • American experts could analyze her condition thoroughly.

  • She could learn about the latest US treatments, including new drugs and clinical trials.

  • We could assess whether traveling to the US was truly necessary.

  • She'd already had a relationship with her doctor if US travel was needed.

  • She could access new US medications at home using our acquisition service.


This thoughtful approach resonated with Ms. Wang. After comparing the options of immediate travel versus video consultation, she chose the latter. 


That's when we connected her with Dr. Norton, the chairman of breast cancer at MSKCC Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for a second opinion that would transform her treatment journey.



5.2 About Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)

Memorial Sloan Kettering is America's premier cancer center, consistently ranked among the top two "Best Hospitals for Cancer" by U.S. News & World Report. 


Each year, thousands of international patients from over 140 countries choose MSKCC for one simple reason: unmatched treatment outcomes.


Memorial Sloan Kettering
Memorial Sloan Kettering

What sets MSKCC apart:


  • Treats more cancer cases yearly than any other private cancer center worldwide

  • Pioneers breakthrough treatments years before they become available elsewhere

  • Houses the world's largest team of cancer specialists in one institution

  • Maintains the highest success rates for complex and rare cancers

  • Leads global research in immunotherapy and precision medicine.


5.3 The Transformation: A Patient's Journey to Hope

Here's how Medebound HEALTH transformed Ms. Wang's situation:


5.3.1 Step 1: Swift Initial Response

  • One consultation request changed everything.

  • Our team quickly collected and translated over 100 pages of medical records.

  • Comprehensive medical history organized and reviewed.

  • Direct connection established with MSKCC specialists.

  • All paperwork and translations are handled seamlessly.

  • Key consultation questions were prepared and structured.


5.3.2 Step 2: Expert Video Consultation 

Within just 5 days, Ms. Wang spoke directly with Dr. Norton through secure remote cancer consultation. 

The specialist:


  • Conducted a detailed review of family history.

  • Analyzed previous treatment responses.

  • Examined fertility history and hormonal factors.

  • Identified crucial missed connections in previous treatments.


Offered a completely different perspective on the treatment approach.


Video Conference | Medebound HEALTH

5.3.3 Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan 

Dr. Norton developed a comprehensive plan that:


  • Identified hormone therapy from previous IVF as a key factor.

  • Recommended switching from Fulvestrant to tamoxifen.

  • Suggested combining treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitor.

  • Outlined future options, including Elacestrant.

  • Provided IMPACT gene package testing options.

  • Created clear treatment progression steps.


5.3.4 Step 4: Breakthrough Results 

The consultation revealed promising news:


  • Dr. Norton identified that her cancer might be highly responsive to endocrine therapy.

  • There is no immediate need for expensive US travel or proton therapy.

  • Local doctors could implement the new treatment plan.

  • Multiple backup options are provided if needed.

  • A long-term monitoring plan was established.



6. Cross-Border Video Consultations: Connecting with US Thyroid Experts

6.1 A Ray of Hope - Medebound HEALTH

Here's what most cancer patients don't realize: You can connect with world-class oncologists at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering without leaving your home. 


Medebound HEALTH has been bridging the gap between international patients and leading cancer specialists in the USA for nearly a decade.


Our 95% patient satisfaction rate comes from understanding what matters most - immediately getting you the right treatment.


Numerous cases we helped with can stand on their own:


  • CASE STUDY: The Thai child who found breakthrough treatment at a leading US hospital, one of the best Pediatric Hospitals in the USA. 

  • CASE STUDY: Mayo Clinic transformed a cirrhosis patient's life through expert care 

  • CASE STUDY: A success story like Baby Wang's journey to UCLA can provide hope and guidance.


7. How Medebound HEALTH Supports Thyroid Cancer Patients

8. Take Action Against Cancer Today

Don't wait - every day counts with cancer. Contact Medebound HEALTH now:




Toll-Free US Number: +19173101780 



Let us connect you with the USA's top 1% of doctors across 72 specialties, whether through video consultation or treatment in the US. 


Our team is ready to help you access world-class care at manageable costs.



Disclaimer: We strive to maintain accuracy and provide regular updates on the treatment information described in this article. However, treatment outcomes may vary between individuals. The information provided here is not intended as a diagnostic or treatment recommendation and should not replace your attending physician's careful evaluation and advice.



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Why Medebound HEALTH

1000+ US Physician Network

We know top doctors make a difference. Our consulting doctors are world-class physicians recognized by prestigious awards such as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, encompassing 70+ medical disciplines representing the Top 1% doctors of in the nation.

Top 20 US Hospitals

 Medebound HEALTH sends cases to the top doctors from the best medical institutions. These doctors are trained and teaching at top research hospitals, pioneering cutting-edge research, and advocating groundbreaking treatment regimens. 90% of our doctors are trained and worked at some of the country’s most elite institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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