Explore Cancer & Blood DisordersBreast Cancer
The Importance of Breast Health
Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
It takes a team to beat a breast cancer diagnosis, and our experienced and compassionate specialists work together to provide complete, comprehensive, and cohesive care. For screening, diagnostic imaging, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, reconstruction, and rehabilitation, this team approach is the cornerstone of our breast cancer services.
We understand that no two patients are alike, so every patient’s case is carefully assessed and frequently reviewed by a diverse team of specialists, including:
- Medical oncologists who specialize in breast cancer and breast health
- Surgeons with advanced training and experience in surgical oncology
- Specialized nurses and nurse practitioners certified in oncology
- Radiologists with advanced training in breast imaging and intervention
- A nurse navigator who coordinates the clinical, educational, and supportive needs of patients who are facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis or are newly diagnosed with breast cancer
- Radiation oncologists who provide specialized treatments for breast cancer
- Board-certified genetic counselors
Breast Cancer Services
Our diverse team offers the following breast cancer services:
- Today’s most sophisticated technologies, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and 3D automated ultrasound at the Beekley Imaging Center features same-day readings in a comfortable, spa-like environment
- Experienced support care services, including lymphedema therapy, nutrition, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, survivorship care planning, and support groups
- Access to today’s most promising clinical trials to enhance care
- Unique services to address concerns, such as the Cancer Fatigue Clinic to help patients manage fatigue during treatment
- Emotional support through our social work service, caregiver lounge, supportive care APRN, and pastoral care program
- Expert care through the Hereditary Cancer Program to identify those at high risk for breast and other cancers
- An on-site American Cancer Society Navigator who can provide direct assistance to patients with services such as transportation to treatment appointments, assistance with wigs and cosmetic concerns, up-to-date information kits, and a 24-hour hotline for immediate assistance
- The DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System greatly improves the chances that patients will retain some of their hair during the course of their treatment
Breast Cancer Information
View our Breast Cancer Resource Guide for more information about understanding your diagnosis, nutritional needs, clinical trials, survivorship planning, staying healthy and living longer, and much more.
The Breast Program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center has been granted a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), an accrediting body administered by the American College of Surgeons. NAPBC-accredited breast centers are dedicated to providing the best patient-centered care. The breast program is a regional center of excellence for women’s health that integrates state-of-the-art technology, investigator-initiated clinical trials, and personalized treatments. Training the next generation of breast health providers and educating the community is a priority.
Breast Cancer Resources
DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System
For cancer patients, hair loss during chemotherapy treatment can be traumatic. At UConn Health, we are pleased to provide access to DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to our breast cancer patients.
When a DigniCap is worn during chemotherapy sessions, it delivers cold to the scalp. Lowering the scalp's temperature diminishes blood flow to the scalp area and reduces the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair cells. With the cellular metabolism within the hair cells slowed, the hair cells receive less chemotherapy and are more like to survive the treatment.
While the DigniCap isn’t a guarantee that patients will keep all of their hair, it greatly improves the chances that they will retain some of it during the course of their treatment.
Learn more about the impact the DigniCap had on UConn Health patient Marisa Dolce.
What Is the Treatment Like?
The DigniCap system consists of a tight-fitting silicone cooling cap connected to a cooling system that is placed on the patient’s head 30 minutes prior to the start of chemotherapy infusion.
Sensors in the cap keep track of and continuously change temperature to keep the scalp cool throughout the entire cooling treatment. In addition, the cap is equipped with a safety sensor to ensure the temperature never drops below the freezing point of 32°F (0°C). The cap is at room temperature when placed on the head and the treatment temperature is gradually achieved over a short period time, once chemotherapy and post-infusion cooling time are complete, the cap slowly warms up.
Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer Resources
These are some of the third-party resources recommended for patients of UConn Health with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
BreastCancerTrials.org
3450 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-476-5777This organization strives to match as many breast cancer patients to clinical trials as possible. On the website, you can fill out a personal health history to be matched with potential trials, or you can search for clinical trials currently offered. The website also has some information about why clinical trials are important and how to use them to benefit your care.
MBCBrainMets.org
This website supports women whose breast cancer has spread to their brain. You’ll find information and resources about treatment options, advice, and inspiration from survivors and those currently living with brain metastasis.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
P.O. Box 2805
West Lafayette, IN 47996
877-786-7422The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide, while increasing public awareness about good breast health.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
40 Monument Road, Suite 104
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
855-807-6386 (toll-free) | 610-645-4567Connecting people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support. LBBC offers numerous programs and online resources focused on living with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
c/o SHARE
165 West 46th Street, Suite 712
New York, NY 10036Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) is a national, independent, nonprofit patient advocacy group dedicated to the unique concerns of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. We strive to help those living with stage IV breast cancer be their own best advocate through providing education and information on treatments and coping with the disease.
MetastaticBreast CancerAlliance
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance (MBCA) unifies the efforts of its member organizations to improve the lives and outcomes for those living with metastatic breast cancer and their families, by increasing awareness and education about the disease. The Alliance also works toward advancing policy and strategic coordination of research funding (specifically focused on metastasis) that has the potential to extend life, enhance the quality of life, and ultimately discover a cure.
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society provides web-based education and resources in both English and Spanish. ACS provides expert information and support for patients and research.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
3025 Chemical Road, Suite 100
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
215-690-0300National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) aims to provide people with cancer and the general public with state-of-the-art cancer treatment information in easy-to-understand language. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, translations of the NCCN clinical guidelines, help patients with cancer talk with their physicians about the best treatment options for their disease.
Fertility/Oncofertility Resources
A cancer diagnosis as a child, teen, or young adult no longer means your dreams of a family in the future are impossible. These trusted oncofertility resources can help.
Center for Advanced Reproductive Services
2 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, CT 06032
844-HOPEIVF
(844-467-3483)The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is exploring many new technologies to help people preserve their fertility options. CARS has experts in the fields of both fertility and cancer treatment that enables them to offer the best, most personalized treatment plans and have access to the latest technology available today.
The Oncofertility® Consortium
Provides web-based patient education, printable resources and support to patients in both English and Spanish. The FERTLINE, 866-708-3378, links callers with a patient navigator and connects them to nearby fertility preservation programs.
Also see: Reprotopia – reproductive health education for all; and SaveMyFertility.org – an online fertility preservation toolkit.
Livestrong Fertility Services
2201 East Sixth Street
Austin, Texas 78702
855-220-7777If you want to become a parent after cancer, LIVESTRONG wants to give you the information you need to make that happen. They can help you think about planning your family before, during and after cancer. LIVESTRONG provides resources in both English and Spanish for patients.
Resolve: The National Infertility Association
7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703-556-7172RESOLVE provides support and information to people who are experiencing infertility and aims to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy.
Cancer.Net
Cancer.Net focuses on fertility preservation and provides timely, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.
International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc.
P.O. Box 330
Burke, VA 22015
703-379-9178The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID) is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and couples explore their family-building options. INCIID provides current information and immediate support regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infertility and pregnancy loss. It also offers guidance to those considering adoption or child-free lifestyles.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
40 Monument Road, Suite 104
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
855-807-6386 (toll-free) or 610-645-4567LBBC connects people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support. LBBC offers a helpline and numerous programs and online resources focused on fertility and family planning after a breast cancer diagnosis. LBBC offers web-based resources in both English and Spanish for patients.
Young Survival Coalition
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer, including fertility after diagnosis. YSC hosts nationwide Face 2 Face (F2F) Networks, a robust online community, fertility discussion boards, comprehensive resources, support, and educational materials for survivors and co-survivors.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
3025 Chemical Road, Suite 100
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
215-690-0300National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) aims to provide people with cancer and the general public with state-of-the-art cancer treatment information in easy-to-understand language. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, translations of the NCCN clinical guidelines, help patients with cancer talk with their physicians about the best treatment options for their disease.
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society (ACS) provides web-based education and resources in both English and Spanish. ACS provides expert information, support for patients and research.
Mayo Clinic
Fertility Preservation: Understand Your Options Before Cancer Treatment (Article)
100 Questions & Answers About Cancer & Fertility
Book by Kutluk H. Oktay, M.D., Lindsay Nohr Beck, Joyce Dillon Reinecke, J.D. (2008)
This resource provides answers to 100 of the most common questions asked by cancer patients and survivors about fertility.National Websites
Nurse Navigator
Evelyn Wong, BSN, RN
Breast
Phone: 860-480-1981
Email: evwong@uchc.edu
Fax: 860-676-3437
Nurse Navigators are here to help you through your entire health journey, diagnosis through treatment.