Middlesex Opens Comprehensive Breast Center
MIDDLETOWN — Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center has opened a Comprehensive Breast Center, which will enhance Middlesex’s already robust breast program.
The Comprehensive Breast Center is specifically designed to help women who have an established high risk for breast cancer, as well as those who may be at high risk due to family history or benign breast disease. It also helps patients currently in treatment or in recovery.
For many women, their primary care doctor handles their mammograms, and that is appropriate care. However, those who are at greater risk for breast cancer would benefit from being monitored more closely, and that’s where the Comprehensive Breast Center can help.
Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center is recognized for providing care for breast cancer that meets or exceeds national standards, and it is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Comprehensive Breast Center is an extension of the high quality service already offered.
The Comprehensive Breast Center is opening with a number of women who are currently being seen for their breast health by one of Middlesex’s breast surgeons: Dr. Andrea Malon, medical director of the Cancer Center and Comprehensive Breast Program; Dr. Kristen Zarfos, medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Center; and Dr. Chia-Chi Wang, a surgical oncologist. In addition, women who are identified as being high risk, or who think they might be at high risk, are encouraged to either make an appointment directly or discuss their concerns with their primary care physician who can make a referral. Within the center, the scheduling of diagnostic tests and a meeting with one of the breast surgeons can happen on the same day.
Overall, Middlesex’s goal is to coordinate care in a way that can reduce anxiety, expedite the process and help patients better navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Comprehensive Breast Center is the next step in strengthening the Middlesex breast program, and it is an important step in keeping women healthy.
With 250,000 new breast cancer cases each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The Comprehensive Breast Center appropriately opened this month—Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This symbolizes Middlesex’s commitment to women and its desire to make a difference in their lives.
The Comprehensive Breast Center is located at 540 Saybrook Road in Middletown, and the same services will be offered at a satellite office at the Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook.
