Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Hea

Author: SARAH

Quick Words:

Bridgeport-breast-cancer

Full Text:

HEALTH MONITOR: Bridgeport Hospital Opens New Breast Cancer Center

BRIDGEPORT -- The vision of a breast cancer survivor and generosity of a

benefactor have led to the creation of the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center

by Bridgeport Hospital. The center provides rapid diagnosis and comprehensive,

coordinated services for breast cancer patients.

"The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center gives women a place where they can

receive the best medical care along with important support services for

themselves and their families," says breast cancer survivor Lee Ann Riley,

executive director of the center. "With our mandate for a diagnosis within 48

hours, women do not have to wait for days to see a physician or even longer

for a diagnosis."

The center was developed with help from a $2.5 million donation by benefactor

Norma F. Pfriem of Fairfield, a long-time Bridgeport Hospital supporter. The

hospital's cancer center, an affiliate of the Yale Oncology Network, also

bears her name.

Ms Riley, 40, a single parent from Trumbull, left her job at a New York law

firm two years ago to launch The New England Foundation for Breast Care, a

patient education and support organization, following her own recovery from

advanced breast cancer. Her vision to establish a place where breast cancer

patients could receive comprehensive, coordinated care and support services

has been fulfilled with the creation of the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care

Center. "Our mission is to coordinate care and provide all support services to

women regardless of their ability to pay," Ms Riley said, noting that the

center has a special component to provide services to the underserved.

In addition to her duties as executive director, she also serves as a patient

advocate for breast cancer research conducted by the Department of Defense and

National Institutes of Health.

The Breast Care Center will operate from two locations. Screening, diagnosis

and treatment services are provided at Bridgeport Hospital. These include

mammography and stereotactic core needle breast biopsy; surgical treatments;

radiation therapy; chemotherapy; hormone therapy; and rehabilitation services.

A satellite office at 309 Stillson Road in Fairfield will open by May to

provide coordinated support services, a wig and prosthesis center, and

integrated therapies including nutrition counseling and massage therapy.

"We have an excellent patient care staff," Ms Riley said. "From our board

certified physicians to our nurses and volunteers, we have a team that is

second to none."

Dr Nicholas Dainiak, chairman of medicine at Bridgeport Hospital and clinical

professor of internal medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, serves

as medical director of the Breast Care Center. He is an internationally

recognized cancer researcher whose work includes studies on the health effects

of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

More than 180,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in

the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The cancer

society estimates that in 1999 breast cancer will be responsible for the

deaths of 43,500 American women and 400 men. Among types of cancer, only lung

cancer kills more women.

"Fortunately, breast cancer mortality rates continue to decline," said Dr

Dainiak. "This is most likely due to earlier detection and improved treatment.

The breast center is committed to more widespread mammography screening and

early detection of breast cancer, as well as providing new treatment options

in a caring environment."

To reach the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, call 203/384-3392.