Breast Care Program At Danbury Hospital

Establishing A Model For Hospitals Nationwide

DANBURY — Since the Danbury Hospital Breast Care Program began nearly three years ago, the time to diagnosis for patients undergoing a work up for breast cancer has been significantly reduced.

Prior to the program, this process, which may include a diagnostic mammogram and a biopsy procedure, was difficult to navigate causing delays of up to a month. With the addition of a breast care coordinator and a team approach women can now have their results within seven days or sooner if they choose.

“Thanks to the cooperation of a multidisciplinary clinical team involved in the hospital’s Breast Care Program, all patients get through the process sooner than later,” said Vijay Patil, MD, co-director of the program and chairman of the Hospital’s Breast Cancer Tumor Board, which provides physicians’ expert review of all women with breast cancer.

 “We are continually striving to improve the process for our patients,” said Dr Patil. We are very fortunate to have available the latest in technology, skilled practitioners and a wonderful support team.”

Danbury resident Samina Ahmed was very nervous when she found out that she needed to have a follow-up ultrasound after a routine mammography came back unclear.

 “They scheduled the ultrasound the day after my mammogram and I knew my results that same day; everything came back normal, and I was so relieved to find that out right away,” said Ms Ahmed.     

Ana Bahia, the Breast Care Program coordinator at the hospital’s Praxair Cancer Center, brings a strong understanding of breast health issues and customer service skills to her dedicated position as she assists women undergoing screening and evaluation for breast cancer.

“I am the liaison between the physician and the patient,” said Ms Bahia.

The Breast Care Program began in September 2002 and was “created in collaboration with the community physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and the staff within the hospital; everyone said that we’re going to come together to make this program work,” said Ms Bahia. “We assisted over 1,200 patients last year from various towns within the greater Danbury area.”

According to Patrice Hough, a registered nurse (RN) and manager of the Praxair Cancer Center, she does not get the anxious patient calls anymore due to the short amount of time in which everything is now being accomplished. When asked how everyone is reacting to this program, she said, “The patients are quite satisfied with the support system we have in place and the physicians and radiologists are very pleased with the effectiveness of the program. The skilled technicians are doing a great job in meeting or exceeding patient expectations by thoroughly explaining what to expect during the testing, and the overall process is gaining attention from other hospitals, so much so, that they are trying to start a similar program.”

Women without health insurance are assisted through the CT Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program, which began in 1996, is state and federally funded.

“Any of these patients whose mammogram or clinical breast exam are abnormal are then referred to the breast surgical clinic,” said Cortney Davis, RN, clinical coordinator of the Women’s Health Center and the project director of the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Early Detection Program.

 The breast surgical clinic is held once a week instead of once a month as it was in the years before the Breast Care Program. In October 2004, the breast surgical clinic relocated to Adult Health Center at 70 Main Street. “The relocation of the clinic is working out well; women that come here are content,” said Dr Patil.

“The Breast Care Program at Danbury Hospital is positively impacting the lives of many women, “ said Joseph Gordon, MD, co-director of the Breast Care Program. “I am quite pleased and very proud of the program.”

“Everyone is cooperating. We have top of the line doctors, great technology, and wonderful support services at Danbury Hospital,” said Ms Bahia. “From the initial exam to the diagnosis, the process takes place in a well-organized and timely manner. And for those women diagnosed with breast cancer there is support just a phone call away.”

“The efficiency of the program saved me from a lot of anxiety, and the trust I had in it was clearly demonstrated when I was able to get in right away for the ultrasound followed by immediate test results. I highly recommend it and have faith in it,” said Ms Ahmed.

Another improvement has been the addition of a breast cancer information class that is held twice a month

Joanne Ballerini, RN, cancer care coordinator at the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, provides patients and their families with the information and support they need at this difficult time.

“Whether I am meeting women in the class or on an individual basis, I am able to address the questions and concerns that women may have and share information on the treatment process as well as provide support,” said Ms Ballerini. “The class is a very supportive environment and allows newly diagnosed women to meet others who have gone through similar experiences, generating a great deal of encouragement and support from one another.”

The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital also has partnered with Ann’s Place, The Home of I Can, and the American Cancer Society in the formation of BRIDGES, a Community Cancer Collaborative program that connects newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with breast cancer survivors. A BRIDGES volunteer attends each class, shares information on the support groups and can serve as an ongoing mentor. “This has been a wonderful addition to the support process,” said Ms Ballerini.

For more information about the Breast Care Program at The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, call Ana Bahia, at 797-7714, or visit the website at danburyhospital.org, and click on the “Cancer” tab.