October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Worcester, Mass. – An abnormal mammogram or a diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming. Women often have many questions and don't know where to start. At Saint Vincent Hospital, patients diagnosed with an abnormal mammography are guided through the process of their diagnosis through treatment with the help of dedicated staff.

Saint Vincent Hospital Cancer and Wellness Center provides one-on-one assistance to women supporting them through scheduling of appointments to ensure timely follow up testing occurs. In addition, navigation helps patients, and their families understand the plan of care and what to expect from treatments and medications. However, the greatest benefit of navigation is the emotional support and calming reassurance at a time when the patient needs it most.

“The importance of providing emotional support to patients and their families cannot be overstated,” says Rachel Adu-Frimpong, BS RT(R)(M). “I remain a constant presence and coordinator of the social, emotional, and educational needs of the patient and her family. I also help empower patients to work as a partner with the healthcare team through education on understanding medical procedures and terms.”

Whether you are facing breast cancer or a less serious disease of the breasts, navigation can provide tremendous benefits such as:

• Serve as a guide for patients through the continuum of care with breast health issues.
• Provide pre-op education session(s) for patient and support person(s) along with a "survivor education packet" uniquely designed for each individual’s needs.
• Assist patients with community resources when needed during treatment and recovery (this may include financial needs).
• Work closely with a panel of surgeons, radiologists and oncologists who have a specific interest and background in Breast Cancer Management.
• Provide pre-op education session(s) for patient and support person(s) along with a "survivor education packet" uniquely designed for each individual’s needs.

“As a navigator for breast health, I bring the emotional and scientific aspects of breast health care together,” says Rachel. “While dealing with a breast disease is never easy and I am here to help ease much of a patient’s anxiety.”

Saint Vincent Hospital is putting its breast health services in the spotlight in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We encourage all women to schedule and keep current with their breast health screenings.

Saint Vincent’s Imaging Center is proud to provide the following services:

• Three fully accredited mammographic suites
• linear accelerator in radiation oncology
• 3D mammography
• Stereotactic biopsy unit
• Trident® HD specimen radiography system
• Ultrasound guided biopsies
• Vascular and Interventional radiology procedures and biopsies performed by subspecialty interventional radiology physicians