The University Hospitals Breast Cancer Center at UH Geauga Medical Center provides support and guidance when a woman needs it most
By Ken McEntee
Understandably, a breast cancer diagnosis is likely to bring on anxiety and confusion that can make it more difficult for a patient to navigate through the treatment process. That’s why the University Hospitals Breast Cancer Center at UH Geauga Medical Center provides patients with as much support and guidance as possible, assures Xuan Huang, MD, PhD, an oncologist who specializes in breast cancer.
When a breast abnormality is detected, a nurse navigator steps in to help the patient understand the situation and coordinate a biopsy, and, if necessary, treatment, Dr. Huang says.
“Studies have shown that breast cancer patients have a high risk of developing depression and anxiety,” she says. “Because of the help provided by our nursing navigator, I have seen less anxiety. I used to see more patients in tears, but having somebody to help them through the process does help to reduce those feelings of stress and helplessness.”
The navigator helps to explain procedures, answers questions and schedule appointments. The navigator is a part of a multidisciplinary team of breast care specialists that assist patients through all levels of treatment in an intimate, caring environment, close to home.
Early detection vastly improves the likelihood of successful treatment, Dr. Huang emphasizes. That’s why the Breast Cancer Center offers all of the latest diagnostic equipment available, in a community hospital setting that allows patients to stay close to home.
All traditional, two-dimensional mammograms done at the Breast Cancer Center are supplemented by a digital 3-D tomosynthesis breast screening.
“Compared to traditional two-dimensional mammograms, tomosynthesis is more accurate in detection of tumors and decreasing false positives,” Dr. Huang explains. “The difference in detail can be compared to a CT scan versus a traditional X-ray.”
The latest addition to the screening technologies at UH Geauga Medical Center is the Fast Breast MRI, an efficient, 10-minute supplemental examination that scientific studies have shown to be effective in finding invasive breast cancers. The Fast Breast MRI is particularly useful for screening women who have dense breast tissue.
Although some patients may have to pay out-of-pocket for the optional MRI screening, insurance may cover the test under certain conditions, such as women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
If an abnormality is detected during a screening, an ultrasound scan, which offers an even more detailed image inside the breast, is typically scheduled for the same day—potentially eliminating days of worry. When necessary, a biopsy to confirm cancer also can be done on-site, Dr. Huang promises.
To facilitate early detection, Dr. Huang recommends that women begin mammogram screenings at the age of 50, or at age 40 for those who have a family history of cancer or other high risks for breast cancer.
Options are also available that may help to reduce hair loss for some women who undergo chemotherapy. A cooling cap, Dr. Huang explains, cools the scalp during chemo, helping to protect hair follicles from damage. Dr. Huang and her daughter have established a cancer patient fund to help women pay for the cooling cap treatments.
“It’s another way that we work together to do everything we can for our patients,” she says.
Dr. Huang emphasizes that cancer treatment is important, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We implement all of the measures required to keep our patients and staff safe,” she says. “We screen and take temperatures of everybody who comes into the facility, including employees.”
You can schedule a breast screening at the Breast Cancer Center or get more information by calling 440-901-6482, or by visiting UHHospitals.org/locations/uh-geauga-medical-center/services/breast-cancer. University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road, in Chardon.