Team Approach to Breast Health

Breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. In the event of a positive diagnosis, UPMC Hamot has a comprehensive program in place that draws on expertise from a wide range of specialties.

Board-certified and fellowship-trained, our surgeons offer a comprehensive scope of breast surgery options, including:

Breast conservation
Mastectomy
Surgical oncoplasty
Immediate and delayed breast reduction

In any field of medicine, pathology is the diagnosis and categorization of illnesses. Our board-certified pathologists adhere to the rigorous, evidence-based guidelines established by the College of American Pathologists

From the time a woman has an abnormal mammogram, through her diagnostics, treatment, and beyond, our nurse navigators are available to guide patients through the challenge of cancer. With extensive experience with patients and in the field of oncology, our nurse navigators:

Help patients and families cope with the range of emotions associated with breast cancer
Educate patients on breast cancer, or other breast health conditions, and treatment options
Act as liaisons to physicians and work to ensure continual communication between patients and their care providers

This support resource from UPMC Hamot is uniquely personal and completely complimentary.

At UPMC Hamot, we partner with oncologists from The Regional Cancer Center (TRCC) to bring patients greater expertise in the evaluation and treatment of their breast cancer.

Our partnership with TRCC also helps us provide the latest technology in radiation therapy. This collaboration allows patients access to a wide variety of resources such as:

Expertly trained radiation oncologists
Radiation therapists, nurses, and other clinical staff
State-of-the-art radiation treatment delivery

To offer a wider range of expertise, a diverse group of medical experts hold a weekly meeting on newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer, these experts include:

The team discusses patient cases and recommends unique and individualized treatment plans. The surgeons then communicate directly with their patients regarding the team’s recommendations. Patients may find comfort in knowing a team of experts is reviewing their case and making recommendations, sometimes resulting in decreased need to travel to numerous appointments.