A Community-Wide Effort to Create the Comprehensive Breast Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital

It’s time. And team. And technology. All in one very special place.

This is what it takes to beat the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in Connecticut. Breast health is all about the numbers.

It’s time.

Early detection is crucial.  Regular mammograms are essential for every woman over the age of 40.  According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer in the United States is…

• The most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity.

• The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.

• The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

• Regardless of age, African-American women have the highest breast cancer mortality rates.

Women in Connecticut are especially at risk.  They have the second highest rate of new breast cancers in the United States.  Right now, in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, our most recent survey data indicate that only 52 percent of eligible women have had a mammogram within the last year, and only 23 percent of underinsured women over age 40 have never had a mammogram.  Of all cancers diagnosed at Griffin Hospital in 2009, a majority were breast cancer.

At Griffin Hospital, we have been working hard to improve these numbers for 10 years.  In 2000, we established the first stage of improved care:  the Rapid Diagnostic Breast Center.  Its mission is to expedite the diagnostic work-up process for women with breast abnormalities so that they receive a definitive diagnosis as soon as possible in order to reduce the anxiety associated with delay and begin active treatment promptly.  Today, we are proud to say that our “turn around time” on average from detection of an abnormality to diagnosis is six days.  Prior to that time, women waited an average of 33 days for results.   But we always believed we could do better.

Throughout the past decade we have learned much about how to expedite care.  We have built our capacity to diagnose and treat patients, and we have skilled staff and solid processes in place.  We are ready to take the next step toward realizing our original vision of a comprehensive program.   By placing the Breast Health Center in the Hewitt Pavilion and enhancing our team and technology, we will be positioned to set a new standard for comprehensive Breast Health Care.

Team.

At Griffin Hospital, we are committed to recruiting highly skilled professionals that share our patient centered philosophy and spirit of collaboration to ensure comprehensive care for patients.  We have recently recruited a fellowship trained breast surgeon who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our community.

Why a Fellowship Trained Surgeon?

Nationally, there are a select few surgeons who, with a particular interest in breast health, have completed additional post graduate training in a breast surgery or surgical oncology fellowship programs. These programs typically focus not only on the discipline of breast surgery but also expose surgeons to the other very important aspects of the treatment of breast disease like medical and radiation oncology, plastic surgery, pathology, radiology and psychology.   In addition, breast-fellowship programs provide surgeons with specialized training in minimally invasive surgical techniques. From perfecting approaches of breast conservation surgery, to needle biopsy procedures for cancer diagnosis, fellowship trained breast surgeons are equipped to manage multiple aspects of care in the most progressive manner available.

A breast surgeon’s sole focus on the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease is increasingly important, especially as the knowledge of breast cancer is rapidly evolving.  Our breast surgeon will lead a comprehensive program that will enable Breast Health Center patients to receive services that range from mammography and breast ultrasound to genetic testing and counseling for women thought to be at high risk for breast cancer. 

Breast Care Navigation

Our Breast Care Navigator and Assistant are on hand to streamline the diagnostic process and guide patients through their care and treatment.  They ensure that everything is in place to complete testing:  Scheduling appointments according to the patient’s availability; notifying physicians of their patient’s status, and securing the necessary requisitions; providing patient education; and most importantly, caring for our patients.  Their meticulous coordination of care produces a definitive diagnosis quickly, often in as little as 24-48 hours.

Oncology and Radiation Therapy

Completing our team are some of the area’s most skilled radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, and nursing staff – all of whom share our commitment to delivery of personalized, humanistic care in a healing environment.

Radiation Oncology – We offer the expert professional services of Radiation Oncology Specialists of Southern Connecticut to provide the most advanced technologies available in medicine today, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

Medical Oncology – The Center is home to the renowned physicians of Medical Oncology and Hematology (MOH), New England’s largest medical oncology group. Through regular participation in clinical trials, MOH is able to provide access to new and emerging treatments not widely available elsewhere.

Surgical Oncology and Affiliated Physicians – The region’s top oncology, general surgery and plastic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and pain management specialists are available on site or at Griffin Hospital, across the street from the Center. Together, they provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services ensuring continuity of care and patient convenience.

Patient Care Navigator (PCN) –A specially trained nurse is available to support patients and families throughout cancer care treatment. PCN services include linking physicians and patients to expedite care, explaining diagnosis and treatment options, answering questions throughout treatment, and providing additional clinical, support, and community resources.

Our team is committed to working collaboratively, and they rely on the interdisciplinary emphasis for which Griffin has become known.  They know that, together, they are a powerful group, strengthened by their dedication to patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual need.

Technology.

There have been a number of recent advances that have improved the ability to diagnose breast cancer in its earliest stages, which lead to more effective treatment. 

To ensure that our patients will receive the very best care possible, the new Comprehensive Breast Health Center will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including

• Full Field Digital mammography (Halogic Selenia) – a special type of breast imaging using a computer and X-ray to get a finer resolution and reduce the need for repeated exposure.

• Ultrasound – the use of ulstrasonic sound waves to produce an image of the breast.

• Ultrasound guided breast biopsy – the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders using ultrasound guidance.

• Stereotactic biopsy – uses mammography to locate and remove small slivers of breast tissue to examine for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.

• Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) – enables radiologists and other physicians to view, interpret, and share images/data electronically.

• Genetic counseling and testing – designed for women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.  From the information gained during this process, personally designed prevention and early detection strategies can be created, depending on individuals’ preferences.

There are many benefits to digital mammography:

• With digital mammography, exams typically take less time than do traditional film based exams. 

• The technology includes features which allow the radiologist to enhance or augment the image quality by increasing contrast or magnifying areas of concern before reaching a final interpretation of the findings

• Digital images provide better visibility of the breast and can help to detect micro calcifications (tiny bits of calcium, which may indicate an early breast cancer).

• Physicians can send digital images electronically to other physicians who can view them on workstations anywhere.

Digital technology also helps to better ensure patient safety because there is less room for image mix-up and error, it is easier to transport images electronically, rather than by hand, and data can all be kept in one place so that a case history can be built upon on each year.

Time.  Team.  Technology.  All in one place.

The proposed Comprehensive Breast Health Center will be located within the Hewitt Pavilion at Griffin Hospital.  With its nurturing environment and supportive programming, the Pavilion strips away every distraction, every obstacle to recovery, so patients can focus their energies on healing.  Our patients will benefit from having all the tools needed to screen and diagnose abnormalities in one place.  And if the diagnosis is cancer, patients have access to comprehensive services and leading technologies, including:

• Integrative Medicine Center - As a supplement to traditional treatment, the Center offers a variety of non-traditional therapies to help ease possible pain, nausea, and stress. A team of physicians, nurse practitioners and naturopathic physicians work directly with you to develop treatment plans based on your needs and preferences.

• Heredity Cancer Testing and Risk Assessment – Provided by an Advanced Practice Nurse with a specialty in oncology nursing, this service is available by physician referral.

• Dietary/Nutritional Consultations – Provided free of charge by registered dieticians upon request. A four-week cooking and nutrition class is also available for cancer patients and their family members.

• Planetree Model of Patient Centered Care – The Planetree model puts the patient at the center of the care experience. It offers comforting amenities, educational, and support services such as a Resource Center, Internet access, and medical librarians who can assist you with your research needs.

The time is right. 

An unprecedented outpouring of public and private support through the Breaking New Ground Campaign built our new state-of-the-art facility, the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion and Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.  Our community’s generosity speaks volumes about how much they value Griffin as a rare community resource.  As a result of philanthropy and careful planning, Griffin is able to offer a new level of service excellence – our capacity to provide outstanding care is greater than at any time in our history.  We are poised and ready to add a Breast Health Center to our capabilities.

The time is right now.

To establish the Breast Health Center, we must rely on the generosity of the many friends, neighbors, and business leaders who care about the Valley and those who live here.  The total cost for the Center is estimated at $2 million, of which $1.3 million will be used to purchase technology, and $700,000 to construct the office space:

*These totals do not include the Center’s operating expenses, including staff salaries, supplies, occupancy costs, etc.

Once the Center is launched, it is expected to be self sustaining and to make a positive contribution to hospital overhead, while also creating at least three to five new permanent jobs for our community.

We are seeking the help of those who know the value of this important resource, and who want to make a real difference in the Valley – not only by giving their own gifts, but also by reaching out to their communities and networks of friends and family to help us spread the word and raise support. The success of this campaign is critical to the health and wellbeing of Valley residents. Please consider joining with us.  View available naming opportunities.

Gifts may be made through the mail by completing a pledge form (get Adobe Reader) and mailing it to: