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Sponsored by: Trinity Health Of New England
October 7, 2021

Saint Francis Hospital’s Same-Day Mammogram Results Streamlining Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment

Kristen Zarfos, M.D., F.A.C.S. Breast Surgeon and Director, Comprehensive Women’s Health Center, Saint Francis Hospital

You may be seeing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but medical experts say now, more than ever, annual visits and preventive screenings are critical to a woman’s health and well-being. At Saint Francis Hospital’s Comprehensive Women’s Health Center, a team of experts is focusing on integration across all channels by streamlining the process of breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and recovery, beginning the process with same-day mammogram results. In a conversation with the Center’s Director, Breast Surgeon Kristen Zarfos, M.D., F.A.C.S., we reveal what makes this standard of care stand out above the rest.

Q: The idea of getting a mammogram can be daunting to many women, but perhaps even more nerve wrecking is the idea of waiting for the results. What is Saint Francis doing to alleviate those stressors for women?

A: In any aspect of our lives, the most frightening and anxiety provoking thing is the unknown. Information, especially in a timely fashion, is power, and the team of experts at the Comprehensive Women’s Health Center at Saint Francis understand that. So, we offer same day results, if a woman chooses. That means you’re not going home and waiting for hours or days for a call or letter with your information. At Saint Francis, women have their mammogram, it’s read by a radiologist while they’re still in our facility, so they get their results during their appointment. Then, if follow- up imaging, such as ultrasound, is needed we set it up before the patient leaves our facility. In some cases, the results mean a patient needs to meet with a member of the surgical team, and in most cases, that too happens on the same day. Saint Francis set the standard years ago to make this commitment to women’s health. We didn’t abandon it over time; we’ve enhanced it.

Q: If breast cancer screening results lead to a cancer diagnosis, why is it so important to take a comprehensive approach to a patient’s care and treatment?

A: Like many cancers a woman may face, treating breast cancer requires multidisciplinary care. It may require any combination of surgery, radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, psychology, social work, genetic counseling and more, all of which the Comprehensive Women’s Health Center and Saint Francis is able to provide for patients. Multiple team members weigh in on the diagnosis to come up with a plan of action. Physicians at our Center also have access to 3D mammography, ultrasounds, and MRIs. At Saint Francis, patients are in a network with specialized oncologists, state-of-the- art clinical trials, and a disease specific care team through the Smilow Cancer Hospital, also located on the Saint Francis main campus.

Q: What progress has been made in tailoring treatment to each individual patient?

A: We can now analyze cancer cells in such a specific way that we can match them with the most appropriate treatments for each individual woman. Each woman’s breast cancer is composed of certain genes. By unlocking that gene “signature” we can match their tumor’s characteristics with a clinical trial database, going back decades. Rigorous scientific analysts have examined the database to determine which types of tumors are the most aggressive, and which would benefit most from chemotherapy or other treatments. We have master’s degree genetic counselors on staff who work with this state-of-the-art information to help patients understand if they, or their family, have an increased genetic risk for cancer. At our Center, we have a strong regard for a woman’s family history of cancer, and we take their genetic makeup and entire body into consideration when determining the best course of treatment.

Q: As a Mission-based organization, Saint Francis Hospital is focused on the patient as a whole person, treating the mind, body, and spirit, as well as providing equitable care. Why do you think that sets you apart from the crowd?

A: Our top priority is to treat every woman with dignity and respect. Our patients tell us they feel that decorum the moment they arrive on campus. Saint Francis, as part of Trinity Health Of New England has been a leader in innovation for Women’s Health, developing the first-of-its-kind comprehensive model, while providing the highest quality, award-winning, and safest care in the region. It starts with conveniences like complimentary valet parking or our Women’s Health Concierge Phone Line, which may not sound like much, but it helps to simplify an often-complicated health care system. These efforts then extend to the latest imaging technologies, including Genius 3-D mammography with SmartCurve paddle, for optimal breast cancer screening and comfort. We focus on community outreach and ensuring our services accessible to everyone. We are deeply committed to providing care to women of all socioeconomic groups and ethnicities. No matter who you are, we’re here to welcome you and empower you on your journey to health and well-being.

To learn more visit TrinityHealthOfNE.org/Pink