Breast Clinic offers streamlined care for cancer patients

A few years ago, if a woman had a mammogram that needed follow-up care, she often had to make several appointments with specialists far from home and possibly face delays while seeking care – all while struggling with the physical and mental strain that a cancer diagnosis can cause.

For most cancer patients, the process was very stressful and confusing. If they were lucky, they had a primary care physician who could help guide them. If not, precious time could be lost – and that could be the difference between life and death.

Diego Cabrera, M.D., oncologist with Med Center Health Hematology & Oncology, knew there could be a better way. In 2021, he spearheaded the establishment of the Med Center Health Breast Clinic in Bowling Green. “Our goal,” he says, “is to improve timing and offer coordinated, multidisciplinary care concentrated on breast cancer.”

The nurse navigator at the Breast Clinic coordinates the workup of those patients with findings indicating increased risk or possibility of breast cancer – including anything from a breast lump, abnormal mammogram, or family history of breast cancer – taking that burden off of the patient while providing the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. Patients may self-refer or be referred to the Breast Clinic by their primary care provider, gynecologist, or radiologist after a screening mammogram that requires follow-up care. The Breast Clinic also offers walk-in hours so a patient can get immediate assistance. A biopsy can typically be performed in 24-48 hours and a diagnosis received in 3-5 days. 

A tumor board comprised of different medical specialists and other professionals meets every week to review cases.  With this team approach to patient care, no stone is left unturned in providing the very best diagnosis and treatment options available. “We have good connections with other oncologists and surgeons,” Dr. Cabrera added, “so everyone can look at the case – sometimes at the same time and same day.”

“The Breast Clinic is a team effort,” Dr. Cabrera says. “Previously, patients had to travel all over town or even to Nashville or Lexington to get their care. Now, we have all the specialists they need here, close to home, to coordinate their care.”

The Medical Center at Bowling Green’s membership in the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network allows the Breast Clinic access to tools such as genetic testing to pinpoint disorders that could affect the management of a patient’s care. Patients can access these tools locally through telemedicine at The Medical Center rather than driving to Lexington.

Treatment options coordinated through the Breast Clinic include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or oral hormonal therapy. Each patient’s specific treatment will depend on their general health, disease type and progression, along with the patient’s goals. Treatment may also include more than one therapy.

Since the launch of the Breast Clinic, feedback from patients and other providers has been extremely positive. The Breast Clinic is located at Med Center Health Hematology & Oncology in the Medical Arts Building on the campus of The Medical Center at Bowling Green. Walk-in hours are Tuesday and Thursday 1-2 p.m. An appointment can be made by calling 270-796-2557.

To learn more about cancer care offered by Med Center Health, including the Breast Clinic, visit MedCenterHealth.org/cancer.