Elevating Breast Cancer Care Across the Continuum

The AHN Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Center of Excellence pairs novel, innovative treatments with comprehensive, whole-person support services to ensure patients can navigate all facets of a breast cancer diagnosis — from high-risk assessment through survivorship.

Surgical advancements to improve outcomes

Our experienced team of breast cancer specialists includes breast surgeons and plastic surgeons who deliver advanced care that prioritizes patient recovery, function, and long-term quality of life. Leading-edge treatments they offer include:

• Nipple-sparing mastectomies, which removes breast tissue but leaves the skin and nipple intact to maintain native tissue while still providing definitive cancer treatment.
• DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap surgery, which reconstructs the breast using tissue from the lower abdomen, offering superior breast reconstruction while minimizing the risk of complications.
• Post-mastectomy Resensation®, which is an innovative surgical nerve-grafting technique that can restore sensation to the breast area post-mastectomy.  

Doing less when it matters most

Services at the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence continue to evolve alongside emerging data and national guidelines. One recent example is implementation of findings from the Choosing Wisely® Campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation that supports de-escalation of axillary surgery in select early-stage breast cancer patients. 

The traditional standard of care has included lumpectomy followed by axillary staging via sentinel lymph node biopsy. However, emerging evidence now supports omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in carefully selected patients, particularly women age 70 and older with Stage 1 hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer. In this population, axillary staging can often be safely avoided, reducing surgical morbidity and long-term complications without compromising oncologic outcomes.

“We’re moving toward doing less when it’s appropriate,” said Adam Johnson, MD, director of AHN’s High-Risk Breast Clinic and a general surgeon who specializes in breast surgical oncology. “De-escalation of care allows us to reduce the risk of complications while still delivering excellent patient outcomes.”

Treating the whole patient

AHN and the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence emphasize compassionate care and comprehensive support for cancer patients and their loved ones through unique support services, including:

• Exercise Oncology and Resilience Center, which offers a 12-week, no-cost weightlifting program for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
• Patient Ambassadors Program, which connects newly diagnosed patients with survivors for peer-to-peer support, advice, and fellowship.
• Oncologic psychology services, which provide specialized mental health support tailored to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis.

Having watched multiple women in his family navigate breast cancer, Dr. Johnson understands the impact that holistic support can make. His personal experience informs not only how he communicates treatment options, but also how he approaches each patient encounter with empathy and intention.

“That perspective has been a blessing in my ability to provide excellent care,” said Dr. Johnson. “I see that same compassion in the colleagues I work alongside, who are also focused on treating the whole patient, not just the diagnosis.”

How to refer

A referral to AHN Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Center of Excellence does not automatically indicate high risk or mandate aggressive treatment. Referral simply ensures patients benefit from the full depth of expertise available at the center.

Call 412-578-4673 to schedule an appointment or connect with a nurse navigator at the AHN Cancer Institute for patients with:

• Newly diagnosed breast cancer
• Strong family history of breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer
• Desire for formal high-risk evaluation
• Interest in genetic testing
• Complex surgical or reconstructive needs