Quick Access to Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at AHN

A breast cancer diagnosis can leave patients with many questions about what comes next. At AHN Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, our goal is to replace that uncertainty with a clear path forward as quickly as possible — providing multidisciplinary expertise, advanced treatment, and comprehensive support from diagnosis through survivorship.

Moving from diagnosis to a plan within days

Timely access is critical at every stage of the breast cancer journey. That’s why, once a biopsy confirms breast cancer, a dedicated nurse navigator at AHN Cancer Center connects with patients almost immediately to explain the results and coordinate the details of their care.

"From that initial phone call, we want patients to feel like they're in great hands," said Suzanne Coopey, MD, Director of Breast Surgery and Chair of the Breast Cancer Program at AHN Cancer Center. "We care about them, and we want to be part of their journey."

Our breast surgeons reserve time for newly diagnosed patients, allowing their first appointment to occur within three business days. Patients report that this timely access helps reduce anxiety and feelings of uncertainty.

During the initial 60-minute consultation, surgeons will review the patient’s imaging and pathology. They will also initiate any additional testing to ensure a precise diagnosis and necessary referrals, which will inform a personalized treatment approach.

Consultation notes are shared following this initial evaluation, with additional updates provided after surgery and final pathology to keep referring providers informed and engaged. Physicians also welcome direct physician-to-physician communication, particularly when caring for patients with complex medical needs.

Advanced treatment from a multidisciplinary team

Our breast cancer tumor board convenes 40 to 50 specialists each week to review complex cases and reach consensus on the most appropriate treatment modalities. The board is comprised of experts in breast surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, radiology, pathology, genetic counseling, and other specialties as appropriate.

While evidence-based standards of care guide recommendations, treatment planning remains individualized at AHN. Once patients understand their options, physicians work with them to identify an approach that is clinically appropriate while accounting for their preferences and goals.

Some of the newest, most innovative care available to patients at AHN Cancer Center includes:

• Surgical approaches such as breast-conserving procedures, nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomies, oncoplastic techniques, and reconstructive surgery.
• Medical oncology services like chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Radiation oncology capabilities including partial breast irradiation.
• Clinical trials that evaluate emerging approaches to breast cancer treatment.

Support for the whole cancer journey

Empowering whole-person wellness throughout the entire cancer journey is a mainstay of AHN’s care model and a source of comfort for patients and referring providers.

Our Cancer Navigation Team addresses both the clinical and nonclinical needs that can affect a patient’s ability to navigate treatment. In addition to a dedicated nurse navigator, the team includes: 

• Financial counselors who can help patients understand insurance coverage, expenses, and financial assistance.
• Social workers who provide emotional support and connections to community resources.
• Community navigators who can address transportation and lodging needs.
• Dietitians who help patients manage nutritional needs and treatment-related side effects.

"We want patients to feel like they don't have to do anything or worry about anything. We're going to take care of it,” said Dr. Coopey. “We make sure they have access to the holistic support they need from diagnosis through survivorship.”

AHN Cancer Center offers additional services designed to support patients’ quality of life, including:

• The Patient Ambassador Program, which is a benefit unique to AHN patients that provides peer-to-peer support from former patients with similar experiences.
• The Integrative Oncology Division, which offers services focused on nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and complementary therapies.
• The Exercise Oncology and Resilience Center, which delivers exercise programming designed to mitigate treatment-related side effects and improve strength and overall well-being.

Together, these resources enable AHN to support breast cancer patients at every stage. For referring providers, that means knowing your patients will have a coordinated team by their side as they navigate treatment, move into recovery, and look ahead to survivorship.

How to refer

To refer a patient to AHN Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, call (412) 578-HOPE 412-475-4673 to speak with a scheduling coordinator.