The University of Iowa Breast Health Clinic offers multidisciplinary expertise for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment related to breast health. Sonia Sugg, MD, surgical oncologist, and endocrinologist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about breast health:
Who is the typical woman seen in the breast health clinic?
We see any woman—or in fact, men—older than 18 years of age with a breast problem.
Who makes up the team that works with patients in the clinic?
We have:
- An advanced practice nurse who coordinates the patient’s visit;
- A nurse practitioner;
- Four breast surgeons;
- Three medical oncologists;
- Two radiation oncologists;
- A social worker
- A dietitian
We also work very closely with our radiology colleagues in the Breast Imaging Center, which was just certified as a Center of Excellence.
Why is a multidisciplinary team so important in breast health care?
With benign breast problems, the diagnosis and treatment involve close cooperation between radiology and surgery.
With breast cancer, aside from making the most accurate diagnosis in the least invasive manner; there are a lot of choices available to the patient as far as treatment options. And it’s very important for the patient and their loved ones to be able to get as much information as possible to make the right choices. As well, we—meaning the breast surgeons, the radiologists specializing in breast imaging, the medical and radiation oncologists, the nurses—all meet as a team to discuss every patient’s plan of treatment, which assures a personalized, comprehensive, and well thought-out approach, incorporating the latest guidelines and results in our patients’ care.
Are women referred to the clinic, or if she suspects a problem, can a woman schedule her own appointment?
They may either be referred by their physician or call directly to make an appointment.
How would she make her own appointment in the breast health clinic?
They could call the Breast Health Clinic at 319-384-9717 or the hospital operator at 319-356-1616.
How important is early intervention and treatment if a woman suspects there may be a problem?
I think it’s very important for their piece of mind to find out what’s wrong, if anything at all. That’s why I think it’s so great that we have a breast health clinic here at The University of Iowa. And whether the problem is serious or not, the earlier we get started on treatment, the better the outcome. |
