New breast center at UI Health Care aims to ease the cancer journey for patients

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience. The new breast center at UI Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center aims to make the cancer journey easier and less stressful for patients by providing access to the state's most advanced cancer services in one convenient location.

The new center, which opened April 25, provides a full range of breast health care services for each step of the patient journey, from prevention and screening to diagnosis and treatment. Patients can now see a number of different providers who solely focus on breast cancer—breast surgeons, genetic counselors, medical oncologists, radiologists—all in one place.

“We’re very excited about the impact it will have on the patient experience to have our providers all co-located in the same place,” says Sonia Sugg, MD, medical director of the breast center. “Not only is it more convenient for the patient to simply walk down the hall for their next appointment, but it also allows for better collaboration among our providers. In cancer care, it’s critical to bring experts from a number of disciplines together to develop the best care plan for the patient.”

At Holden’s breast center, patient cases are reviewed by a tumor board comprised of breast cancer experts. The team of experts work together to determine the patient’s care plan, and each patient is paired with a dedicated nurse navigator who provides individualized attention throughout the process.

In addition to simplifying the cancer journey for patients, the new breast center provides access to Holden’s nationally recognized, comprehensive cancer care expertise, and access to more clinical trials than any hospital in Iowa.