March 28, 2003

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately for many patients there is a state-of-the-art facility that offers advanced breast imaging and surgical screening services all in one location — the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center at the MGH. Named in recognition of support from the Avon Foundation, this center provides these two services side by side, allowing patients to schedule tests and surgeries with more ease. The center also takes away weeks of worry by offering women the option of addressing potential problems immediately.

The Avon Center staff (pictured below) works as a team with radiologists, surgeons and nurses who are experts in breast examination. The range of services in the center includes routine mammography screenings, diagnostic breast imaging, surgical screenings and consultations, and counseling.

Diane Welsh, a breast cancer survivor and patient of the Avon Center, believes that the "care at the center is great." Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Welsh credits the staff of the Avon Center for going out of their way to help relieve some of her stress about her diagnosis. "It was the little touches that made a difference, such as calling on a Saturday to check on me at home, being sensitive to my needs, or being greeted by a friendly face at a 4 pm appointment after a long day."

Not only is the Avon Center staff dedicated to helping patients who suffer from breast cancer through the high-quality patient care they provide, but they also volunteer for breast cancer awareness events, such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston. This year the MGH Cancer Center is the medical sponsor for the walk to be held May 3 and 4. Leslie Milne, MD, of Emergency Services, will serve as medical director for the two-day walk, and the MGH will provide medical supplies. The Avon Center staff currently is looking for volunteers to join the medical crew and the general volunteer crew in this two-day journey that will benefit people who have breast cancer. For more information or to volunteer, contact Joelle Reed at (617) 726-2689.