Breast cancer challenges the body and spirit, so it takes a strong team of experts to help manage the disease through diagnosis, treatment and into your new life as a survivor.
At the Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Program, your care team will include a variety of experienced specialists, many with advanced training, who will work with you to develop the most effective treatment plan.
Program Leadership
The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Program is led by:
The Breast Cancer Program also has regional leadership to guide services in communities across the state. These leaders include:
- Heather King, MD, FACS, Director of Breast Surgery: Hartford Region
- Kathleen Kurowski, MD, FACS, Director of Breast Surgery: East Region
- Camelia Lawrence, MD, Director of Breast Surgery: Central Region
- Richard Zelkowitz, MD, Director of the Breast Program, Hematology and Oncology: Fairfield Region
Based on your personal needs, your team can include any of the following experts:
- Radiologists: Doctors trained to take and read pictures of areas inside the body, using X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other imaging technologies. For the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, we use the most advanced technological medical equipment available, including 3D and digital mammograms, for clear, accurate results.
- Pathologists: Physicians trained to investigate the cause of disease by reviewing samples and providing fast, accurate reports that are used to diagnose and determine the best course of care.
- Breast Surgeons: Skilled surgeons, many with sub-specialty training provide risk-assessment consultations and perform procedures such as breast conservation surgery/lumpectomy, mastectomy, minimally invasive breast surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary lymph node dissection and breast reconstruction.
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons: Specialty surgeons who perform a variety of oncoplastic breast procedures, implant-based reconstruction and tissue-based reconstruction.
- Medical Oncologists: Physicians with special training in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and other technologies. Our medical oncologists have deep expertise in breast cancer and evaluate patients from risk assessment to treatment and palliative care. They provide active treatment such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and, when appropriate, new immunotherapy regimens. You may receive care before surgery or after.
- Radiation Oncologists: Physicians who are experts in treating cancer using radiation, who provide radiation therapy to breast cancer patients like hypofractionation breast radiation.