PITTSBURGH — Wednesday marked a big day for metastatic breast cancer patients who receive treatment at Allegheny Health Network facilities. A small celebration was held for the official launch of a mental health pilot program for AHN patients.
“It’s super important for these patients to not just live longer but to live better quality of lives too,” said Dr. Christie Hilton, director of academic breast oncology for Allegheny Health Network.
It’s been months in the making, but now the new resource is available for those battling the treatable, but incurable form of Stage 4 breast cancer. A behavioral health psychologist specializing in oncology will be at Allegheny General hospital on Mondays and Fridays, helping patients whose breast cancer has metastasized navigate the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.
The pilot program is the result of a collaboration between AGH’s Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ annual clinic, ‘Pitch for Hope.’
“Physical health, of course with cancer, we need to treat. However, there is such a big emotional component, especially with small children, that needs to be addressed,” said Diana Napper, executive director for Glimmer of Hope.
In a 2023 study of 230,000 cancer patients, 10% of patients had depression or anxiety before their cancer diagnosis. Data showed 22% were diagnosed afterward, meaning a third of cancer patients also have a concurrent diagnosis of anxiety or depression.
“Dr. Brezinski can help them with relaxation techniques to help them have better quality sleep, which helps them to deal with stress better,” Hilton said. “[it can teach] them how to talk with us better, teaching us how to talk better with the patient.”
The $50,000 grant will cover the cost of the psychologist for the 6-month pilot period. During this time, a sustainable funding model will be developed to permanently integrate them into the clinic. For more information about the Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic, click here.
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