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When patients are diagnosed with breast cancer, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center offers them the most advanced technology, treatment options and clinical trials. Massey focuses on the whole person, not just the disease, and is committed to delivering care with compassion, respect and personal attention.

Patricia Bragg, M.P.H., FNP-BC, family nurse practitioner in the division of Surgical Oncology, shares insight for patients about what to expect when coming to see Massey’s breast health team for care.

What does your day-to-day work entail?

I see new breast cancer patients with our multidisciplinary team on Wednesdays. I am usually the first to see the patient to gather information, give information and offer reassurance. Their case is thoroughly discussed in our breast health conference the day prior to their initial visit.

I see postoperative patients as well as perform follow-up surveillance for five years or more following breast cancer treatment, alternating with other providers. I also see benign breast patients with problems other than cancer.

Patricia Bragg, M.P.H., FNP-BC, family nurse practitioner with Massey's breast health team

What words of advice do you have for individuals as they prepare to go to their first appointment? While every patient's treatment plan is different, what can they generally expect during their clinical care?

I encourage patients on their first visit to keep an open mind regarding recommendations for treatment. I reassure them that their case has been reviewed by the breast health team with a plan for moving forward.

During their clinical visits, patients can expect that I will do an appropriate clinical evaluation as well as order appropriate imaging. It is a time to educate and answer questions.

Massey takes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, and it includes a high-risk breast clinic. What makes it unique?

Our BC4 (multidisciplinary) clinic was initially piloted approximately seven years ago and has continued to grow. What is unique is that the new breast cancer patients see the entire team on day one. Typically, they will see a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, social worker, breast navigators, nurses and myself. Our team reviews their imaging and pathology in our breast health conference, typically the day before the visit. They are also reevaluated following surgery, or intermittently depending on treatment.

The high-risk breast clinic continues to grow, where I am seeing patients with a higher risk for breast cancer due to family history, high-risk breast lesions or genetic predisposition. I evaluate them for additional imaging as well as treatment.

We work very closely with breast imaging to provide our patients with the best care possible. There is so much more involved in caring for patients, but compassionate listening is probably the most important.

Interview by: Amy Lacey