The breast cancer care you need.
The support you deserve.
We understand the lingering effects that a breast cancer diagnosis can have on your emotional well-being, your finances, and your relationships with family and friends.
Our team is here to help you through all of the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Learn more about our patient support services
Preparing For Your First Appointment
As a new patient at the Rochester Regional Health Breast Center and Lipson Cancer Institute, we want you to feel comfortable, cared for, and informed. Our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive breast cancer care and help guide you through the entire process.
Your first appointment will be comprehensive, so you should plan to spend an hour or two with us. The Breast Center will help compile the following information from your previous providers ahead of your first appointment:
- Results from tests that your doctor ordered, including lab reports
- Copies of scans, x-rays, MRIs, CTs, or other imaging tests that were done
- Pathology slides if a biopsy was performed
You will also receive a call prior to your appointment to walk through your medical history and list of medications. If you have MyCare, you may also see holds placed for additional appointments. These will be discussed and adjusted as necessary at your initial appointment.
What To Bring
- ID and insurance cards
- A notebook and a pen - We encourage you to take notes and write down your questions during your appointment.
- A family member or a friend - If you can, bring someone with you to be another set of ears in the room. In addition to providing emotional support, they can help you remember what the doctor says, take notes for you, and remind you of key questions that you don?t want to forget to ask.
- A list of questions you would like to ask the doctor - There are no silly questions, especially when it comes to understanding your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. If you?re not sure about something, just ask. Here are some things that are helpful to discuss during your first appointment:
- What is my diagnosis and how soon do I need to start therapy?
- What are my treatment options, what?s involved, and how long will each treatment take?
- What are the benefits of the recommended treatment?
- What are its potential risks and side effects?
- Should I consider participating in a clinical trial?
- How will treatment affect my daily routine? Can I continue to work through treatment?
- Will treatment impact my fertility? If so, is there anything I can do to protect my ability to have children in the future?
- What should I do if I develop new symptoms after I begin treatment?
- What support resources are available to help me cope with my diagnosis?
- Whom should I call if I have additional questions after I leave the office?
Community Breast Cancer Support Services
1120 Goodman St, South
Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: (585) 288-1950
https://www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society offers several programs for women who are dealing with breast cancer, including:
- Reach to Recovery – If you have breast cancer, you may want to talk to someone who knows what you’re feeling – someone who has “been there.” One-to-one support for women who have had breast cancer surgery and provides information on prostheses.
- Road to Recovery – The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need.
- B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge and Hospitality House – The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment and permanently reside more than 40 miles away from their cancer treatment center.
- TLC (Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products) – The “tlc” magalog is the American Cancer Society’s catalog and magazine for women. It offers helpful articles and a line of products made for women with cancer. Products include wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, bras, hats, turbans, swimwear, and accessories.
- I Can Cope (Cancer Education Classes and Online Support) - I Can Cope classes can help you and your loved ones learn about cancer and how to take care of yourselves. For a quick, easy way to learn essential facts and practical tips about cancer and related issues, participate in their interactive online program.
- Financial Assistance - Some funds available to reimburse patients for transportation and pain medication.
1048 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 473-8177
https://bccr.org
The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester provides support to those touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer, to make access to information and care a priority through education and advocacy, and to empower women and men to participate fully in decisions relating to breast cancer.
1332 Pittsford-Mendon Rd
Mendon, NY 14506
Phone: (585) 624-5799
https://www.campgooddays.org
Camp Good Days offers a Women's Oncology Program and Kids Adjusting Through Support (KATS) group.
Westchester County Airport, Building 1
White Plains, NY 10604
Phone: (914) 328-1313
https://www.corpangelnetwork.org/#/home
The Corporate Angel Network offers free transportation for cancer patients going to or from recognized treatment facilities.
255 Alexander St
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 423-9700
https://cscrochester.org/
A free cancer support community that offers:
- Weekly - wellness and family groups
- Monthly – networking groups for specific cancer types
- Workshops – such as journaling, yoga, stress management
- Lectures by specialists
- Social events
63 Empire Blvd
Rochester, NY 14609
Phone: (585) 730-5720
http://helpsis.com
SIS provides financial assistance, essential services, and quality of life enhancements during treatment for those battling breast cancer.
(585) 256-2460
https://www.thelmasboutique.com/
A post-mastectomy garment and prosthesis boutique with certified mastectomy fitters trained to help customers find the right fit and style.
National Breast Cancer Support Services
2 North Rd, Ste A
Chester, NJ 07930
Phone: (800) 552-4366
https://www.cancerhopenetwork.org/
Knitted Knockers Support Foundation
1405 Fraser St. #F103
Bellingham, WA 98229
Knitted Knockers offers free handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast.
Phone: 800-4-CANCER
https://www.cancer.gov
1010 Wayne Avenue 5th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 650-9127
Email: info@cansearch.org
https://canceradvocacy.org/about/our-mission
Phone: (800) 343-9695
https://www.paulayoung.com
Phone: 800-IM-AWARE (800-462-9273)
https://www.komen.org
Phone: (800) 221-2141 (English)
(800) 986-9595 (Spanish)
https://www.y-me.org/
Box 528, 52A Carmine Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 577-6259
https://www.youngsurvival.org
Disclaimer: The services and programs listed above are offered by the Rochester Regional Health Breast Center as a resource for patients and their families. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, does not constitute a recommendation by the Rochester Regional Health Breast Center nor an assurance of the quality of services provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rochester Regional Health Breast Center accepts all major health insurances, including:
- Aetna
- Blue Choice
- Essence
- Excellus
- FidelisCare
- HealthNow
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Monroe Plan
- Multiplan
- MVP
- Railroad Medicare
- Rochester Regional Medical Plan
- TriCare
- United Health Care
- UHC Empire plan
- Wellcare
If you don't have insurance and are unable pay the cost of service, contact the Women's Health Partnership, a coalition of health care providers in Monroe and Livingston Counties who focus on increasing access to breast and cervical cancer screening. If you have any questions about eligibility requirements, contact the Women's Health Partnership at 585.753.5978.
We encourage you to share your interest in participating in a clinical trial with your provider during your initial appointment. Your doctor will ask you many questions to determine your eligibility to participate in a clinical trial since each clinical trial has very specific requirements.
Seeking a second opinion is a personal choice and we encourage you to do what you feel is right for you. The main reason most patients seek a second opinion is reassurance that the first opinion is correct, and that all treatment options have been explored. We would suggest talking with your original oncologist about your desire to receive a second opinion. They can provide recommendations and guide you about how long you can safely wait before having surgery or beginning treatment.
Yes. Our MyCare Patient Portal allows patients to access their health information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including clinical summaries after each appointment, and lab and other test results. The patient portal also allows you to securely connect with all of your medical providers, request prescription refills, request a new appointment, and make changes to an existing appointment.