Breast Cancer Resource Guide

FARMINGTON — In an effort to help answer some of the many questions women face when they are diagnosed with breast cancer, a group of advocates has compiled a first-of-its-kind resource book for Connecticut women.

The Breast Cancer Resource Guide of Connecticut provides timely information, covering a comprehensive range of topics from the biology and nature of cancer cells to treatment options, symptom management, financial advice, and support groups. It includes a thorough list of cancer services available across Connecticut.

To receive a free copy of the resource guide, call the UConn Health Center at 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692. An online copy of the guide is available at http://breastcancer.uchc.edu.

“This guide will inform patients about the facts surrounding breast cancer. It covers very basic facts, and also covers more advanced information, so that patients can make informed decisions about breast cancer treatments and recovery. We encourage patients to use the guide as a tool,” said Kristen Zarfos, MD, a surgeon and breast cancer specialist at the UConn Health Center who served as medical director and co-founder of the project.

“As a health advocate, I have seen the need for women with breast cancer to have information in a format that is easy to access, and usable in the privacy of their own homes — without having to make calls or use the Internet,” said Marty Mancuso, the program director and co-founder.

 “The Breast Cancer Resource Guide allows women to seek information as they are ready to absorb it. We are hopeful that the guide will be used as a tool that will help women make informed decisions about breast cancer and their medical providers,” Mr Mancuso added.

The nearly 200-page guide is available free of charge thanks to generous support from Pfizer Inc., the Pfizer Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Connecticut Race for the Cure, the UConn Health Center, and several private donations.