Care is improving for patients undergoing breast imaging. The Department of Radiology has added a dedicated breast health nurse navigator, Anne Aguilera. As a registered nurse who specializes in oncology and radiology, Aguilera is providing breast health education and support at some of the most emotionally challenging points in a patient’s care.
“The addition of a breast health navigator represents a major step forward in how we support our patients during one of the most vulnerable points in their lives,” said Department of Radiology Chair Elizabeth Morris. “This role will allow Anne to provide not only clinical coordination but also compassion, clarity and continuity.”
One of Aguilera’s primary responsibilities is reaching out to every patient scheduled for a breast imaging procedure. She gets in touch with those with abnormal findings who may not have direct contact with a radiologist. She also:
- Provides tailored information and educational material so patients know what to expect.
- Helps reduce patient anxiety through support and guidance.
- Identifies needs that could enhance comfort and safety, including interpreter services, anxiety medication and mobility support.
Emotional support and guidance
“What excites me most is the human connection this role restores,” Aguilera said. “Before patients ever walk into the cancer center, they now have someone guiding them and educating them on their specific type of breast cancer and advocating for them. That early support makes a profound difference.”
Many women find themselves in a distressing limbo after learning they have breast cancer but before they have met their oncology team. The navigator’s involvement provides much-needed emotional grounding during this period. Her outreach offers early support, encouragement and a compassionate point of contact — helping close a critical gap in the patient experience.
“A breast cancer diagnosis involves many moving parts, and even small delays can feel overwhelming to patients,” Aguilera said. “We want to ensure that imaging is completed quickly and thoughtfully, so patients can transition to breast surgery or medical oncology care without unnecessary waiting.”
Preventing delays in cancer treatment
The navigator is monitoring all newly diagnosed breast cancer cases to ensure patients receive recommended breast MRI imaging before meeting with their surgeon or oncologist, ideally within two weeks of diagnosis. Understanding how far their disease has progressed is critical to guiding them to the next steps. This proactive approach helps prevent imaging-related delays in breast cancer surgery planning, ensuring patients move through the system as efficiently and safely as possible.
Expanding breast cancer care
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is expanding its breast cancer services to ensure it can meet the growing population in the region and the corresponding growth in breast cancer diagnoses.
