On Saturday, October 3, patients, families, clinicians and community members will come together at Pine Banks Park in Melrose for the second annual Tufts Medical Center Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk. The event kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raises funds to support the Breast Health Center, helping advance care, research and programs for patients and their families.
For Dr. Sarah Persing, an oncoplastic surgeon at Tufts Medical Center and Associate Professor of Surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine, the Breast Health Center represents a broader commitment to personalized, multidisciplinary breast cancer care. That includes innovative approaches such as oncoplastic surgery, which combines cancer removal and reconstruction in a single procedure, as well as comprehensive support for patients throughout their treatment and recovery.
A different approach to breast cancer surgery
"In a traditional model, breast cancer care is very siloed," said Dr. Persing. "You have the breast surgeon over here, and the plastic surgeon over here, but neither one really understands what the other does. That never made sense to me."
Trained in both specialties, Persing combines cancer removal and reconstruction into a single surgery, an approach called oncoplastic surgery. The goal is to give patients a more coordinated experience while achieving better outcomes.
Nationally, a standard lumpectomy leaves a positive margin, meaning cancer is left behind and a second surgery is needed, in about 20% of cases. With oncoplastic surgery, that rate is lowered to 5–7%. At Tufts Medical Center, the rate runs closer to 2–3%.
"The main reason why we do oncoplastic surgery is because it's better from a cancer perspective," Persing said, "with a much, much, much lower margin rate." Patients can also avoid some of the visible changes that can come with a standard lumpectomy.
Training the next generation
That commitment to advancing breast cancer care extends to training. The Breast Health Center is launching a new fellowship in oncoplastic surgery—the first program of its kind in the country. Fellows will train directly with leading oncoplastic surgeons like Persing and Dr. Abhishek Chatterjee, Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery and a Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Funds raised through the 5K help cover the cost of hiring and supporting a fellow, extending the impact of the event beyond today's patients and helping train the next generation of specialists in an approach that remains uncommon nationwide.
Supporting patients beyond surgery
The Breast Health Center's work extends well beyond the operating room. Race proceeds also help support:
- Research, including database access fees and support for research fellows and medical students presenting their work
- The Neely House, offering reduced-cost stays for patients traveling from out of town before and after surgery
- Patient support programs, like Reiki therapy and group art sessions
- Nursing education, funding continuing education and conference attendance for surgical nurses
- Nipple tattooing equipment and training for nursing and PA staff, which helps restore a natural appearance after surgery
A culture built on connection
For Dr. Persing, the impact is personal. At last year's race, she saw a patient she had operated on, who came out to support the program. Their families ended up meeting. "It brings us closer together," Dr. Persing said. Now, when their paths cross, the patient asks how her kids are doing.
"We don't think patients should be a number," Dr. Persing said. "We have a very personal touch, and I think that's worked well for our program." Her message to anyone considering a donation is direct: "Your dollar will make a real difference here."
Join us on October 3
The 5K starts at 9 am at Pine Banks Park (1 Main St, Melrose, MA); check-in opens at 8 am. A virtual run/walk option is also available.
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