Hematology / OncologyPhysiciansLocations

At Starling Physicians, we have a dedicated team focused on breast health. This team includes oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, occupational therapists, a nurse navigator, social worker, and dietitian. Together, we provide medical and surgical treatment for both breast cancer and benign breast conditions.

We provide the highest quality care in a compassionate and timely manner. We place a strong emphasis on patient education, helping our patients understand risk factors and treatment options so they can select the best plan of care. And, we focus on the totality of your care including emotional, as well as logistical and economic, challenges. 

“Am I going to lose my hair?” is often the first question breast cancer patients ask when they initially find out they need chemotherapy. Starting in July, Starling Physicians is proud to be among the first oncology centers in the Greater Hartford area to offer the most innovative hair preservation system for breast cancer patients.

Click here to learn more >>

Understanding Genetic Conditions So You Can Make Informed Decisions About Your Health

It is natural to be concerned about your risk of developing cancer when a family member has struggled with a similar disease. Cancer often develops by chance. In some cases, however, there are genetic factors that increase your likelihood of developing certain cancers over your lifetime.

The Hereditary Risk Assessment Program at Starling Physicians can help you determine your risk of developing cancer, especially if you or someone in your family has been previously diagnosed. Our Hereditary Risk Assessment Advanced Practice Providers are specifically trained to help you understand genetic conditions, assess your risk of being affected by certain cancers, and support you in making informed decisions about testing and treatment.

Who Should Consider Hereditary Risk Assessment? >>

Hereditary Cancer Risks

Based on genetics, some people and their family members are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. These families often share a common genetic factor, or altered gene, that is inherited. People in these families have a higher chance of developing cancer than those in the general public. At least ten percent of all cancers are due to an altered gene inherited from one or both of the person’s parents that are passed down in families. People who carry such altered genes do not always develop cancer, but their risk of developing cancer at some point is higher than average.

Some “red flags” for genetic related cancers include cancers under the age of 50, rare cancers, and families having multiple members with cancer.

Altered genes:

Many altered genes have been identified that can increase a person’s cancer risk. Genetic testing can be used to evaluate whether an ndividual has an altered gene associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, colon, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, thyroid, and other cancers. If genetic testing identifies an altered gene (hereditary predisposition to cancer), the individual
who carries the altered gene will be offered special cancer screening and prevention options which may play a key role in his or her healthcare decisions.

About Genetic Education & Genetic Testing

Genetic education and/or testing can help you evaluate your cancer risk so you can be proactive about your health.

Genetic education:

We will review your personal and family history of cancer to identify your risk factors and appropriate cancer screening and prevention options. Genetic education includes an explanation of the scientific information related to genetic testing and which genetic tests may be useful.

Genetic testing:

We will discuss the benefits, limitations, and options for genetic testing, as well as detailed interpretation of results, if you choose this path. Genetic testing may not be useful for everyone receiving genetic education.  Deciding whether to have genetic testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of genetic education or in the future. Genetic testing is a simple blood test.

For more information or to schedule a visit:

Enfield
9 Cranbrook Blvd., Enfield, CT
(860) 253-5330 option 5

Wethersfield
1260 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT
(860) 246-6647

Recognized for hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.

Starling is proud to have an on-site dietitian, Elisa Marley, RD CD. Ms. Marley provides our oncology patients with comprehensive nutrition assessments and counseling. She assists patients in the management of mouth sores, nausea, hydration, constipation, other common side effects of cancer treatment. She also partners with patients to ensure they maintain adequate nutrition and calorie consumption during treatment and recovery. She sees patients in Wethersfield and can be reached at (860) 246-6647 ext. 2072.

Helpful Strategies for Managing Side Effects Through Diet

Recipes to Enjoy

Cancer Nutrition Resources

Conveniently fill your prescriptions at our oncology offices.

There’s no need to make a separate trip to the pharmacy for prescriptions ordered by your physician. Starling Physicians can now fill a number of specialty prescriptions at our in-office dispensary. These include:

• Oral chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Targeted medications
• Antiobiotics
• Supportive medications for side effect management

Your physician will send your prescription to our in-office dispensary and you can pick it up at our Starling oncology office.

Patient Centered Care with a Focus on You

Our in-office dispensary is part of Starling’s commitment to patient-centered care. Filling specialty prescriptions at your physician’s office can save you time and improves coordination with your healthcare team.

Managing the Costs of Cancer Treatment

We understand that prescription benefit coverage can be confusing and overwhelming. Our dedicated pharmacy technician will take the time to verify your insurance coverage, investigate co-payment assistance and other financial programs, and ensure you are receiving the maximum drug benefits available.

Helping You Understand Your Medications

Cancer treatment regimens can be complicated. Your healthcare team will provide you with education and counseling prior to your prescription being filled.  Our pharmacy technician is available to address questions and concerns and communicate with your providers so treatment may be adjusted as needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Starling In-office Dispensary:
1260 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
8:30am-4:30pm
(860) 721-5735 or (860) 246-6647 ext. 2070

An oncology social worker offers counseling and provides valuable information to reduce your stress as you navigate through your cancer journey. Jessica Lozada is Starling’s licensed master social worker. She brings her expertise and compassion to help you manage the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of treatment.

She can help you:

• Cope with a diagnosis and the emotions you may experience
• Provide emotional support and counseling to you, your family, and caregivers
• Improve your quality of life
• Understand what it is like to live with cancer
• Understand your financial benefits and insurance coverage
• Apply for financial assistance programs
• Access copay assistance programs for drugs
• Find transportation to medical appointments
• Make decisions regarding your treatment and other areas of your life
• Fill out and file an advance directive
• Talk with your treatment team, family, and friends
• Find a local support group
• Find a counselor in the community
• Connect you to community resources

Our oncology social worker plays a valuable role on your healthcare team. Let her serve as your advocate and help you every step of the way.

Jessica Lozada, LMSW

(860) 246-6647 ext. 2049
jlozada@starlingphysicians.com

Advancements in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Dr. Daniel Morganstern is Starling’s new leading breast cancer subspecialist. He is interviewed on Fox TV about a major research finding that was recently published from the largest breast oncology study to date. This study found that women with early stage, estrogen positive breast cancer that had not spread to lymph nodes may no longer benefit from chemotherapy. Hear about how this finding dramatically shapes treatment options for breast cancer patients as we enter a new era of personalized medicine.

Lung Cancer on the Rise for Women

Dr. Madhavi Gorusu talks with Channel 8 about the alarming trend in rising lung cancer rates for non-smoking women. Learn how early detection is critical.

Big Changes Ahead in Breast Cancer Treatment

Dr. Morganstern talks with Brad Davis on WTIC about some of the new research which has dramatic implications for breast cancer treatment. This in depth interview explores what this means for women in Connecticut. 

Watch this brief video to learn about how the Oncology Care Model benefits our Medicare patients >>

For helpful resources and support dealing with cancer, click here >>

To learn more about breast cancer statistics, click here >>

To learn about Starling Physician’s Hereditary Risk Assessment Program, click here>>