Dr. Mark Melendez was one of several speakers who was asked to present part of the findings, from The Community Profile: An Assessment of Breast Cancer in Connecticut — a comprehensive study of breast cancer in the Nutmeg State — which was developed by Susan G. Komen Southern New England. This press conference and reception was held at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut, on February 29, 2016. This event drew a wide range of attendees, including medical professionals, individuals from government, civic, and community organizations, concerned citizens, and members of the media.
Dr. Melendez spoke on the Community Profile: Quantitative, Qualitative & Health Systems Findings. He noted that there are many underserved communities in Connecticut; that many women are uncertain of how to access early health detection services; that taking time off, from work, is a major factor that impedes treatment for many women; and that there is limited public transportation to medical centers for screening, treatment, and procedures.
“I was truly honored to have been a part of this event and to be part of this distinguished organization that is working to help women and men, in the fight against breast cancer, all over Connecticut. Prevention, through regular mammograms and screenings, as well as early treatment of breast cancer, are both extraordinarily important,” states Dr. Melendez.
Dr. Melendez also noted that Connecticut is one of the states, that has a high number of women and men with breast cancer, in the United States. Unfortunately, many patients are not diagnosed due to missed screenings, lack of understanding of the importance of early detection and treatment, and a lack of access to health care due to financial constraints. The highest numbers of new cases, of breast cancer, are in Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury, Greenwich, West Hartford, Hartford, Norwalk, Fairfield, and Bristol, Connecticut.
Other speakers, at the press conference, included Lori van Dam, CEO of Susan G. Komen Southern New England; Dr. Raul Pino, Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Public Health; and Lisa Strelez McCooey, the Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Program at the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
In fiscal year 2015, Susan G. Komen Southern New England granted $1,200,000 to 18 Connecticut organizations, including St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Norwalk Hospital, Griffin Hospital, Hartford Hospital, Norma P. Friem Breast Cancer Center, Stamford Hospital, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Susan G. Komen Southern New England is the largest non-governmental funder of breast cancer services in Connecticut.
Dr. Melendez is a member of the Board of Directors of Susan G. Komen Southern New England and a member of the Connecticut Community Profile Team. Dr. Melendez is also a Johns Hopkins Fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who performs a full-spectrum of surgery for the hand, face, breast, and body, along wth facial rejuvenation. He specializes in breast reconstruction surgery, including the DIEP flap procedure, for breast cancer patients. Dr. Melendez has also performed volunteer surgery, for uninsured patients, at several hospitals in Connecticut and on several international medical missions to Vietnam and Ecuador. He has offices in Fairfield, Shelton, and Greenwich, as well as privileges at seven Connecticut hospitals. Additionally, Dr Melendez is an Assistant Professor at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, Connecticut.
Dr. Melendez’s offices are located in Fairfield (Fairfield Plastic Surgery) at 140 Sherman Street, Third Floor, Ph. 203.614.8800; in Shelton at Four Corporate Drive, Suite 288, Ph. 203.935.8160; and in Greenwich at 2 1/2 Dearfield Drive, Ph. 203.935.8160. Additional information is available at www.markmelendezmd.com.
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