Glimmer of Hope Funds Mental Health Pilot Program for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients at AHN Cancer Institute

PITTSBURGH - Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute today announced the launch of a pilot program to address the critical mental health needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer at the Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic (GOHMBCC) at Allegheny General Hospital. The pilot is made possible by a $50,000 grant from A Glimmer of Hope Foundation from funds raised through an annual event, Pitch for Hope, held in partnership with Pirates Charities.

Metastatic breast cancer, a stage 4 diagnosis meaning cancer has spread beyond the breast, is treatable but incurable. Patients face a lifelong journey of treatment and often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. The GOHMBCC, directed by Christie Hilton, DO, Director of the Academic Breast Oncology at AHN, provides comprehensive care for these patients, and will be one of the first programs within the AHN Cancer Institute to offer integrated mental health support through a dedicated behavioral health psychologist.

In a 2023 study of 230,000 cancer patients, 10% of patients in the study cohort had depression or anxiety before their cancer diagnosis, and 22% were diagnosed afterward - meaning one-third of cancer patients also has a concurrent diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Newly diagnosed depression and anxiety cases are most common among those with metastatic disease; suicide risk also increases acutely in the first six months after a cancer diagnosis.

This pilot program will integrate a behavioral health psychologist specializing in oncology into the GOHMBCC two days a week, Mondays and Fridays. The psychologist will offer crucial support to patients navigating the emotional challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.

"Care fragmentation, especially the separation of medical care and mental health services, is a known barrier for metastatic cancer patients. This program will provide vital mental health support to a fragile population in need of comprehensive, accessible care for both their body and minds," Dr. Hilton said. "We are incredibly grateful to Glimmer of Hope for this generous donation, as the inclusion of a psychologist will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive cancer care."

All services during the pilot phase will be provided at no cost to patients, relieving some of the financial burden of cancer care, as private-practice behavioral health services are often beyond the financial means of those experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Integrating behavioral health services into the cancer-care setting can also relieve some of cancer's emotional burden, as patients don't have to search for a behavioral health specialist on top of their cancer care regimen.

"This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals battling metastatic breast cancer," Dr. Hilton said. "A Glimmer of Hope and AHN Cancer Institute are committed to improving the quality of life for these patients and their families."

The $50,000 grant will cover the psychologist's costs for the six-month pilot period. During this time, a sustainable funding model will be developed, with the goal permanently integrating the behavioral health specialist into the GOHMBCC following the pilot program's completion.

"This groundbreaking initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing not just the physical challenges of metastatic breast cancer but the equally critical emotional toll it takes," said Diana Napper, founder and president of Glimmer of Hope Foundation. "By integrating mental health care into oncology, we are providing hope, relief, and a lifeline to patients and their families."