Cindy B. Matsen,
MD
Languages Spoken: English
Cindy B. Matsen is a fellowship trained breast surgeon at the University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is board certified in General Surgery and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and benign breast diseases. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and her MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She then completed a residency in General Surgery at the University of Utah and a fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She has special interests in young breast cancer patients, doctor-patient communication, patient education, and decision making. She has research interests in shared decision making, health communication, and cancer care delivery. Her works focuses on better understanding how shared decision making is viewed and implemented by providers and designing interventions to improve the shared decision making process. She is particularly interested in preference elicitiation and how better training of providers in preference elcitation techniques can improve cancer outcomes. She enjoys collaborative work and has ongoing collaborations with researchers in communication, population health, epidemiology, engineering, and molecular biology. Her overall goal is to improve our ability to provide patient-centered care for cancer patients.
Clinical Locations
Huntsman Cancer Hospital
801-581-2431
Specialties
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
| Board Certification | American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery) |
Patient Ratings
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.9/ 5
Care provider spoke using clear language
4.9/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.9/ 5
My confidence in care provider
4.9/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.9/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5
Time care provider spent with me
4.9/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5
Care provider's friendliness and courtesy
5.0/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
July 27, 2017
OH I will recommend you people even on Facebook.
UofU Patient
June 06, 2017
Love Dr Matsen and her staff
UofU Patient
May 13, 2017
Dr Matsen seems to have all the time in the world.
UofU Patient
May 08, 2017
best experience with a physician I have ever had. I would recommend this Dr to anyone needing her specialty
UofU Patient
April 30, 2017
all staff was great. I felt as comfortable as possible considering the circumstances Dr Buys and Dr Matsen are both awesome
UofU Patient
April 26, 2017
Everything was great, as usual.
UofU Patient
March 25, 2017
she is the BEST
UofU Patient
March 20, 2017
experience as good as I could hope for.
UofU Patient
March 06, 2017
i have a lot of faith in Dr. Matsen
UofU Patient
March 01, 2017
very happy with the doctors and how helpful they were in explaining everything
UofU Patient
February 13, 2017
Dr. Matsen is one of the most caring and engaging MDs I've ever met. She is knowledgeable and an excellent listener. And on top of all of that she is just a wonderful human being. The medical student Ariel was a bright and caring person as well.
UofU Patient
February 04, 2017
Dr Madsen and team make it very clear that you are part of the team.
UofU Patient
February 03, 2017
excellent and A plus should be in your rating choices. I have experienced great care and healing at a most difficult time. we in the salt lake area are most fortunate to have skilled as well as compassionate care providers. also, I could feel the love and respect my wonderful doctor has from her staff. great mentors and leaders are not born every day. they are indeed special.
UofU Patient
January 26, 2017
Dr Matsen was very attentive in listening to me, she was very empathetic as well.
UofU Patient
December 23, 2016
very good care
UofU Patient
December 21, 2016
Dr. Matsen is the most amazing physician in her care and concern for me. I came with a significant worrisome lump and she put me at complete ease. I'm so grateful for her reassurance that things are normal and consistent with my post cancer treatment. thanks.
UofU Patient
December 13, 2016
Without question the best initial visit I have ever had in my life with a provider!
UofU Patient
December 03, 2016
I really like her. She was able to answer my questions and lead me in the right direction
UofU Patient
November 25, 2016
She makes you her priority when she's with you.
UofU Patient
November 06, 2016
Dr. Matsen is wonderful. What a skilled surgeon she is! Her bedside manner should be an example for others.
UofU Patient
October 24, 2016
Dr. Matson is fantastic, caring, and always responsive. I love that she calls me personally. What a wonderful example of a surgeon.
UofU Patient
September 23, 2016
Dr. Matsen is absolutely the most wonderful, caring, patient, knowledgeable caregiver I have ever had. I have the most confidence in her and tell everyone about her. The support staff are some of the best.
UofU Patient
September 16, 2016
I LOVED the booklet of info Dr. Matsen provided for me - it had all the notes and words in there so we circled or added side notes, but I didn't have to take notes and spell things incorrectly and I have the information for a reference to keep forever! It was SO helpful for me and is a great reference incase I have other questions.
UofU Patient
August 28, 2016
Being a new patient,I was very anxious,frightened, etc. and Dr.Matsen was excellent. She was so informative,patient,kind & understanding. Her surgical resident was also kind, caring and informative along with everyone else.
UofU Patient
August 26, 2016
All very good
UofU Patient
August 24, 2016
Thank you so much for the care and attention you provided to me. I felt completely taken care of and left feeling more comfortable.
UofU Patient
August 22, 2016
We spent almost 2 1/2 hrs. discussing breast cancer and my particular problems. Very thorough!
UofU Patient
August 22, 2016
I have recommended Dr. Matsen to friends and colleagues and I will continue to do so. She is very patient focused. I always feel that she is listening to me and giving me the best possible care.
UofU Patient
August 02, 2016
Dr. Matson is a very caring, kind, friendly Doctor, and her Residence were the same. Very nice to talk to, made me feel comfortable
UofU Patient
July 26, 2016
I have been a patient at Huntsman for almost a year under rather difficult circumstances. I am grateful every day for the expertise and compassion of my surgeon and the professionals who work with her. She, however, sets the standard of excellence in both professional and medical conduct and procedure. I could not have imagined the quality of care and kindness I received and continue to receive at the Institude.
UofU Patient
July 23, 2016
Dr. Matsen is so kind. She explains everything and makes sure that my questions are answered. She is straight forward about all of the procedures and always tells me what to expect. I appreciate that.
UofU Patient
July 17, 2016
I love Dr Matsen. she is the best at making you feel better by just being with her. p
UofU Patient
July 08, 2016
I needed a copy of my care plan...and received it without any problems. I was very grateful.
UofU Patient
July 05, 2016
I received news that I had not expected about my treatment plan. This made the initial meeting a bit hard for me to process. Dr Matsen, Dr Ward and Dr Matsen's NP as well as the other staff that chatted with me were patient and listened to my concerns and gave me options that could work for my current obligations as well as my treatment.
UofU Patient
July 04, 2016
again very sincere. not a trace of arrogance
UofU Patient
June 24, 2016
My sister was with me and both of us agreed that it was amazing how much time was spent by the surgeon herself making sure I understood everything, step by step, answered all our questions and never once made us feel rushed or like we were taking too much time. It is amazing how much better and more confident I felt after this experience.
UofU Patient
June 07, 2016
Dr Cindy Matsen was excellent
UofU Patient
June 03, 2016
In all the years I have been going to doctor visits, hospitals, clinics, etc. I have never been treated more professionally and with such care and compassion than at Huntsman. I am so glad I decided to have my cancer treatment at your facility and by Dr. Matsen and her staff.
UofU Patient
May 20, 2016
As expressed above, Dr. Cindy Mattsen has been the perfect surgeon for me during my diagnosis of breast cancer, mastectomy, and follow up. I cannot be too grateful for her personna, expertise, and support.
UofU Patient
May 14, 2016
Post surg apt was super informative, personable and professional in language that I understood, and appreciated from Dr Matsen, Victoria Serpico, and a Intern whom I have forgotten her name. Also, Cindy Breast Nurse was especially kind and empathetic re my pain and post surgery concerns. Outstanding staff, I am a lucky girl to have you all in my care. Thank you so much.
UofU Patient
May 10, 2016
They are 2 of the best Ca Dr's in the west
UofU Patient
April 17, 2016
Dr. Madsen was down to earth and gave me useful info about my concern.
UofU Patient
April 17, 2016
Dr. Matsen is very easy to talk to and listens well.
UofU Patient
April 09, 2016
Dr Matsen is incredible!
UofU Patient
March 27, 2016
Dr Matsen has been stellar
UofU Patient
March 22, 2016
Surgery room time was not available until a later date. I appreciate Dr. Matson expressing confidence in the other doctor who could do the surgery sooner. She was very thorough and kind in her complete explanation to me of the problem and need for surgery. Thank you Dr. Matson.
UofU Patient
March 13, 2016
My experience at HCI was excellent and I would recommend the hospital to anyone going through a similar situation.
UofU Patient
March 10, 2016
Time spent and explanations given by surgeon were Excellent!
UofU Patient
February 15, 2016
Dr. Matsen was fantastic
UofU Patient
February 10, 2016
I will enjoy my return visits.
UofU Patient
February 03, 2016
Dr. Matsen was so very thorough. She was inquisitive about my condition, how I felt, any worries. She spent a very adequate amount of time with me and I could tell that she truly cares for me. Thank you, Dr. Matsen!
UofU Patient
January 18, 2016
Dr Mattsen and Heidi were incredible. They explained everything to me and answered all of my questions. I found that the advice they gave me was very good.
UofU Patient
January 15, 2016
I was extremely impressed with Dr. Matsen. Her professionalism and her confident and caring bedside manner contributed to making me feel at ease. She is the first care provider I have seen since moving here in August who took her time with me and truly focused on me. Thank you, Dr. Matsen!
UofU Patient
December 09, 2015
it was very nice to feel they were there to help me instead of me feeling like was an object that they had to deal with.
UofU Patient
October 29, 2015
Dr. Matsen is great.
UofU Patient
October 26, 2015
Dr. Matson listens well and answers questions fully
UofU Patient
October 24, 2015
I felt that Dr. Madsen was more relaxed during this visit than she had been previously. She has my confidence in her qualifications.
UofU Patient
October 01, 2015
Dr. matson was very informative , explaining everything so I could understand exactly what she was saying so I could understand. Noted everything on paper and listened to questions asked.
UofU Patient
September 28, 2015
I really like Dr. Matsen
UofU Patient
September 14, 2015
amazing patient care
UofU Patient
September 09, 2015
was very comfortable during the whole visit. Everything was explained in words I could understand.
UofU Patient
August 11, 2015
Whether on the telephone or in person, Dr. Matsen always takes the time to explain treatment options to me and to answer all questions - I never feel rushed or unheard.
UofU Patient
July 13, 2015
I would highly recommend Dr Matsen to any of my friends or acquaintances, she was incredibly knowledgeable and good at explaining my condition and choices, quick to answer questions, and very friendly. It was obvious that she cared about her patients. She is a first rate surgeon.
UofU Patient
July 06, 2015
This experience was among the very best I've ever had with a medical provider in my 25 years as an adult. As a registered nurse myself, I have high standards and this clinic exceeded them. While I do not actively have cancer, I found the care and concern for my future well being to be incredibly well articulated and presented in detail. The educational materials were exactly what I needed to process the complicated decisions ahead. Thank you a million times over for Dr. Madsen and her staff!! Outstanding professionals!!
UofU Patient
July 05, 2015
I would absolutely recommend Dr Matsen 100%
UofU Patient
June 21, 2015
dr Matsen was amazing. she spent plenty of time answering my questions, talking through my treatment options and alleviating my concerns. I was impresessed with how approachable and how knowledgeable she was.
UofU Patient
June 10, 2015
If you have to have a caner experience, this is the place to go.
UofU Patient
May 17, 2015
I like dr. Matsen and feel comfortable with her performing my surgery
UofU Patient
May 04, 2015
excellent
UofU Patient
May 01, 2015
She taught me an excellent new word. "Adjuvent"
UofU Patient
April 19, 2015
I was a little apprehensive about seeing a new doctor after Dr. Neumeyer left, but Dr. Matson is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
UofU Patient
April 13, 2015
Dr. Matsen was awesome, she answered all my questions.
UofU Patient
April 13, 2015
dr Matson is terrific. very professional and caring.
UofU Patient
March 21, 2015
Dr. Matsen is outstanding!
UofU Patient
March 09, 2015
Dr Matsen is thorough and never makes me feel like she or I are in a rush. She answers every question or concern.
UofU Patient
March 09, 2015
Dr Matsen - the best! Just learning about cancer is overwhelming. Dr Matsen eased some of the fright so I could focus and learn about my cancer and treatments.
UofU Patient
March 02, 2015
Dr. Matsen is wonderful. I had heard excellent feedback about her and it was all true. Thank you!
UofU Patient
February 25, 2015
FIrst, I met with Dr. Mathew Morgan. He was wonderful in explaining my mammo results and in answering all of my questions. He was unhurried and kind. Dr. Matsen was also awesome! She talked to me for probably 45 minutes. She was so willing to teach me and answer all of my questions and concerns. I am truly grateful for them both !
UofU Patient
February 21, 2015
Dr. Matson was wonderful. Everyone was professional and caring.
UofU Patient
February 14, 2015
I really appreciate Dr. Matsen's care. Her experience and knowledge are remarkable - I appreciate her ability to treat me with individual courtesy and thoughtfulness.
UofU Patient
February 10, 2015
I was treated exceptionally well and explanations were thoroughly given. Thank you.
UofU Patient
February 04, 2015
Just wish I lived closer, but the travel, well worth it
UofU Patient
January 27, 2015
very professional and friendly; took time to listen to what i had to say; very concerned about my problem; really wanting to find a cure to my problem...great staff...
UofU Patient
January 11, 2015
I can't say enough about my first visit with all the care providers that I saw. Excellent would be an understatement !! Friendliness, explanations, concern, inclusion, information, instructions, time spent, all were more than excellent !!! So far I could not give enough thumbs up to the care providers I have seen. I left with great confidence in the outcome of the process I'm to go through and the care providers that will provide my care !!
UofU Patient
December 22, 2014
I appreciated Dr. Matson's concern for my daughter in relation to her age, changing body during growth, etc. I also appreciated the ultrasound and biopsy team. Everyone explained each step in the process, both the biology for my daughters specific issue and equipment used for her procedure.
UofU Patient
December 13, 2014
Good
UofU Patient
November 14, 2014
Very impressed with Dr. Matsen and very happy to be able to establish my care with her. I feel I am in such good hands at Huntsman.
UofU Patient
November 09, 2014
Dr. Madsen was able to let me know about the prescription she had given me in terminology I could understand.
Cindy B. Matsen is a board certified General Surgeon who is fellowship trained in Breast Surgical Oncology. She has research interests in shared decision making, doctor-patient communication, and cancer care delivery. Her works focuses on better understanding how shared decision making is viewed and implemented by providers and designing interventions to improve the shared decision making process. She is particularly interested in preference elicitiation and how better training of providers in preference elcitation techniques can improve cancer outcomes. She enjoys collaborative work and has ongoing collaborations with researchers in communication, population health, epidemiology, engineering, and molecular biology. Her overall goal is to improve our ability to provide patient-centered care for cancer patients.
Academic Locations
Huntsman Cancer Hospital
801-581-2431
School of Medicine
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
| Board Certification | American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery) |
Education History
| Fellowship | Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow |
| Residency | University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals General Surgery Resident |
| Professional Medical | University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Medicine M.D. |
| Undergraduate | University of Oregon Biology B.S. |
| Graduate Training | University of Utah Health Services Research M.S.C.I |
Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Cohen AL, Factor RE, Mooney K, Salama ME, Wade M, Serpico V, Ostrander E, Nelson E, Porretta J, Matsen C, Bernard P, Boucher K, Neumayer L (2017). POWERPIINC (PreOperative Window of Endocrine TheRapy Provides Information to Increase Compliance) trial: Changes in tumor proliferation index and quality of life with 7 days of preoperative tamoxifen. Breast, 31, 219-223.
- Kaphingst KA, Ivanovich J, Elrick A, Dresser R, Matsen C, Goodman MS (2016). How, who, and when: preferences for delivery of genome sequencing results among women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Mol Genet Genomic Med, 4(6), 684-695.
- Ugras S, Matsen C, Eaton A, Stempel M, Morrow M, Cody HS 3rd (2016). Reoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Feasible for Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer, But is it Worthwhile? Ann Surg Oncol, 23(3), 744-8.
- Matsen C, Villegas K, Eaton A, Stempel M, Manning A, Cody HS, Morrow M, Heerdt A (2016). Late Axillary Recurrence After Negative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Uncommon. Ann Surg Oncol, 23(8), 2456-61.
- Matsen CB, Mehrara B, Eaton A, Capko D, Berg A, Stempel M, Van Zee KJ, Pusic A, King TA, Cody HS 3rd, Pilewskie M, Cordeiro P, Sclafani L, Plitas G, Gemignani ML, Disa J, El-Tamer M, Morrow M (2016). Skin Flap Necrosis After Mastectomy With Reconstruction: A Prospective Study. Ann Surg Oncol, 23(1), 257-64.
- Frandsen J, Ly D, Cannon G, Suneja G, Matsen C, Gaffney DK, Wright M, Kokeny KE, Poppe MM (2015). In the Modern Treatment Era, Is Breast Conservation Equivalent to Mastectomy in Women Younger Than 40 Years of Age? A Multi-Institution Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys, 93(5), 1096-103.
- Poruk KE, Ying J, Chidester JR, Olson JR, Matsen CB, Neumayer L, Agarwal J (2015). Breast cancer recurrence after nipple-sparing mastectomy: one institution's experience. Am J Surg, 209(1), 212-7.
- Matsen CB, Hirsch A, Eaton A, Stempel M, Heerdt A, Van Zee KJ, Cody HS 3rd, Morrow M, Plitas G (2014). Extent of microinvasion in ductal carcinoma in situ is not associated with sentinel lymph node metastases. Ann Surg Oncol, 21(10), 3330-5.
- Gligorich KM, Vaden RM, Shelton DN, Wang G, Matsen CB, Looper RE, Sigman MS, Welm BE (2013). Development of a screen to identify selective small molecules active against patient-derived metastatic and chemoresistant breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res, 15(4), R58.
- Lum DH, Matsen C, Welm AL, Welm BE (2012). Overview of human primary tumorgraft models: comparisons with traditional oncology preclinical models and the clinical relevance and utility of primary tumorgrafts in basic and translational oncology research. Curr Protoc Pharmacol, Chapter 14, Unit 14.22.
- Matsen CB, Luther SL, Stewart AK, Henderson WG, Kim H, Neumayer LA (2012). A match made in heaven? Trying to combine ACS-NSQIP and NCDB databases. J Surg Res, 175(1), 6-11.
- DeRose YS, Wang G, Lin YC, Bernard PS, Buys SS, Ebbert MT, Factor R, Matsen C, Milash BA, Nelson E, Neumayer L, Randall RL, Stijleman IJ, Welm BE, Welm AL (2011). Tumor grafts derived from women with breast cancer authentically reflect tumor pathology, growth, metastasis and disease outcomes. Nat Med, 17(11), 1514-20.
Review
- Matsen C, Van Zee KJ (03/2014). Use of Established Nomograms to Predict Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis. [Review]. Current Breast Cancer Reports, 6(1).
- Matsen CB, Neumayer LA (2013). Breast cancer: a review for the general surgeon. [Review]. JAMA Surg, 148(10), 971-9.
Commentary
- Matsen CB (2016). Commentary on Locoregional Control According to Breast Cancer Subtype and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Breast-conserving Therapy: Swisher SK, Vila J, Tucker SL, et al (The Univ of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr, Houston) Ann Surg Oncol 23:749-756, 2016. Breast Dis Year Bk Q, 27(4), 306-307.
- Weitz A, Matsen CB (2016). Commentary on Differences in Response and Surgical management with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in invasive lobular vs ductal breast cancer. Truin W, Vugts G,, Roumen RM, et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2016 Jan;23(1):51-7. Breast Dis Year Bk Q, 27(3), 222-224.
- Matsen CB, Neumayer LA (2016). Commentary on Pilewskie M, Jochelson M, Gooch J et al. “Is Preoperative Axillary Imaging beneficial in Identifying Clinically Node-Negative Patients Requiring Axillary Dissection?” J Am Coll Surg. 2016 Feb;222(2):138-45. Selected Readings in General Surgery.
- Matsen CB (2016). Commentary on Regional Lymphatic Recurrence After Salvage Surgery for Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence of Breast Cancer Without Local Treatment for Regional Lymphatic Basin. Breast Dis Year Bk Q, 26(2).
- Bowen M and Matsen CB (April-June 2015). Commentary on Local Recurrence Rates are Low in High-Risk Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer in the I-SPY 1 Trial (CALGB 150007/150012;ACRIN 6657). Breast Dis Year Bk Q, 26(1), 63-65.
Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast
- Matsen (August 2016).
Want To Know Her: Cindy Matsen - Studio 5 - KSL.com, August 26, 2016
studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=41210478 [Video]. - Cindy B Matsen (2015). What We Need to Know to Treat Your Breast Cancer [Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w1P8WLiWnY.
- Cindy B Matsen (2015). Surgery for Breast Cancer [Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKtCgNBcY5c.
- Cindy B Matsen (2015). What to Expect After Surgery [Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YGH0MnN644.
- Cindy B Matsen (2015). Introduction to the Huntsman Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Clinic [Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZAMUx5wDSg.
Poster
- Matsen CB (2017). Seeing Eye to Eye: Do newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their surgeons agree on the role played in decision making? Poster session presented at The American Society of Breast Surgeons 18th Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
- Matsen CB (2017). Different Methods of Localization for Non-palpable Breast Tumors and Patient Reported AnxietyÓ. Poster session presented at Society of Behavioral Medicine 38th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions, San Diego, CA.
- Matsen CB, Ray D, Kaphingst K, Presson AP, Zhang C, Finlayson SRG (2016). Patient-Centeredness does not Correlate with Patients' Perceptions of Inclusion in Decision Making. Poster session presented at American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, Washington DC.
- Matsen CB, Villegas K, Eaton A, Stempel M, Manning A, Morrow M, Heerdt A (2014). Late Axillary Recurrence after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Uncommon. Poster session presented at Breast Cancer Symposium, San Francisco, CA.
- Matsen CB, Villegas K, Eaton A, Stempel M, Manning A, Morrow M, Heerdt A (2014). Late Axillary Recurrence after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Uncommon. Poster session presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
- Matsen CB, Hirsch A, Eaton A, Stempel M, Heerdt A, Cody H, Morrow M, Plitas G (2014). Extent of Microinvasion in DCIS is not Associated with Sentinel Lymph Node Metastases. Poster session presented at American Society of Breast Surgeons 15th Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
- Chidester JR, Poruk KE, Olson J, Marengo J, Matsen CB, Neumayer L, Agarwal J (2011). Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) and Immediate Reconstruction. Poster session presented at CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio, TX.