Understanding your breast health is an important part of your overall wellness. By staying up to date on your breast screenings, you and your doctor at Ascension Borgess Women’s Health Center and Cancer Centers in Kalamazoo, Michigan, can have a better understanding of your breast health. We recommend women get a mammogram each year, starting at age 40. Our breast specialists start by listening to you. By getting to know you and your health history, we can recommend breast screening and other types of tests that are right for you.
Ascension Borgess breast care program
Our breast cancer care program at Ascension Borgess Breast Care Centers and Ascension Borgess hospitals follows the metric standards set by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
Why breast cancer screenings are important
Finding breast cancer early can help save lives. That’s why breast cancer screenings are so important. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms. They can also help determine which type of mammogram is right for you. And talk with your doctor anytime you have concerns between screenings. While screening mammograms are covered by insurance, please verify your insurance coverage before scheduling any breast care service.
If you are at average risk, we recommend:
- Every woman should have a clinical breast exam starting at age 25.
- Annual mammogram starting at age 40, and to continue until age 74.
- If you are over age 74, ask your doctor about continuing breast screening mammograms.
If you are at an increased risk for breast cancer, we recommend:
- Women with higher lifetime risk (positive genetic mutation, personal history of breast cancer, history of biopsy with “atypia” or multiple family members with breast cancer) should speak with their doctor or a breast specialist about appropriate screening schedules, which include incorporating annual supplemental breast MRI in conjunction with screening mammogram.
- Biannual clinical breast exam starting at age 25.
- Genetic evaluation and testing.
A referral from your health provider is needed for all mammograms. We make getting your mammogram convenient, with online scheduling.
FIND A MAMMOGRAPHY LOCATION
How to get connected with a breast specialist
If breast cancer is detected during your mammogram and breast examination, we connect you to a breast cancer specialist at Ascension Borgess sites of care. You’re not alone. We understand that when it comes to your breast health, making the right decision is important. Your doctors and care team take the time to answer your questions. Then, we explain your diagnosis and your treatment options. Your doctor and care team is part of a multispecialty cancer care team with the expertise to treat all types of breast disease. Your care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, breast radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners, breast care nurses, dietitians and other support services. We work together to deliver advanced care for your health and will coordinate your appointments to help keep your experience as seamless as possible.
Looking for a second opinion? We can help.
If you’re looking for a second opinion, Ascension Borgess is here for you. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but may also help you feel more confident in the doctor and the care plan you choose.
GET A SECOND OPINION
The importance of our tumor board at Ascension Borgess Cancer Centers
Through regular tumor board meetings, patients with complex cancers benefit from multiple cancer specialists reviewing their personal cases. The same specialists who make up your care team meet weekly to discuss other newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. They have access to the details of these cases and discuss treatment options so that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan.
The cancer specialists listed below are highly engaged members of the Ascension Borgess breast cancer tumor boards.
Breast surgical oncologists
Medical oncologists
Radiation oncologists
- Dr. Laura Ashack, Kalamazoo
- Dr. Simon Brown, Kalamazoo
- Dr. Mazen Mislmani, Kalamazoo
Lead breast radiologists
- Dr. Marcio Curvelo, Kalamazoo
Nurse Navigators
The Ascension Borgess Breast Cancer program connects you to a breast nurse navigator. Your nurse navigator is here to educate you, answer your questions and help guide you and your family from diagnosis and treatment to support services and recovery care. Your breast nurse navigator is an advocate for you and helps you get treatment in a timely manner. Our nurse navigators are:
- Lisa Schering, RN
- Kacie Root, RN
For more information, call Ascension Borgess Cancer Center in Kalamazoo.
Breast cancer services
Cancer is personal. So is the way we care for you. By understanding you and your cancer, we create a care plan using the latest technology and support services for your emotional and physical health. Ascension Michigan breast cancer care provides:
