Experienced breast cancer specialists, close to home
At Ascension Wisconsin, our experienced breast care providers are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for breast care — bringing the best cancer care to you, close to home. When you choose Ascension Wisconsin, you get a multispecialty team of doctors, prioritizing early and personalized treatment: board-certified surgeons, breast radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a cancer navigator, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, financial advocates, research coordinators, lymphedema specialists and additional care team members.
The Breast Cancer Care Program at Ascension in Southeast Wisconsin is recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), delivering advanced diagnostic tests, high-quality treatments and follow-up care.
Your doctors and care teams deliver a customized care plan for your cancer. We treat many types of breast cancer, including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), non-invasive breast cancer in the milk ducts
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), cancer of the milk ducts that has invaded breast tissue beyond the ducts
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare, invasive cancer that blocks the lymph vessels in the breast skin
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), begins in milk glands
- Male breast cancer, cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men
- Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
When you’re going through breast cancer care, we’re by your side
Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. At Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care, you’re never alone. You will have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and an entire care team dedicated to your care — connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and cancer navigator will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.
Team approach helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, lymphedema or physical therapy, or other specialists — you do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis, or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services you need, and support you along the way. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team and ask your questions.
Benefits of our approach to breast cancer care
Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health.
Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care offers comprehensive breast cancer care, including:
- Breast radiology: We offer imaging locations close to home — from dedicated breast imaging centers to women’s health centers and our mobile mammogram program. The latest imaging supports 3D mammographic screening and abbreviated breast MRI, as well as diagnostic tests for advanced care (diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, image-guided needle biopsy and placing preoperative wires or magnetic seeds to remove cancer or a breast lesion that is not presenting as a palpable lump).
- Cancer prevention and wellness care: At Ascension Wisconsin, we offer a comprehensive approach to identifying and monitoring an individual’s risk for developing cancer. Through our personalized Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program, we’ll work closely with you to create a care plan that includes targeted screenings, testing and follow-up care based on your individual risk. Talk with your doctor or contact the Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program at 262-785-2273.
- Breast surgery: Surgeons specialize in breast-conserving lumpectomy using smaller, more precise incisions; Hidden Scar™ breast surgery; and nipple-sparing mastectomy. You may have options for immediate breast reconstruction, including a consultation with a plastic surgeon. We also work with plastic surgeons to provide breast-conserving surgery with a lift or reduction.
- Medical oncology: Medical oncologists work with your gynecologist and breast surgeon to deliver advanced care (chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted immunotherapy) to help stop cancer spread.
- Radiation oncology: Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue to help decrease the risk of the cancer returning.
- Clinical trials: If you want to learn more about other cancer care options or would like to participate in one of our ongoing clinical trials, talk to your doctor to see what is available for you.
- Genetic counseling and testing: If you are high risk or have a family history of breast cancer, we deliver cancer genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.
- Oncology rehabilitation with lymphedema therapy: Specially trained therapists provide education and preventive exercises to help decrease your risk of lymphedema prior to surgery. Specialists also assess you after surgery to help deliver therapy for lymphedema (if needed) or identify problems with shoulder mobility following your procedure.
- Support programs and resources: Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to breast cancer support groups and spiritual care. And, at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. Call 262-204-7490.
Ask about virtual care (e.g, telehealth or online) appointments for your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home. You'll be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer and get the care that's right for you.
Get a second opinion on your breast cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Wisconsin. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new breast cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our breast cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
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Cancer Survivorship
At Ascension Wisconsin, we align with the National Cancer Institute’s definition of a cancer survivor: "An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of life. There are many types of survivors, including those living with cancer and those free of cancer." Ascension Wisconsin's Cancer Survivorship Program is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in their journey. Our goal is to help improve your health and quality of life after a diagnosis through online classes, in-person support groups and cancer survivorship classes in the Greater Milwaukee area, Racine and the Fox Valley. These classes and events are designed to increase your knowledge of nutrition, provide options for physical activity, help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being on your survivorship journey.
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Frequently asked questions about our breast cancer care services
