Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women. Experts at Trinity Health Michigan surround you with support and offer care recommendations so you can begin to heal.
Every woman’s cancer journey is unique. Our team delivers personalized treatments, including innovative therapies that help you return to a full, active life. You also have access to support services and specialists who help put your mind at ease.
Breast Cancer Treatment at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
At Trinity Health Michigan, you receive services from a compassionate team of doctors, nurses and specialists with experience caring for breast cancer patients. We are with you through all stages of treatment. We start by getting to know you and explaining your diagnosis. Then, we recommend the therapies that are best for your circumstances and answer all of your questions.
Highlights of our program include:
- Highly-skilled breast surgeons: Our team includes doctors with additional training (a fellowship) in breast cancer surgery. With decades of experience, we excel in advanced surgical techniques. Many women are able to avoid a mastectomy. For some women, mastectomy is the preferred option. Many of these women can be offered reconstruction. Find out more about surgical oncology.
- Nurse navigators: Throughout your cancer care journey, you receive assistance and support from a nurse navigator. This specialist coordinates any test and appointments you may need. Our navigators also connect you with helpful resources, including supportive care services such as counseling, any time you need it.
- Diagnostic specialists: Trinity Health Michigan is home to radiologists who specialize in breast imaging and interventional procedures. Our team also includes doctors who examine tissue samples for signs of disease (pathologists). Some of our pathologists have special training in breast disease. You receive a more precise diagnosis and more effective care.
- Access to clinical trials: We are advancing breast cancer care through research, giving many patients access to more care options. You may be able to participate in a clinical trial and receive new treatments before they are widely available. Learn more about cancer research and clinical trials.
Nationally-Recognized Breast Cancer Screening Program
We emphasize early detection, giving you better chances for successful treatment. We follow the highest care standards, including screening tests with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis). Our commitment to breast screening excellence has earned our program recognition from the American College of Radiology and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Learn more about breast cancer screening.
High-Risk Breast Cancer Services
You may face a high risk of breast cancer if you have a personal or family history of the disease. Your risk also goes up if you received abnormal results from previous breast cancer screening tests. We discuss your risk of breast cancer and develop a plan to manage the risk.
This plan may include:
- Breast cancer screenings on a more frequent basis
- Additional tests, such as breast ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Medications
- Genetic testing to determine whether you carry abnormal genes that cause breast cancer
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurse navigators work together as a team to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. We care about your thoughts and preferences, so we discuss recommendations and work with you to tailor our services.
Breast cancer treatment options available at Trinity Health Michigan include:
- Surgery to remove cancer: We often use breast-conserving techniques, allowing you to retain as much healthy tissue as possible. Our surgeons perform a high volume of surgeries, leading to better results for patients.
- Reconstructive surgery: If we remove large sections of tissue or your entire breast (mastectomy), you may need reconstructive surgery. During this procedure, we create new breasts or repair gaps in breast tissue. Often, our plastic surgeons work with our breast surgeons. Together, they create the best cosmetic outcomes and decrease the number of reconstructive surgeries needed.
- Chemotherapy: You may receive cancer-fighting drugs before or after surgery. We offer recently approved drugs and newer options through clinical trials. Find out more about chemotherapy and medical oncology.
- Radiation therapy: We use radiation therapy to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back after treatment. Our team includes radiation oncologists with years of experience treating breast cancer. These experts deliver care to precisely the right spot. Learn more about radiation therapy.
Services to Help You Recover from Breast Cancer Treatment
We offer a range of services to help you feel as comfortable as possible and reduce stress throughout your care. Our offerings include:
- Rehabilitation: We help you start to feel like yourself again after cancer surgery with specialized physical therapy. Our therapists relieve stiffness and help you regain your strength.
- Lymphedema therapy: After breast cancer treatment, you may be at risk for abnormal fluid buildup (lymphedema). Our lymphedema-certified physical therapists help you take steps to avoid the condition. If you start showing signs of lymphedema, we are here for you with therapies and recommendations to relieve the swelling.
- Support group: Our breast cancer support group gives you an opportunity to meet and learn from other women with breast cancer. Meetings are an opportunity to share coping strategies and receive the encouragement you need to move forward.