Your Breast Cancer Care Team

Nurse navigators are your first point of contact for care. They make sure everything is ready before you see a specialist, including collecting medical record information for the doctor’s analysis, getting orders for additional tests when needed and identifying support services. Nurse navigators also connect you with community resources to help with issues you may have. For instance, they can help connect you with lodging options if you’re traveling from a long distance, or schedule an appointment with a nutritionist. They provide emotional support and clinical expertise as well.

Interpreting a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI scan can be challenging because disease processes can look similar. It is important to quickly and correctly diagnose conditions because each requires a different evaluation and treatment. Effective treatment should begin promptly. Our dedicated breast radiologists focus solely on interpreting diagnostic imaging of breast tissue and are expertly trained to detect subtle abnormalities that others may miss. We offer the latest breast imaging technology for the most accurate diagnosis.

A pathologist is a physician who is trained in analyzing tissue samples from all parts of the body, often using a microscope to identify fine details. Becoming board-certified requires focused training in studying diseases and conditions found in the breast and interpreting tissue samples. Because many different breast conditions can appear to be quite similar under the microscope, a breast pathologist plays an important role in helping the care team arrive at the correct diagnosis. The University of Kansas Cancer Center has pathologists who specialize in breast pathology.

The breast medical oncologist is the principal coordinating physician for cancer care throughout your cancer journey, coordinating with the rest of the care team to work together effectively to identify all possible treatment options. Your physician will discuss the progress of your care plan, especially if there are changes, with the rest of the treatment team at regular tumor board meetings. How you feel and any symptoms or side effects you may have are always a primary concern. The goal of your breast medical oncologist is to achieve the best outcome and quality of life throughout your treatment and beyond.

A radiation oncologist has spent years studying the delivery of radiation treatment for tumors, including cancers. While there are a number of different types of radiation, the goal is to damage the tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible. Delivery of radiation has improved greatly over the years to allow treatment delivery to very precise locations. Your radiation oncologist will discuss specific treatment details with you, as well as strategies to minimize side effects.

If your breast cancer screening tests indicate concern for a tumor, one of our experienced breast surgeons will join your care team. This is important for the accurate diagnosis and removal of as much underlying tumor as possible while leaving healthy tissue intact.

Our fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists treat only breast cancer and breast disease. Because of this advanced training, patients in our care experience:

• Better outcomes
• Enhanced cosmetic results with advanced surgical techniques
• Improved survival rates
• Reduced complication rates

Each of our breast surgical oncologists works closely with other breast specialists to ensure you have an integrated care plan, which improves outcomes. Through our surgeons, you’ll also have access to breast surgical trials that offer innovative therapies and deliver the future standard of cancer care and treatment today.

Reconstructive plastic surgeons who specialize in the reconstruction of a breast after removal due to cancer or other disease may also be part of your team. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. While we offer advanced reconstruction options, the final choice whether to opt for surgery is always yours to make.

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we understand that cancer affects every aspect of your life. With that in mind, our team is made up of a diverse group of specialists who walk with you through every step of your journey to support you, not just your cancer. We address the entire toll cancer takes on the mind, body and spirit because research shows this approach to cancer treatment provides better patient outcomes.

Our support services team includes social workers, psychologists, dietitians, a chaplain, a physiatrist (specialist in cancer rehabilitation), cancer exercise specialist, nurse navigators, financial counselors and a resource center coordinator along with other specialists to support the specific needs of cancer survivors. This team helps identify challenges patients and caregivers face and provides tools to manage them, whether they are physical, nutritional, spiritual, social or psychological.