The Women's Center

breastcancer

Comprehensive Breast Center

The Comprehensive Breast Center at Aurora BayCare Medical Center is a leader in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

From maintaining breast health to treating breast cancer, our team of specialists focuses on the unique needs of each woman. We provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions about your breast health care.

Our services include a broad range of traditional and advanced options. While treating breast disease is our primary concern, we never forget the emotional effects it has on you and your family.

"Patty Gille understands the importance of regular health screenings. It was during her yearly mammogram that a suspicious area was found. Follow-up testing confirmed it was breast cancer. Patty and her husband, John came to the Multidisciplinary Cancer Center at Aurora BayCare. There, they met with all her doctors in one session, discussing the best treatment plan for Patty. The nurse navigator then coordinated appointments, so John could be at Patty's side, and she could focus on healing. With the cancer team, Patty and John found excellent medical care and more – information and support for both of them."

Aurora BayCare Medical Center has a unique program for Breast, Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancer patients called the Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic. It includes a nurse navigator who will be your source for coordinating appointments and answering all your questions. Also, in one day, you will meet all the consulting doctors including radiation and medical oncology, radiologists, surgeons, genetic counselors and cancer researchers. Meeting first individually, and then together, the team and you determine the best treatment plan.

Click here for more information on the Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic.

Personalized care

We utilize a team approach to achieve the most individualized plan of care for your condition. Our team includes a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, a board-certified gynecologic surgeon, nurse practitioner, medical and radiation oncologists, four radiologists that are dedicated to reading results for the breast center, a certified breast coordinator and other skilled staff members.

Our team also serves as your access point to advanced research protocols.

Certified Breast Care Coordinator

While you may have a team of experts caring for you, we understand the sensitive and complex nature of breast health and disease. Many women feel overwhelmed with the decisions that must be made after a breast cancer diagnosis. That's why we support our patients by providing a personal Breast Care Coordinator, a registered nurse specially trained in the area of breast cancer. The Breast Care Coordinator provides support every step of the way by acting as an advocate and educator. She also helps to coordinate patient care and ensure that all concerns are thoroughly addressed.

Advanced diagnostics

Breast Imaging -- Imaging is an important component used to diagnose breast cancer and to evaluate the stage and extent of breast disease. The major types of imaging used at the Comprehensive Breast Center:

  • Digital Mammography
  • Image Guided Biopsy
  • Breast MRI
  • Ultrasonography
  • Combined CT-PET Scan
  • Sentinel Node Biopsy

Breast biopsy -- After imaging, the decision may be made to confirm suspected breast disease with a tissue biopsy. During a biopsy, a radiologist or surgeon samples a portion or all of the suspicious tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue sample for cancer cells and makes the final diagnosis.

Breast MRI -- MRI can be used to screen women who are high risk for developing breast cancer, evaluate indeterminate lesions, dense breast tissue or scar tissue in which a mammogram may be unclear. Breast MRI is also helpful in determining the extent, size and distribution of newly diagnosed breast cancer or response to chemotherapy before definitive surgery.

High risk services

If you are at an elevated risk for breast cancer, you do not have to face this frightening prospect alone. Discovering that you are at risk does not necessarily mean cancer is the inevitable outcome. There are things you can do now to decrease your risk.

  • Know your risk - The most common method used to determine breast cancer risk is the GAIL model.
  • Breast examination 
    • Yearly imaging after age 40
    • Regular self-breast exams   
    • Regular provider exams
  • Know your family risk
  • Genetic testing -- Research has shown that some women have a hereditary predisposition to cancer, which can be passed from generation to generation. In recent years, several of these hereditary genes have been identified. We offer counseling and testing for those women who are at high risk to determine if there is a mutation in these genes.
  • Lifestyle changes
    • Regular exercise
    • Limited alcohol consumption
    • Maintain a health weight

To contact the Comprehensive Breast Center call 920-288-8480.

National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers

Aurora BayCare Medical Center breast center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

accredbanner

Aurora Health Care is home to six NAPBC accredited breast centers.