Breast Cancer Program
We never give up.
Walking beside you from day one of your cancer diagnosis, Beacon’s multi-disciplinary cancer team provides leading-edge breast cancer care services.
Start with a screening
As we age, we are sometimes at a greater risk for certain diseases, like breast cancer. A mammogram can detect a problem, regardless of whether you have any risk factors or not. We use a variety of tools to screen you at regular intervals and to diagnose your scans.
When you schedule a mammogram, you will be scanned with a 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis), providing a three-dimensional view. We capture multiple images of breast tissue for a more detailed and accurate diagnosis. This tool helps us detect cancer earlier and that leads to faster treatment. Screening tools include:
- 3D diagnostic screening mammography (breast tomosynthesis)
- 3D diagnostic screening mammograms for women with implants
- MRI breast
Did you know?
Our breast care centers at Elkhart General and Memorial hospitals have been recognized as Certified Quality Breast Centers of Excellence. They follow the metric standards set by National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC); Beacon Kalamazoo follows the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
Biopsy
If a suspicious breast abnormality is discovered, you will be scheduled for a biopsy. Tools include:
- Affirm Upright Biopsy System
- Affirm Prone Biopsy System
- Brevera® Breast Biopsy System
- Needle localization
- Stereotactic image-guided core breast biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy
Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend Breast Centers support patients through each step of the diagnosis and biopsy process. If a biopsy result comes back as cancer, they will help coordinate your transition to Beacon’s Breast Cancer Program where you will be connected to a dedicated breast cancer navigator.
Genetic counselor
Genetic counseling can include:
- Identifying possible family history risks
- Discussing genetic testing options
- Creating a plan for prevention or early detection
What now?
Each treatment plan is developed using a patient-first approach. We will help you understand the type of breast cancer you have been diagnosed with and what that means. Here is an example of the typical patient journey when diagnosed with breast cancer: (the navigator helps piece it all together)
- Diagnosis with Primary Care Provider / OB-GYN
- Referral to breast cancer navigator to coordinate optimal cancer care team
- Introduction to care team and development of treatment plan
- Recovery and reconstruction plan
Making the plan
To help you understand each step and coordinate appointments, you will be paired with a breast cancer navigator, who will be your point of contact and will help guide you through each step.
Your case reviewers include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, genetic counselor, radiologists, and breast cancer navigators. After case review, you will be scheduled with oncology specialists who will review test results in detail, answer questions and work with you to formulate a treatment plan. Your breast cancer navigator will then follow up with you on next steps of your care plan.
Oncology social workers are also available to work with all patients who need assistance. Their goal is to help eliminate barriers to care, address needs and provide connections to helpful community resources.
Your care may also be reviewed by our multidisciplinary breast cancer tumor board, where specialists from across oncology disciplines collaborate to ensure you receive a personalized treatment plan.
The importance of our tumor board
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.
Continuing care
When you have breast cancer, your entire body is affected. That is why we provide support and resources to treat any and all symptoms you experience. Following treatment, you may find your appetite or nutritional needs have changed. You may have unexpected pain and need help managing day to day. Whatever your needs, talk to your provider about these services.
Beacon Health and Fitness offers Restorative Fitness classes to cancer patients. Exercise during and after cancer treatment is proven to enhance recovery. Less pain, more energy, strength and endurance are just some of the health benefits you can experience with these specially focused classes. They are held at the Beacon Health and Fitness Granger location.
Learn more about the Best Medicine program
Treatment options
Beacon also offers advanced treatment, including targeted therapies that attack specific targets and spare healthy tissues. We treat all types and stages of breast tumors, both pre-cancerous and cancerous. Treatment may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy as part of your plan. It all depends on the specific details of your case.
- Breast cancer surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Advanced techniques in breast cancer treatment, focusing on minimizing long term risks and side effects
- Chemotherapy
- Advanced technique of “Cold Caps.” Used with some chemotherapy regimens, the reduce hair loss associated with treatment
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone therapy
Breast surgical oncology
Breast surgical oncology treatment is available at Beacon Kalamazoo through Daniel Barnas, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist. Dr. Barnas specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast conditions, with a particular focus on oncoplastic breast surgery—a technique that removes cancer while also enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
Dr. Barnas is known for his patient-first philosophy, treating individuals with the same care and attention he would give his own family. He provides reassurance and guidance at every step of the journey, helping patients understand what to expect during treatment and beyond.
Options available at Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Elkhart General Hospital
Breast surgical oncology
Your Beacon provider can arrange for a second opinion through eConsults, review by the eTumor Board and AskMayoExpert through Mayo Clinic at no charge.
Why choose Beacon?
We provide patient-first care, focused on quality. Our national accreditations include:
- American College of Radiology: Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend Breast Care Centers are accredited through the ACR, the gold standard in imaging quality and safety.
- American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer: Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend Cancer Centers are nationally accredited through the COC.
We are partners of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving your provider access to:
- AskMayoExpert resources
- eConsults for input regarding your care
- eTumor Boards that provide a forum to discuss complex cases
We have cancer research opportunities:
- Beacon’s Mayo Clinic Care Network membership provides patients the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge clinical trials offered at Mayo Clinic.
- We also participate in trials at MD Anderson, John Hopkins, Memorial Sloan Kettering, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other large academic centers across the country.
We offer genetic counseling:
- This process can identify your cancer risks and that of your family.
Providers
Your breast cancer team may include:
- Surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Genetics counselor
- Breast cancer navigators
- Social workers
- Nurses, therapists, health professionals
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