Breast cancer
Breast cancer is most common in women, but can also affect men. Often, it's detected after finding a lump in the breast or a noticeable change in the size, shape or skin of the breast. Mammograms are crucial for diagnosis, early detection and more effective treatments.
Comprehensive breast cancer care in Wichita, Kansas
At Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Wesley Healthcare, we understand a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening.
Our cancer care team in Wichita, Kansas provides compassionate care, and we offer some of the region's most innovative, cutting–edge breast cancer treatments to help you return to good health.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Breast cancer screening
Early detection and early treatment of breast cancer are the most powerful tools in fighting the disease. Mammography is an effective screening tool to identify breast cancer in women, and Wesley offers both screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
Advanced breast cancer treatment
A lumpectomy is often included in the treatment plan for patients with early-stage breast cancer. This surgical procedure allows the surgeon to remove the cancerous tumor while conserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. A lumpectomy is performed in conjunction with a course of radiation to ensure that all cancerous cells are destroyed.
Typically, an aggressive schedule of radiation treatments is scheduled after the lumpectomy. Treatments are usually given every weekday for six to seven weeks. The side effects may include excessive fatigue and a skin burn similar to a significant sunburn.
However, Wesley’s brachytherapy radiation therapy technology offers patients the possibility of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). IORT is a highly advanced system that delivers the entire course of radiation therapy in the operating room during the lumpectomy surgery.
Advantages of intraoperative radiation therapy
IORT at Wesley offers multiple benefits to patients, including:
- IORT at the time of surgery means you avoid the need for six to seven weeks of postoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). This means less travel, fewer days off work, fewer appointments and less emotional stress.
- Radiotherapy is delivered directly to the tumor bed, the part of the breast at the highest risk of recurrence.
- If reconstruction is a consideration, it can be completed during your surgery.
- Less radiation is delivered to surrounding healthy organs and tissue.
- After five years of follow up, researchers have found that IORT has a similar breast cancer survival rate as standard radiation therapy.
Visit with your surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for breast IORT, exclusively offered at Wesley. To find a physician who performs IORT, please call (316) 962-3627 or to learn more about IORT, please call Wesley Cancer Care at (316) 962-6100.
Breast Care and Survivorship Clinic
If you have completed breast surgery and the acute treatment phase for breast cancer, we encourage you to make an appointment with the Breast Care and Survivorship Clinic.
Cancer survivors are at risk for physical and psychosocial impacts from cancer care and its treatments. Comprehensive follow-up care is beneficial and recommended by the American Cancer Society and the Commission on Cancer. The Breast Care and Survivorship Clinic aims to meet the physical and emotional needs of patients following breast cancer treatment.
The nurse practitioner in our clinic will meet with you. In your appointments, she will provide you with a survivorship care plan, which may include:
- Comprehensive breast exam
- Review of imaging, if appropriate
- Monitoring for breast cancer recurrences
- Education about your cancer and the treatments
- Assessing and managing side effects and potential late side effects
- Menopausal symptom and sexual health management
- Lymphedema risk and assessment
- Evaluation of the psychosocial issues related to breast cancer
- Recommendations for genetic testing, as indicated
- Education that encourages a healthier lifestyle
- Discussion of ways to reduce the risk for cancer
- Support for caregivers
Patients may be referred to the clinic through a primary care provider, oncologist or self-referral. Most insurances pay for Breast Care and Survivorship Clinic services.
Wesley Medical Center - Grant Rine, MD Interview
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (316) 776-6470.
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