Centers of Excellence at UMC Cancer Center
Mind, body, and spirit. Every person who faces cancer must attend to these three points as they begin their uncertain journey. It is uncertainty, after all, that causes so much worry. At UMC, we’re passionate about the health of our patients, and we’ve created a shared vision for our future: To eliminate suffering from cancer. Cancer is a tenacious, yet our purpose is resolute. UMC fights against cancer every day; it’s why we’ve earned national accolades as a Breast, Lung, and now Pancreatic Center of Excellence, meaning UMC meets the highest standards for imaging, surgical and radiation oncology, pathologists and geneticists, and a team of expert nurses focused on your care. Together, we pave the path to remission and create a vision for the future.
Breast Center of Excellence
We provide the innovative care solutions of tomorrow.
The UMC Centers of Excellence provide a comprehensive approach to services, from initial cancer screening and diagnosis to innovative and collaborative treatment plans. Our highly trained expert medical providers and staff work as a multidisciplinary team to diagnose and treat breast cancer and disease considering your values, background, and personal preferences. Our team consists of specialists across many disciplines and expertise, including:
- Breast imaging specialists for mammography, ultrasound, and other techniques used to map and target breast cancer
- Medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists: doctors specializing in breast cancer care
- Pathologists: doctors specialized in analyzing tumor cells
- Cancer geneticists: experts who study the link between breast cancer and genetics
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons for breast reconstruction
- Breast cancer navigators and patient support services to guide patients through treatment
- Behavior and health specialists
- Nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and others with extensive experience in cancer care
UMC Breast Imaging Center
We invite you to schedule your mammogram or diagnostic procedure at our new UMC Breast Imaging Center on the UMC Health System campus. Our goal is that the new spa atmosphere, warm robes, and advanced technology will help ensure your high-quality breast care experience.
Referrals
For Patients:
To schedule a mammogram, call the UMC Breast Imaging Center at 806.775.8660, or call the UMC Breast Imaging Center at UMC Southwest Medical at 806.722.4674.
For Physicians:
To make a referral for your patient, call the UMC Cancer Center at 806.775.8293 or fax patient records to 806.775.8586.
Helpful Links
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
Funding and support for our breast health services are provided in partnership with these entities.
National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence
The UMC Cancer Center has been recognized by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) as a Center of Excellence. NPF Centers of Excellence are at premier healthcare facilities that focus on the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreas disease, treating the “whole patient” with a focus on the best possible outcomes and improved quality of life. The program’s catalyst emerged from the patients’ need to find specialists in the field of pancreas disease. There are currently over 150 NPF Centers of Excellence throughout the nation. For more information regarding NPF Centers of Excellence, please visit their website pancreasfoundation.org
Lung Center of Excellence
In 2018, the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF), now the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, awarded UMC Cancer Center as a designated Care Continuum Center of Excellence (CCCOE). This recognizes UMC Cancer Center for its team approach to patient-centered care. This care model includes:
- Early screening
- Tumor genetic testing to ensure appropriate treatment options
- Minimally invasive biopsy, surgical and radiation therapy techniques that reduce risk and improve patient quality of lie
- Access to new targeted therapies and immunotherapies
- Extensive patient education and support, including psychosocial and nutritional support
How do I know if I should be screened?
Currently, lung cancer screening is recommended for those between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a smoking history of 20 years or more (an average of one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for ten years, etc.) and are current smokers or have quit in the last 15 years.
How does it work?
Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT or LDCT to detect lung cancer earlier before symptoms occur when the cancer is more treatable or even curable.
A lung cancer screening is similar to a mammogram to check for breast cancer or a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. This is a CAT scan of your lungs to check for lung cancer.
Smoking Cessation Program
The treatment of lung cancer is less effective if you continue to smoke. This screening program is closely tied to a smoking cessation program. The program at the UMC Cancer Center includes:
- UMC Behavioral Health Specialists trained to assist patients’ quitting efforts
- Increasing participants’ motivation to quit smoking
- We use the Breathe Easy and Stop Smoking Today (BESST) 8-week program to help patients quite
Before your screening appointment:
- Write any symptoms you are experiencing (even those that seem unrelated)
- Make a list of all medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking
- Write down key personal information, including stresses or recent life changes
- Have these documents ready: Personal Identification, Insurance Card, and Information if available.
How to schedule an appointment:
Call: 806-775-8637 or email katie.noble@umchealthsystem.com.