Breast Cancer Program

The breast cancer program offers a multidisciplinary team approach to help patients learn about breast cancer and to make informed decisions about a breast cancer treatment plan that is best for them.

Patients will meet a multidisciplinary team of specialists, who then meet with other health professionals to determine an individualized cancer plan. A radiologist reviews a patient's mammogram and a pathologist reviews the biopsy slides taken of the cancer. Using all available information, the team makes a recommendation for treatment.

UM Health-Sparrow also has a certified breast care nurse navigator who provides education and support for all breast cancer patients and their families. This service ensures that questions are answered and helps to relieve confusion, fears, and anxiety. The navigator also helps facilitate referrals to community resources and providers.

UM Health-Sparrow’s breast cancer program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) following a rigorous evaluation of the clinic’s performance in over 30 indicators of quality patient care.

When referring your patients to a cancer care center, a dedicated and highly-experienced team of oncology specialists should come first -- and you’ll find that at UM Health-Sparrow. You’ll also find impressive amenities and the most advanced therapeutic technology in Mid-Michigan.

For example, UM Health-Sparrow is one of just 13 hospitals nationwide to deploy the ViewRay MRIdian Linac, a best-in-class MRI-guided radiation therapy system. The ViewRay can simultaneously provide imaging and treatment, allowing technicians to target radiation therapy much more effectively. UM Health-Sparrow also has a brand-new linear accelerator treatment machine, Elekta Versa, bringing the most advanced radiation oncology technology to Mid-Michigan.

The Herbert-Herman Cancer Center’s 40 infusion bays are designed with a peaceful experience in mind; the custom recliners overlook a green roof.

Everything about our facilities is designed to make patients feel as comfortable and well-cared-for as possible, so they can focus their energy on survivorship.

UM Health-Sparrow is actively involved and encourages participation in cancer clinical trials designed with new, state-of-the-art, multi-targeted drugs against different cancer malignancies. These targeted drug therapies are available right here in Mid-Michigan and translate to shorter hospital stays and lower risk of side effects for our patients.

Phase 1-3 clinical trials

• The region’s first precision medicine program with a molecular tumor board that analyzes gene sequence results to identify targeted treatment options
• Home to the largest clinical trials program in the region
• Patients are placed on the forefront of cancer treatment research
• Access to a wide variety of clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and government organizations such as the National Cancer Institute
• One of the only regional programs accepting phase 1-3 clinical trials
• Genetics-based clinical trial accruals with the help of our genetic counselor