Breast Cancer
Overview
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (excluding cancers of the skin), accounting for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women. The most common form of breast cancer is called ductal carcinoma and begins in the lining of the ducts.
With early detection and treatment, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be alive and well more than five years after the diagnosis. The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute offer detailed information about breast cancer.
Kettering is committed to your breast healthcare needs.
Breast Cancer
Prevention & Diagnosis
Mammograms detect breast cancer an average 1.7 years before a woman can feel a lump. Early detection increases the changes of successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Those with a family history or other risks may need to begin mammography sooner.
More women trust their health to Kettering Breast Evaluation Centers (KBEC) than any other breast imaging service in the area. KBEC performs more than 35,000 breast procedures a year, offering the latest technology, experienced radiologists specializing in mammography, an all female mammography staff and a warm and comfortable environment.
To schedule a mammogram call (937) 299-0099 or (800) 373-2160. Visit KBEC for location and additional information.
Breast Cancer
Treatment
Breast cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, biotherapy and targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute offers detailed overviews of breast cancer treatments.
WDTN-TV & Mammosite Therapy - Video 1:39
Breast Cancer
Nurse Navigator
Specializing in breast cancer, Breast Health Navigators are available to assist patients and their families navigate the sometimes overwhelming road to recovery, providing individualized breast cancer education and support. Collaboration with physicians and other disciplines within the healthcare setting allows comprehensive care for the patient through his/her journey with breast cancer. As facilitators and instructors of the Kettering Health Network breast cancer support groups and education classes, the navigators provide further support and education to individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those who are long term survivors.
Breast Health Navigators can be reached at (937) 395-8115.
Breast Cancer
Test Your Breast Cancer Knowledge
Breast Cancer
Support Groups / Education
Navigating the Breast Cancer Journey
A class for women with breast cancer. Provides a working knowledge of the language and treatment options so women can be active participants in their own care and in physical and emotional healing. Free, but registration is required. Meets at Grandview Medical Center and Kettering Medical Center, Radiation Oncology conference room. For more information call KHN Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115.
Looking Ahead - "S.O.A.R." - (Strength, Optimism, and Recovery)
For women with breast cancer. This group focuses on the issues and concerns unique to breast cancer. Includes newly diagnosed with breast cancer as well as long-term survivors. Meets at Kettering Medical Center on the first Tuesday of each month except June and December. Check the Looking Ahead newsletter or call Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115 for more information.
Look Good, Feel Better
This is a FREE program designed specifically for women experiencing side effects of cancer treatments. The program was developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association and the American Cancer Society to provide information on ways to enhance appearance and take care of your skin, hair and fingernails during treatment. The program includes a free makeover by licensed cosmetologists.
Programs are offered the third Monday in January, April, July and October at Kettering Health Network facilities. For information about other host sites and to register, call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (1-888-227-6446).
Moving Forward Hand in Hand
Breast cancer survivors offer support and encouragement to individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information on survivor support, please call (937) 395-8115.
Reach to Recovery
This is a special program for women with breast cancer. Reach to Recovery volunteers are specially trained women who are breast cancer survivors. They may visit you in the hospital or call you at home to offer support. To request a Reach to recovery volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (1-888-227-6446).
I Can Cope
This is a series of educational classes for people with cancer, their families and friends. The program helps people meet the challenge of coping with cancer by distinguishing cancer myths from facts. This FREE program provides practical information about cancer, cancer treatments and offers self-care strategies and resources for those facing cancer. This American Cancer Society Program is co-sponsored by Kettering Health Network.
Call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (227-6446) for current dates, location and to register.
Looking Ahead Support Group
This group helps individuals living with cancer, their families and friends. For those newly diagnosed with cancer as well as long-term survivors. Meets at Kettering Medical Center on the first Tuesday of each month except June and December. Check the Looking Ahead newsletter or call Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115 for more information.
Libraries & Information Centers
Cancer Resource Center
The Cancer Resource Center (CRC) is a collaborative effort between your American Cancer Society and Kettering Medical Center. The CRC is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, ground floor, adjacent to the Radiation Therapy waiting area, and is open to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays and during special events. Trained volunteers are available to assist you with information about cancer, cancer prevention and early detection, cancer treatments, coping and support groups and other resources. Information called also be mailed upon request. Call (937) 395-8081.
Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library
The Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library is located at Kettering Breast Evaluation Center (KBEC), 580 Lincoln Park, Suite 200. The library offers information on women's health. For more information, call KBEC at (937) 299-0099.
Makarius Library
The Makarius Library is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, 3 South. This is a free lending library with materials on cancer, treatment, coping and inspiration. Items may be signed out for up to four weeks. The library is open daily, except during patient care meetings.
Breast Cancer
Patient Stories
A Journey Surrounded By Love
Each women's breast cancer journey is unique. Pam had recently moved to the area, and felt that she was fortunate to have been "at the right place at the right time." That place was Kettering Medical Center. Were it not for the new digital mammography technology, her breast cancer may not have been detected so early - or treated so successfully. The team of medical specialists and breast journey navigators Karen and Sharon provided care and encouragement. Then there was the loving support of her husband, family, and friends and children from the school where she worked. Just weeks after her treatment, dozens of them turned out for the Making Strides walk donning shirts that read "I Walked For My Friend Pam." But Pam's journey isn't over; she chooses to walk with other women on their journeys as a Kettering volunteer. Learn more at KetteringBreastHealth
Peace Found Tina On Her Journey
Perspective is an amazing thing, often forged from difficult trials. During a life of go...go...go, all of a sudden Tina was stopped by the need to confront cancer. For the second time. This pause in life gave her the opportunity to gauge what matters most: her family, friends, co-workers and her two dogs. Tina also felt fortunate to have the caring people at Kettering Medical Center. Their team of cancer specialists along with cancer journey navigators Sharon and Karen gave her the information and encouragement whenever she needed it. Tina has grown happier and stronger from her encounter, and now she gives back to others fighting cancer by sharing her story. Then she stops, relaxes and enjoys a more peaceful pace of life at her country home… with her two faithful companions Raika and Lera. To learn more visit KetteringBreastHealth.
Faith Grew Along Her Journey
Keep your body, mind and spirit strong. It will give you strength for your journey through breast cancer. By drawing from her own experience in fighting the disease, it's precisely the attitude Joyce Mears instills in others facing the same challenge. She maintains her upbeat, positive attitude supported by her husband, friends and family, as well as the caring team at Kettering Medical Center. The talented medical specialists, along with care coordinators Karen and Sharon, encouraged her each step of the way. And thanks to the advanced imaging and treatments available, Joyce felt she was blessed with wonderful treatment and now she feels the need to give back by volunteering as a care partner in the Chaplain's office. Now Joyce looks for the lighter moments in life, and enjoys every moment of every day. Learn how Kettering has helped hundreds of women like Joyce defeat breast cancer by visiting us at KetteringBreastHealth.