Skagit Valley Hospital Breast Institute created in 2009, accredited with NAPVC Accreditation and is the only center north of Seattle to receive this accreditation.

 

Breast Cancer Institute program started 7years ago with Skagit Valley Hospital.  1 women in 8 will be diagnosed with breast cancer, it is the second cause of death for women.  1 in 1000 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.  

 

The breast cancer incidents in the US have been decreasing since 2000.

 

What does the center do? When a women is diagnosed with breast cancer it is an emotional process.  When a women is diagnosed the primary care physician calls the breast care center to talk to a navigator to help them through the process.  They schedule the appointments needed and help lead them through how long it will take, the type of cancer they have and walk with them through the process.  They now work as a team to create a plan instead of a surgeon deciding everything. They have come to the understanding that the more educated a women is the better decisions a women can make. Women are now given options in their treatment that they are able to discuss with doctors.

 

Right now at Cascade they don’t have the option of the Breast Cancer Institute, but it is in process.  Cascade Valley and Skagit have an alliance with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to give the best treatment they can.  The great thing is that women can now stay home and the navigator can help to make sure that things are working the way they need to and help women through the process.  They also have local social services to help with finances and other needs.

 

Remember that breast cancer screening is important.  Talk to your primary care physician about mammograms and what is best for you. 

 

What are the risks of having breast cancer? Being a women and getting older.  We need to be our best advocates.

 

Have social workers to help with resources, as well as, support groups.

 

Have other navigator for lung cancer and for head and neck cancers.  They also provide genetic testing.