Medically reviewed by Toan T. Nguyen, MD, FACS – Section Chief of Breast Surgery, Advanced Physician Services
A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything in an instant. But at WMCHealth, patients don’t face that moment—or the long road that follows—alone. From the first biopsy through treatment and into survivorship, an entire care team is there to walk beside each patient, step by step.
A Team That Works Together
Comprehensive breast cancer care means bringing many specialists together, including:
- Radiologists who detect changes through imaging
- Surgeons who remove tumors
- Oncologists who tailor therapies
- Radiation specialists who target remaining cancer cells
- Support professionals such as nutritionists, physical therapists, social workers and survivorship counselors
The Role of the Nurse Navigator
Threading all of this care together is the nurse navigator, a specially trained breast care nurse who guides patients from diagnosis through follow-up. At WMCHealth, navigators are certified in both breast care and cancer imaging, making them uniquely qualified to help patients understand their care.
Navigators provide:
- Care coordination: scheduling biopsies, surgery and follow-ups across specialties
- Education: explaining results, treatment options and what to expect
- Emotional support: easing anxiety, answering questions and connecting families with counseling or survivor groups
- Long-term follow-up: checking in after treatment to monitor lingering side effects or concerns
A Journey Made Easier
The navigator’s presence ensures no one feels lost in a complex system of care. Survivors know they have a trusted point of contact, even years after treatment ends.
At WMCHealth, patients gain not only advanced diagnostics and leading-edge treatment, but also the reassurance of a coordinated team, anchored by nurse navigators, walking beside them every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is facing a breast cancer diagnosis, connect with WMCHealth’s cancer care team to learn how our specialists and nurse navigators support patients from day one through survivorship.