Hays, Kan.  (July 1, 2013) The HaysMed Breast Care Center has been awarded a $49,710 grant from KOMEN Kansas. The award was announced May 29th,   2013 by the Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. This is the third grant the Breast Care Center has received from KOMEN Kansas.

The grant money will provide for a Breast Health Nurse Navigator to enhance cancer care in Western Kansas. The Nurse Navigator will guide patients through each step of the health care system from breast biopsy, diagnosis, treatment to survivorship. She will also identify barriers to care such as transportation or financial issues, language barriers and help link patients to resources that will help overcome these barriers. Additionally, the Nurse Navigator will help identify patients who are at high risk for breast cancer and link them with resources to help them manage their increased risk. Lastly, the Breast Health Nurse Navigator will help raise awareness of the needs of cancer survivors. There are over 820 breast cancer survivors living in the region in need of quality survivorship care.

Over the last two years, the Breast Care Center has also used KOMEN grant funds to host breast awareness events in Norton, Sharon Springs, Oakley and Hays. With the receipt of this third award, plans are to provide additional educational program in Scott City, Osborne and Hays.

Since the opening of the Breast Care Center in May, 2011, 140 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer; an equal amount of women have been treated for precancerous conditions of the breast. Ninety women have had genetic BRCA counseling and testing.

“We are honored to receive Susan G. Komen grant funds”, said Dr. Anne O’Dea, Medical Director of the Breast Care Center. “We feel passionate about providing quality, comprehensive breast services to the women in Western Kansas and are fortunate to have these additional resources to meet the needs for those in our region.”

Working at the Breast Care Center with Dr. Anne O’Dea is A. Nicole Spray Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Lisa Reiter, Clinic Registered Nurse, Ashley Bauck, Breast Health Nurse Navigator and Michelle Beyer, Office Manager.