Access to Care in Western Kansas: Following the Funds in Kansas

“To find the barriers that keep women from getting screened and benefiting from early detection, you have to get out there.” said Nicole Spray, APRN with the HaysMed Breast Care Center (BCC), a three time grant recipient of Susan G. Komen Kansas.

This year the grant is providing for a Breast Health Nurse Navigator to enhance cancer care in Western Kansas. The new Nurse Navigator has been added to 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, she 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.

“When you have a patient sitting in front of you,” said Spray.  “You have to be ready to listen.”

She recalled a woman who was confined to a wheelchair, making it difficult to come in to the center for screening from five counties away.  They were able to schedule a mammogram through a mobile screening unit, finding a way for the patient to receive care.

Over the last two years, the Breast Care Center has also used Komen Kansas grant funds to host breast awareness events in Norton, Sharon Springs, Oakley and Hays. This year BCC was able to provide additional educational programs in Scott City and Osborne as well as a breast cancer survivors retreat in Hays.

“A focus group of survivors helped plan the retreat topics,” Spray said.  “This led to a successful event.”

In discussing the educational outreach funded by Komen Kansas, Spray added that you never know the impact of a simple act.  She remembered an instance when a woman received an invitation to the educational outreach event.  She was unable to attend, but the card reminded her she needed to schedule a mammogram.  She was diagnosed, all because of a card in the mail.

When we talked to Nicole Spray, she was excited about the Breast Care Center move to a new area at HaysMed, 2200 Canterbury, located just inside Entrance C, the Main Entrance.  Patients will now be able to complete routine breast exams and imaging tests at the same location.  In addition the BCC also provides risk analysis for women who have not been diagnosed with cancer along with genetic counseling and testing.  Survivors will be able to access more in-depth health monitoring and counseling for lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.  Any side effects resulting from cancer treatment can also be monitored.

“Women are anxious when they come into the Breast Care Center,” stated Spray.  “Now we have a space that is convenient, calming and soothing.”

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.”

For more information about the Breast Care Center in Hays