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Breast Cancer Experts

World-class cancer care

UM Health-Sparrow Health System has built a state-of-the-art cancer center with the most cutting-edge cancer technology available.

The Herbert-Herman Cancer Center provides leading edge medicine close to home at the flagship oncology center in Lansing and at community hospitals throughout the region. Our highly skilled experts are dedicated to your cancer journey. With the most comprehensive cancer care in Mid-Michigan, you can receive the best possible care close to home at UM Health-Sparrow. Through multidisciplinary programs, we offer coordinated care to those who have been diagnosed with all types of cancer.

Our multidisciplinary programs reduce the time between cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment, ensuring that you are equipped with the best treatment plan possible.

Get a Second Opinion From Our Breast Cancer Experts

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Getting a second opinion can help give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your physician’s recommended plan is the right course of action. A second opinion can help you make a more informed decision, and you may discover insights into available clinical trials or alternative or other advanced treatment options. We are happy to help you schedule an appointment with an expert specializing in your particular health needs.

Breast Cancer Program

Our experienced healthcare professionals have specialized training and are dedicated to your breast health - schedule your mammogram todayThe breast cancer program offers a multidisciplinary team approach to help women learn about breast cancer and to make informed decisions about a breast cancer treatment that is best for them. 

You will meet a multidisciplinary team of specialists, who then meet with other health professionals to determine an individualized cancer plan. A radiologist reviews your mammograms and a pathologist reviews the biopsy slides taken of the cancer. Using all available information, the team makes a recommendation for treatment, which is presented to you before leaving the center.

UM Health-Sparrow also has a certified breast care nurse navigator who provides education and support for all breast cancer patients and their families. This service ensures that questions are answered and helps to relieve confusion, fears, and anxiety. The navigator also helps facilitate referrals to community resources and providers.

UM Health-Sparrow’s breast cancer program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) following a rigorous evaluation of the clinic’s performance in over 30 indicators of quality patient care.

Meet the Highly Skilled Breast Cancer Team

Medical Oncology

Brittani Thomas, DO
Medical Oncology
Brittani J. Thomas, DO

Specialties: Hematology/Oncology

Daniela M. Weiss, DO, Hematology/Oncology - May 2024
Medical Oncology
Daniela M. Weiss, DO

Specialties: Hematology/Oncology

Radiation Oncology

Dr. Brendan Coutu, MD
Radiation Oncology
Brendan Coutu, MD

Specialties: Radiation Oncology

James Herman, MD
Radiation Oncology
James Herman, MD

Specialties: Radiology, Radiation Oncology

Surgical Oncology

Shahrzad Brown, MD
Surgical Oncology
Shahrzad Brown, MD

Specialties: General Surgery

Thais Fortes, MD
Surgical Oncology
Thais A. Fortes, MD

Specialties: Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nurse Navigator

Sharon Cosgrove, RN
Nurse Navigator
Sharon Cosgrove, BSN, RN, OCN

Specialties: Provide education, support for patients and families, and facilitate referrals to community resources and providers.

The best technology to help you heal

When choosing a cancer care center, a dedicated and highly-experienced team of oncology specialists should come first -- and you’ll find that at UM Health-Sparrow. You’ll also find impressive amenities and the most advanced therapeutic technology in Mid-Michigan.

For example, UM Health-Sparrow is one of just 13 hospitals nationwide to deploy the ViewRay MRIdian Linac, a best-in-class MRI-guided radiation therapy system. The ViewRay can simultaneously provide imaging and treatment, allowing technicians to target radiation therapy much more effectively.

The Herbert-Herman Cancer Center’s 40 infusion bays are designed with a peaceful experience in mind; the custom recliners overlook a green roof.

Everything about our facilities is designed to make you feel as comfortable and well-cared-for as possible, so you can focus your energy on your survivorship.

Clinical Services

Medical Oncology Infusion
Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Breast Cancer Overview

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.

breast health
Preventative testing
UM Health-Sparrow Breast Health

At the UM Health-Sparrow Breast Center, we provide comprehensive breast imaging services for everything from routine screening and diagnostic evaluations, to an array of breast health procedures, such as ultrasound and biopsy services.

breast cancer clinic scan review
MONITORING AND PREVENTION
High-Risk Cancer Clinic

We offer comprehensive services and monitoring for patients at high risk of developing cancer with the goal to detect it in its earliest stages.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinics
COLLABORATIVE CARE AND TREATMENT
Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinics

Our multidisciplinary clinics deliver exceptional, collaborative care from a team of experts with access to leading-edge treatment options for cancer patients.

SMG Plastic Surgery Reconstruction or Restoration
RECONSTRUCTION OR RESTORATION
SMG Plastic Surgery

UM Health-Sparrow offers the latest options in reconstructive surgery, including microvascular for patients with breast cancer.