According to the American Cancer Society, about 317,000 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer this year. This statistic includes 33,000 women who live in California. To help address this challenge, health systems are stepping up, including Sutter Health. The not-for-profit health system helped diagnose more than 4,500 people with breast cancer across its system last year.
“We’re not only treating breast cancer, we’re working to catch it earlier, personalize care and improve outcomes for every patient, right where they live,” says Dr. Amanda Wheeler, breast surgeon with Sutter West Bay Medical Group and chair of Sutter’s Advanced Cancer Service Line. “Innovation and integration are at the heart of everything we do.”
To highlight how this work connects to Sutter’s approach to treating all types of cancer, this fact sheet was created to share how the service line is helping advance the future of cancer care through expanded access, innovation and clinical excellence—caring for 17,000 cancer patients each year across 22 cancer centers. Click here to enlarge the document.
Innovation Backed by Research
- AI-powered screening tools improve early detection and reduce false positives, helping radiologists identify cancers earlier with greater accuracy.
- Surface Guided Radiation Therapy, or SGRT, precisely delivers real-time positioning without the need for permanent tattoos, allowing patients to undergo treatment without a lasting physical reminder.
- Participation in multi-cancer early detection studies offered to patients, including PATHFINDER 1, PATHFINDER 2 the REACH trial, explores blood-based screening to identify cancers before symptoms arise.
- Investment in clinical trials investigating targeted treatments, immunotherapy and hormone-based prevention strategies for breast cancer bring tomorrow’s treatments to patients today.
Personalized, Team-Based Breast Cancer Support
Sutter’s care model is rooted in clinical excellence and recognition that no two breast cancer journeys are alike. “Each patient at Sutter receives high-quality care personalized to their unique needs, goals and life circumstances. From prevention to survivorship, patients are supported by teams of specialists working together to deliver the best possible outcomes,” says Dr. Wheeler.
- High-risk breast clinics offer personalized prevention plans, genetic counseling and ongoing surveillance for individuals with elevated risk.
- Patient navigators guide individuals through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, offering clarity and support at every step.
- Support groups, wellness programs and integrative therapies help patients manage stress and connect with others.
- Oncoplastic surgery and reconstruction options help ensure treatment outcomes prioritize both health and quality of life.
Making Breast Cancer Care More Accessible — Now and Into the Future
Sutter is committed to making advanced breast cancer care available close to home, performing more than 370,000 mammograms annually at more than 60 imaging sites at 22 cancer centers across the system. In 2024, more than 4,500 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer across Sutter’s network.
- A 40-foot mobile mammography van brings advanced, 3D breast cancer screening directly to communities, making early detection more accessible and convenient.
- Sutter is broadening its reach by opening and enhancing facilities — including a $380 million commitment to build a world-class cancer center in Modesto and additional sites planned throughout Northern California, demonstrating a strong commitment to increasing access and reducing barriers to care.
“We’re continually evolving how we approach breast cancer,” said Rochelle Lonn, vice president of Sutter’s Advanced Cancer Service Line. “Advancing detection, refining treatment and strengthening support, through close collaboration across care teams, so our patients receive care that reflects both science and the human experience.”
Learn more about Sutter’s breast cancer services and how you or a loved one can access support.
