To make an appointment in the clinic: (573) 882-8454

Cancer screening information

Our breast care center has received full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This means our center is committed to the highest level of quality breast care and were awarded this accreditation by the American College of Surgeons.

Our breast care team has advanced, specialized training in all aspects of breast health. We provide comprehensive breast care for women with routine breast health needs and women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Our specialized team provides services necessary to women's breast health, including:

• Breast cancer survivorship clinic
• Diagnostic services such as ultrasound, breast MRI and stereotactic biopsy
• Hereditary cancer risk assessment
• High-risk breast clinic
• Lymphedema education and therapy
• Medical oncology services
• Opportunity to participate in clinical trials or research
• Patient navigation
• Prosthetic and cosmetic support
• Radiation therapy
• Resource library
• Screening mammography outreach van
• Second opinion clinic for patients already diagnosed with cancer
• Spiritual and psychological support
• Surgery, including reconstructive and plastic surgery

A true health care team.

At Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, we provide our patients with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, diagnostic radiology professionals and many other health experts to treat all breast health related issues. Our team prides itself on taking care of women before, during and after breast cancer treatment. We include our patients in the decision making process, helping women and their families understand what to expect. We answer questions, discuss treatment options, explain procedures, schedule appointments and provide caring support.


Paul Dale, MD, Surgical Oncologist
Debra Koivunen, MD, Surgical Oncology
Donna Richardson, MD, General Surgery

In addition to highly specialized diagnosis and treatment options, physicians at Ellis Fischel conduct a variety of clinical trials.

Komen grant funds diagnostic testing for women with limited resources

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center has received a grant from the Mid-Missouri Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fund screening mammograms and diagnostic breast work-ups for women with limited resources through March 31, 2013.

To be eligible for the screening mammogram, patients must:

• Be between ages 40 to 49 and unable to pay for the mammogram
• Be uninsured or underinsured (including those with high deductibles they are unable to pay)
• Bring proof of income and photo identification to the appointment also fill out the necessary paperwork
• Not have had a mammogram in the last 12 months

Eligible women ages 19 to 34 will receive an ultrasound and possibly a diagnostic mammogram. Funding is available for a few biopsies, if indicated. To be eligible for the diagnostic work-up, patients must:

• Be ages 19 to 34 with no other source for funding
• Be uninsured or underinsured (including those unable to pay their deductibles due to limited income)
• Have one of the following:
  • a persistent dominant palpable mass demonstrated over two clinical breast exams at least one menstrual cycle apart
  • an initial abnormal clinical breast exam with clear or bloody discharge, skin changes or dimpling
  • a previous mammogram or ultrasound requesting additional follow-up in less than 12 months
• Bring proof of income and photo identification to the appointment and fill out the necessary paperwork. Participants may be asked to enroll in Missouri HealthNet with the assistance of a financial counselor at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

The Missouri HealthNet Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment program, operated through the Missouri Department of Social Services, will cover the cost of treatment if cancer is diagnosed.

For more information about the grant, please contact Sue Sinele, RN, a staff nurse in Cancer Screening Services, at (573) 884-1140.