Ten years after her first breast cancer diagnosis, Beth Walp found herself in familiar territory following her annual mammogram.

She had breast cancer — again.

This time around, however, Beth noticed something different.

“There was a lot more hope, inspiration, and support,” she said. “I felt empowered—not just as a patient, but as a person.”

Beth said that sense of empowerment was reflected in the collaborative approach of her care team and their willingness to support a long-planned cross-country RV excursion.

Dr. Amit Shah, a WellSpan radiation oncologist, guided Beth through both of her cancer journeys. She appreciated his guidance and the role she was allowed to take in her treatment plan, which included surgery followed by radiation.

“Collaboration is a key part of the personalized care we offer at WellSpan,” said Dr. Shah. “I know the medical side, but I need to understand the person in front of me and find out what is important to my patient.”

Dr. Shah emphasized that this collaborative spirit extends across the entire care team.

“Cancer is a disease that demands teamwork. We work closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, nurse navigators, and social workers to form a unified team. Together, we assess not just the medical needs, but also the logistical and emotional aspects of care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.”

One of those team members was nurse navigator Melanie Thorne, RN.

“Melanie listens—she really listens,” Beth said. “Having her there made a difference. I wanted someone who understood what it means to be a woman going through this.”

“Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming,” Melanie said. “Even though Beth had been through treatment before, it was important to me that she felt supported and guided every step of the way.”

Breast cancer care at WellSpan

Like Beth’s experience, Dr. Shah noted how much breast cancer treatment has evolved over the past decade.

“Treatment options today are vastly different from what was available 10 years ago,” he said. “Cancer therapy has advanced in many ways, especially in how we deliver local therapy while preserving the breast. These advancements allow us to personalize care to fit each patient’s unique needs.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. About one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime.

Thanks to technological advancements in screening, WellSpan radiologists have increased early-stage cancer detection by 4%. Programs such as the Gene Health Project and genetic counseling also help patients understand their risk and create personalized plans for a healthier future.

“Breast cancer is most treatable when it is caught early,” said Dr. Shah. “The best way to do that is to get your annual screening when you are able.”

Beyond cancer and the road ahead

Beth’s care team didn’t just treat her cancer—they supported her life beyond it. When she shared her plans for a 30-day RV trip to the Pacific Ocean and back, her team worked around her schedule and offered treatment options that allowed her to travel without compromising her care.

“I told them, ‘I’m leaving,’ and they said, ‘We’ll make sure you’re where you need to be before you go,’” Beth recalled. “They gave me the flexibility to live my life. This journey has taught me to live every day to the fullest—and I do.”