It’s no secret…women are different.
Throughout your journey as a woman, you have special health needs. Lakeland is committed to offering exemplary care in each stage of life. Whether you are preparing for a birth, managing menopause symptoms, or diagnosing any number of disorders we are ready for you.
As a wife, partner, daughter, friend, mother, you make decisions every day about the care and well-being of those around you. By choosing women’s health at Spectrum Health Lakeland, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision for you, so you can be at your best—for yourself and those who depend on you.
It’s your journey. And we’ll be right beside you with the skills and expertise you need to ensure you get the most advanced and thorough care possible.
We help with a variety of services and can provide care for:
Breast Care
Cancer
Depression
Gynecology
Heart and vascular care
Incontinence, bladder, and pelvic health
Miscarriage support
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy care
Routine well-woman exams, PAP smear and cervical cancer screenings
Weight management
We all have a story to share.
We provide personalized health care to ensure you have the best possible experience while in our care. Each individual treatment and care plan at Lakeland is just as unique as your are. We are your partners in your health care journey.
Women throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond share their health care experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland in the stories below.
Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Feb 22, 2023 Reporting from Niles, MI
My community helped me beat breast cancer twice - Carolyn Jones
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/my-community-helped-me-beat-breast-cancer-twice/?utm_source=My_community_helped_me_beat_breast_cancer_twice&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Feb 22, 2023
Feb 22, 2023
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Despite her commitment to a healthy diet and frequent exercise, Carolyn Jones was surprised by a breast cancer diagnosis – not just once, but twice. “I prided myself on being a mom, wife and friend who educated others on how to live
My community helped me beat breast cancer twice - Carolyn Jones
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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My community helped me beat breast cancer twice - Carolyn Jones
Feb, 2023
Physicians: Gerald Kozuh, MD
Despite her commitment to a healthy diet and frequent exercise, Carolyn Jones was surprised by a breast cancer diagnosis – not just once, but twice.
“I prided myself on being a mom, wife and friend who educated others on how to live healthy,” Carolyn said. “Breast cancer runs in my family, but we never discussed the disease or talked about our risk of getting it.”
As a 75-year-old woman of color, Carolyn’s risk of death due to breast cancer was higher than many others. Black women are 40% more likely to die of the disease and twice as likely if they are older than 50, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
“My husband and I were eager to be educated on breast cancer treatments by my doctor and from doing our own research,” she added.
They decided she would have a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous breast tissue in the city of St. Joseph, so that she could get quality health care close to home.
Carolyn enjoyed 14 years of good health following her treatments before the cancer resurfaced. Based on her previous experience with a Corewell Health South facility, she felt comfortable getting treatment at
Marie Yeager Cancer Center for chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Carolyn said she received exceptional care from oncologist,
Gerald Kozuh, MD.
“I appreciated Dr. Kozuh for taking the time to address all of my questions and concerns throughout my care journey,” Carolyn said. “He was very knowledgeable and reassuring.”
Through 36 radiation treatments and multiple chemotherapy sessions, Carolyn was supported by several friends and family members who she calls her “guardian angels.” She found strength in the Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group, a local resource for Black women and others at high risk for breast cancer. Group members encouraged her throughout the cancer treatments. The supportive sisterhood helped Carolyn stay active by joining her for water aerobics, drumming classes, community events, talks at local cafes, dance classes and outdoor walks.
“The medical care I received helped me beat breast cancer twice, Carolyn said. “But it was the support of my family, friends and my faith that got me through it. I never felt alone.”
Now Carolyn strives to provide that same kind of support to others because the service of giving and motivating others helps her heal as well. As an advocate for healthy living, she shares her story and encourages women of all ages to care for their bodies. She also volunteers at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors and women who are most at risk for the disease.
“If I can help or cheer somebody with a word or song, then my living shall not be in vain,” Carolyn said.
The wide disparity in breast cancer death rates between Black and white women likely reflects fewer cancers being diagnosed at early stages, as well as less access to high-quality treatment. According to the ACS, breast cancer can often be treated and cured when detected early. At 40, women should begin annual screenings with a mammogram every year.
“I’m a believer in helping others by bringing out the healthier sides of themselves,” Carolyn said. “We must continue to educate and support our community, so they become aware of diseases like breast cancer early on.”
Call 800.791.2810 or schedule your mammogram through MyChart.
Learn more about detecting breast cancer here.
Watch more of Carolyn's story in the video below:
*American Cancer Society
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