Mary Smania
Assistant Professor, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified Advanced Genetics Nurse | Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI, UNITED STATES
Expert in genetic risk assessment and treatment for breast cancer.
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Biography
Mary Smania's work centers around reducing barriers to health care for men and women who can't afford life-saving services.
She provides education to help patients understand warning signs and symptoms to diseases such as breast cancer and connects patients directly to resources.
With a specific interest in breast cancer, she coordinates testing for the BRCA gene mutation and has developed a mobile technology to increase provider BRCA knowledge. Her mobile app, called BRCA Risk, helps health care providers assess women who are at risk of the mutation.
Industry Expertise (4)
Medical/Dental Practice
Education/Learning
Health Care - Services
Health Care - Providers
Areas of Expertise (3)
Genetics
Breast Cancer
Cancer Research
Accomplishments (1)
Graduate Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
2016 Michigan State University College of Nursing
Education (3)
University of Iowa: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing 2014
Michigan State University: Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner 2000
University of Michigan: BSN 1998
Affiliations (2)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, Board Certified Advanced Genetics Nurse
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
News (2)
Breast cancer resources, and where Komen funds go
WLNS 6 online
2016-10-30
Michigan State University received more than $70,000 this year to help fund resources and research for the community. Dr. Mary Smania works with Michigan State and helps with outreach and says the funds from Komen help make screening affordable to everyone.
Breast density: Controlling the uncontrollable
WLNS 6 online
2016-05-11
The MRI lasts a little longer than the mammogram, about 25 minutes of lying very, very still. My last stop, a quick checkup and meeting with my other doctor to discuss my results, and any other concerns I may have. "Any breast lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge or anything like that?" asked Dr. Mary Smania, MSU Dept. of Surgery.
Research Grants (1)
Pink Impact
Mid-Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure $60,000
2018-2019 Focus on community outreach with communities of color and rural populations through faith-based initiatives with focus on exercise. Providing Breast Services to underserved women in Mid-Michigan and an educational series aimed at breast cancer survivors.
Journal Articles (3)
Evaluation of common breast complaints in primary care
Nurse Practitioner JournalMary Smania
2017 Discovery of a breast mass, nipple discharge, or breast pain is a common, anxiety-producing occurrence for many women. Although most irregularities are benign, every woman presenting with a breast complaint should be evaluated to exclude or establish a diagnosis of cancer. The patient visit to the provider for a breast complaint can also present an opportunity for the NP to address and update any needed breast screenings.
7 Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
MSU College of NursingMary Smania
2017 Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women. The following are steps you can take to lower your risk.
Determining When an Activity Is or Is Not Research
American Journal of NursingMary Smania & D.P. Olsen
2016 Practical and ethical considerations for nurses engaged in QI and other projects.
