The Breast Health Center
SPECIALISTS FROM VARIOUS DISCIPLINES HELP TAKE THE TRAUMA OUT OF A BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS
 |
| A team of specialists from various disciplines including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, surgical pathologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, basic science researchers, social workers, and other health-care professionals make up the Breast Health Center team. |
Many anxious days and weeks are spent making appointments with physicians in various specialties. Some individuals may need to see up to five specialists before the optimal treatment plan is arranged.
Recognizing that women are concerned about breast cancer, are often anxious about their situation, and need immediate evaluation and treatment, the Loma Linda University Cancer Institute established the Breast Health Center in October, 1996.
Headed by Carlos Garberoglio, MD, medical director of the Breast Health Center and associate professor of surgery, School of Medicine, more than 1,000 patients have been seen by physicians at the Breast Health Center since its opening a little more than a year ago.
When a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer--or who suspects that she might have cancer--calls the Breast Health Center, she will reach Paula Polder, LVN, coordinator for the Center.
"Many women who come to us are seeking a second opinion," Ms. Polder says.
Ms. Polder requests that the patient send all of the pertinent test and mammogram results to the Center for evaluation, and makes appointments for the patient to see the necessary specialists--all on the same day--and usually within five days or less after talking with the patient.
Loma Linda University Cancer Institute's approach to breast cancer treatment and research is comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and patient focused.
"This means that the health-care professionals function as a cohesive team working to develop the best treatment options for the patient," points out Dr. Garberoglio.
The Breast Health Center health-care delivery team strives to stay on the forefront of the scientific changes constantly taking place in breast health, according to Frank D. Howard IV, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and chief of medical oncology. Each of the physicians who participate in the Breast Health Center are board-certified in his or her specialty area.
The Cancer Institute has assembled one of the finest breast cancer teams in Southern California. Specialists on the team include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, surgical pathologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, basic science researchers, and health professionals who provide genetic counseling and psychosocial, spiritual, and nutritional support.
Currently, 30 or more patients are seen each Friday morning at the Breast Health Center clinic.
Immediately following the clinic, physicians are joined by other members of the health-care team including clinical researchers, nurses, cancer data managers, residents, student physicians, and other allied health caregivers.
During the breast cancer conference that follows the clinic, the health-care team discusses patients seen that day and suggests treatment options.
"Some of our patients stay by until after the conference is completed and discuss the treatment options with the Breast Health Center personnel," Ms. Polder says.
"Many individuals today think that when a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, the treatment is usually a mastectomy," Dr. Howard reveals.
However, with today's medical advances, a mastectomy is unnecessary in many cases.
"We recognize how devastating a mastectomy can be on an individual," Dr. Howard aDDS. "Many of today's breast cancers can be successfully treated without disfiguring surgery."
Loma Linda University Cancer Institute has a strong commitment to research in breast cancer. This commitment assures the patient access to the latest advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer, including:
*utilization of new diagnostic procedures, such as stereotactic breast biopsy, which accurately pinpoint abnormal areas detected by mammography and allow biopsy of the tissue without surgery;
*breast reconstruction procedures which use the patient's tissue and avoid the use of implants; and
*clinical trial investigations of various medications which may prevent breast cancer in women at high risk.
The mission of the Breast Health Center is to work with patients, support and advocacy groups, health-care professionals, and cancer organizations to improve cancer outcomes. The goals of the Center are to ensure that:
*women with breast cancer are diagnosed as early as possible;
*women diagnosed with breast cancer receive state-of-the-art treatment;
*women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive adequate psychosocial, physical, and practical support; and
*community networks and infrastructure that will increase breast cancer control are developed, including the availability of mammography screening and prevention programs for high-risk groups.
The Breast Health Center is the first multispecialty cancer center to be established by the Cancer Institute. Other entities of the Cancer Institute are planning to establish centers for other types of cancer patterned after the Breast Health Center.
Individuals wishing to obtain more information about the Breast Health Center may call (800) 782-2623.
All contents copyright © 2001 Loma
Linda University. All rights reserved.
Revised
Monday, January 8, 2001 2:42 PM
Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu
URL: http: //www.llu.edu