With state-of-the-art detection, treatment and technology for women in every stage of breast health, MemorialCare Breast Center at Long Beach Memorial is dedicated to advancing the care, and early diagnosis, of breast cancer. Our accredited center — recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers — and digital imaging are a vital force in diagnosing and fighting breast cancer. Through three women sub-specialized, fellowship trained breast radiologists, who interpret each patient exam, and the newest life-saving technologies, the Breast Center is able to provide total breast care.
At the MemorialCare Breast Center, patients have access to advanced digital mammography through a computer-aided detection (CAD) system, available at only about eight percent of breast imaging centers in the United States. For comprehensive breast care, Breast Center services include screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, needle biopsies, ductography, tumor localizations and second opinion services — giving patients a convenient location where their entire work-up can be performed in one appointment, including a biopsy if deemed necessary.
“Our ability to provide these crucial services in a ‘one-stop shop’ for breast care takes the stress from our patients and makes them more comfortable with their treatments,” says Sandy Lopez, Program Director, MemorialCare Breast Center.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, patients and their medical team typically design an individualized treatment plan. An integral part of this plan is a support system. At the Breast Center, mentor programs and psychosocial services are available to women diagnosed with breast cancer in order to support their emotional and mental wellness. The Women Guiding Women: Cancer Support and Education program is available to lend one-to-one support from a mentor who is specially trained to help newly diagnosed patients navigate their cancer journey. Through their own experience, the mentors deliver knowledge, support, encouragement, and friendship. Since every woman has an individual treatment plan, we carefully match women with a mentor who has gone through a comparable experience. All women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will benefit from this peer-support and mentoring program —from diagnosis, through treatment and on to recovery and survivorship. The program is free of charge and available to any newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, regardless of where treatment is being received.
“The support groups were formed to help newly diagnosed women navigate their journey through treatment and recovery. Mentors — through knowledge, support, encouragement and friendship — take away these women’s fear in ways that only a survivor can,” says Randal Snyder, Manager, Women Guiding Women: Cancer Support and Education.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Long Beach Memorial is offering “Breast Happy Hours” every Wednesday in October from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Breast Center. Those who come in for a mammogram during the “Happy Hours” will have a chance to win prizes — from spa robes to gift certificates. Head/neck massages, refreshments and light appetizers will be provided and, most importantly, there also will be a drawing for a free mammogram.