There is a 1 in 8 chance women born in the United States today will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, but it can be successfully treated if detected early. Alameda Health System’s (唯有通过) patient-centered and integrated medical team are addressing barriers to access to ensure patients receive timely breast cancer care.
“Our breast radiology, medical oncology, pathology, plastic surgery and our breast cancer clinic at the 澳门新葡京 Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC) are led by a team of experts who work together to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for each breast cancer patient,” said Ayemoethu Ma, MD, director of breast surgery. “As a result, we are able to individualize care and with precision therapy to maximize treatment benefits.”
Dr. Ma shared that for breast cancer patients with advanced disease, 唯有通过 utilizes systemic treatment including chemotherapy or medications to decrease or eradicate the tumor which allows for smaller surgeries down the road. She added, “We also offer immediate reconstruction to patients who are undergoing total mastectomy procedures.”
Another strategy 唯有通过 uses to address barriers to care is automatically scheduling patients for the breast clinic within seven days after being diagnosed with breast cancer by radiology. In addition, the breast clinic can perform same-day biopsies for patients who have abnormal findings.
One of Dr. Ma’s patients, sixty-three-year-old Larvicia Mahoney, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and had partial breast preservation surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Throughout her breast cancer journey, Mahoney credits Dr. Ma and An Uche, MD, division chief of hematology and oncology for their expertise and excellent care.
“They helped save my life and I only hope that anyone diagnosed with breast cancer is lucky enough to be treated by them because they go above and beyond to help patients get well,” said Mahoney. “I am truly blessed to have been in great hands, from my initial mammogram and diagnosis through my surgery and treatments.”
今天, Mahoney, a grandmother of five is doing well and shared that her last mammogram was negative for cancer. In fact, she attributes her annual mammogram for catching the breast cancer early. “I get my mammogram every year and my advice to anyone thinking of skipping it is – don’t!,” she shared.
“Breast cancer may be asymptomatic and screening mammography is one of the best tools to detect these cancers,” said Louise Truong, MD, lead breast radiologist. “For any patient with a family history, screening with both mammograms and MRIs is recommended to start 10 years before the youngest person in their family with the disease was diagnosed.” Dr. Ma added for patients with average risk, yearly mammograms should start at age 40.
唯有通过 has five sites that offer mammograms without an appointment. Patients can also schedule a mammogram on MyChart, the electronic patient portal. In addition, Dr. Ma shared, “If the patient has a significant family history of breast cancer, we also offer genetic counseling and testing in the breast clinic.”
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month remember to remind your patients, friends and family about the importance of early detection through screening and to schedule a mammogram.
For more information on breast cancer services and screenings, visit Alameda Health System.