Breast Health
Breast Health begins with preventive measures
Free Breast Self-Exam Instruction
Do you know how to check your breasts each month? Would you like to learn?
Meet with a nurse educator and learn how to complete a self-exam. We use
a short video and breast model to help with instruction.
By appointment only. Please allow 20 - 30 minutes.
Call 510.818.7356 to schedule an appointment or email: Laura_Constantine@whhs.com
Genetic Counseling, Testing and Risk Assessment
The Washington Cancer Genetics Program is a collaboration between Washington
Hospital and UCSF Medical Center. The program offers genetic counseling
for individuals concerned with the risk of an inherited cancer predisposition.
The clinic staff includes genetic counselors, medical oncologists and
registered nurses. Speak with your primary care physician to determine
if a referral to this program is appropriate.
Click
here for more information.
Facing a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast Cancer Care Conference
Being newly diagnosed with breast cancer is a stressful scary moment. The
Washington Women's Center in cooperation with your physician wishes
to support you and your family during this stressful time by providing
educational opportunities about your diagnosis. The
Breast Cancer Care Conference is a learning opportunity for you and your family that compliments your
regular doctor visits and treatments.
Breast Tumor Board
Our Breast Tumor Board provides your physicians a time to discuss your
results from each specialty's expertise, thus offering you treatment
options based on an interdisplinary approach. Specialty participation
includes radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation
oncologists, primary physicians, gynecologists and plastic surgeons.
Surgical Services
Some cancer treatment plans may include surgery. Working together to deliver
the latest surgical techniques, our surgeons and plastic surgeons offer
surgical options for breast cancer surgery. Reconstructive surgery encompasses
various procedures. We work with you to help you determine the best course
of action for you.
Radiation Treatment
The Radiation Oncology Center (ROC) offers patients access to leading-edge
treatment in radiation therapy.
A nurse navigator will work with you to schedule and understand the radiation
treatment plan developed by your team of physicians. Three-dimensional
images of the tumor and surrounding tissue help determine the dose of
radiation, and precise delivery to hopefully increase effectiveness while
limiting the dose to minimize injury to the surrounding tissue. Click
here for more information.
Additional Resources
Breast Cancer Support Group
Our breast cancer support group is an informal group of women meeting
to discuss living with breast cancer. Periodic guest speakers and peer
support offers information and experience many find helpful. Click
here for more information.
HERS Foundation
Hope, Empowerment, Renewal, Support
Located in Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave., HERS is a specialty shop providing
post-surgical products and services in a welcoming and compassionate setting.
Personal consultation and fittings are available for privacy and convenience.
For more details, call 510.790.1911 or visit:
hersbreastcancerfoundation.org.
Reach to Recovery Volunteers
For more than 45 years, the American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery
program has been helping people cope with their
breast cancer experience. Women who have experienced breast cancer visit, inform, and
support new breast cancer patients. Talking with a Reach to Recovery volunteer,
who has fully adjusted to her breast cancer surgery and treatment experience
can offer comfort and an opportunity to express feelings, verbalize fears,
concerns and ask questions from an impartial and objective person. These
volunteers work closely with the Washington Women's Center coordinator
and have been specially trained by the American Cancer Society. We try
to "match" you with a woman of similar age and diagnosis. Ask
the Women's Center coordinator or contact the American Cancer Society.