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.

Genetic Counseling, Testing and Risk Assessment

The Washington Cancer Genetics Program is a collaboration between Washington Hospital and UCSF Health. 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 interdisciplinary 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.

Videos from the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons offers a collection of informative videos on the journey of breast cancer from diagnosis to treatment options to recovery.

Click Here For Videos

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.