The MemorialCare Breast Center in San Clemente boasts a professional, attentive staff to make the mammography experience as stress-free as possible.

Known for its expertise in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer MemorialCare Breast Centers partner with prestigious physicians who devote themselves to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Our mammography technologists specialize in breast imaging. Breast specialist physicians, who dedicate their practice to breast imaging, interpret every mammogram and perform and read all breast ultrasounds. This new facility, a screening satellite site, is an extension of the MemorialCare Breast Center at Saddleback Memorial-Laguna Hills where our staff will provide advanced follow-up breast care should it be necessary.

State-of-the-Art Digital Mammograms
The MemorialCare Breast Center in San Clemente is equipped with digital mammography, placing it on the leading edge of breast care. Digital mammograms are available in very few breast imaging centers nationwide.

This method of imaging the breast involves the use of a special detector to convert X-ray energy into a digital picture almost instantaneously. This technology makes mammograms convenient and faster for patients and limits the need for retakes. It also allows the radiologist to manipulate the image, magnifying details, increasing or decreasing contrast, or reversing black and white values—all of this improving the quality of the exam and the interpretation.

A recent Digital Mammography Imaging Screening research study sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute showed that digital mammography was significantly better than film mammography in screening women who had very dense breast tissue, which often includes women under 50 or those who were pre- or perimenopausal.

Team Approach
Among the Breast Center's greatest strengths is its team of prestigious physicians who devote themselves to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. A multidisciplinary team approach provides for comprehensive coordinated care.

Every patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer receives consultation and education to prepare them to participate in their own treatment option decisions. New patient cases are presented at a weekly pre-treatment planning conference with breast specialists, pathologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nurse practitioners, and social workers attending. This provides for coordinated comprehensive care utilizing an interdisciplinary team approach with a well-trained, caring staff.

Transitions for Women Boutique
Rounding out our “Team Approach” is Transitions for Women, a boutique specializing in oncology products. Learning that you have cancer is a difficult experience. You may wonder how you can cope with the physical and emotional challenges cancer treatment may present. This is when Transitions For Women is an invaluable resource, providing quality skin care products, an array of fashionable wigs, scarves and hats, mastectomy bras, breast forms, compression garments and more, all with a knowledgeable staff to help you.

Contact Transitions for Women for more information or a free consultation.

Recommended Screenings
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for all women 40 years of age and older. High-risk women younger than 40 should talk to their doctor about when to begin screening.

For a free screening guide please contact:
Saddleback Memorial’s Health Information Center

Locations & Appointments
Schedule an appointment at a MemorialCare Breast Center location near you.
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center:

• San Clemente
• Laguna Hills

• All About Breast Cancer
• Surgical procedures for breast cancer
• Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
• Exercises after breast surgery
• What every women facing breast cancer should know about lymphedema
• Nutrition for Cancer Patients

• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• Y-me National Breast Cancer Organization
• BreastCancer.org
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer