Despite clinical advances over the past decade, breast cancer is still a serious risk for women, with 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. To ensure maintenance of optimal breast health, it is important to receive annual screening mammograms from expert breast radiologists – who are specially trained to interpret breast images with pinpoint accuracy – such as the experts at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.
Andrea LeClaire has received her annual mammogram at the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center for the last 20 years. Because she was diligent and committed to annual mammograms, Andrea’s breast cancer was found early.
“My cancer would have never been found if it wasn’t for my annual mammogram,” says Andrea. “The tumor was as small as the tip of a pencil, so it would’ve been a while before I would have ever been able to notice it was there.”
“Our Breast Center not only provides quality and compassionate breast care, but also invests in leading technologies, like 3D tomosynthesis mammography, to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage, when it’s most treatable,” says Richard Reitherman, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of breast imaging with the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center. He read Andrea’s breast images and was able to diagnose her at an early stage.
After her cancer diagnosis, Andrea was referred to Jane Kakkis, M.D., medical director of breast surgery at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. She and the Breast Center team recommended surgery and postoperative radiation using SAVI technology.
Andrea reviewed her options thoughtfully and decided on breast-saving surgery and a short course of radiation therapy. We were able to cure her cancer using the latest radiation technology that allowed us to finish her radiation therapy faster and with the least amount of side effects.
Dr. Jane Kakkis medical director of breast surgery at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
Apart from their clinical excellence, the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center prides itself on their compassionate, supportive atmosphere.
“Everyone who worked with me was very supportive and helped me maintain my sense of dignity during treatment. The staff was professional and compassionate throughout my journey and helped me continue to thrive after my treatment was completed," says Andrea LeClaire.