Experts To Treat You. A Community To Support You
Should your screening return a positive diagnosis for breast cancer, Torrance Memorial Medical Center has all the resources for world-class treatment with the compassion and access of a community hospital. Moreover, our philosophy of total care extends completely to our cancer care and treatment: your physical, mental and emotional needs are cared for with skill and sensitivity.
Medical Oncologists
The Breast Diagnostic Center makes available an oncologist for each patient who receives a diagnosis of breast cancer. Our physicians received advanced training in the management of cancer, and can explain the next steps in available treatment. These treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and clinical trial therapies.
The referral process available through the Breast Diagnostic Center includes patient access to surgeons specializing in breast procedures, breast reconstruction surgeons, as well as medical and radiation oncologists based on specific patient needs.
All oncologists at Torrance Memorial are board-certified and have extensive continuing education in the latest treatment options. They provide treatment based upon the individual needs of each patient and approach their work with the greatest compassion for each case.
Tumor Board
All breast cancer confirmations are sent for review by the Breast Tumor Board: a weekly meeting of radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, reconstructive surgeons and registered nurses who develop as a group the best course of treatment. This collaborative approach to treatment ensures continuity of care across the many team members that will aid you. It also allows multiple experts in the field of cancer care to personally examine your case and find the most appropriate path to healing.
Cancer Resource Center
The Cancer Resource Center at Torrance Memorial offers education, guidance and advocacy for patients diagnosed with cancer. The center is staffed by advanced practice nurses who specialize in oncology who can answer questions ranging from the details of treatment options to support services available in the community. The Cancer Resource Center is an extension of the services provided by your
Breast Health Navigator to fully confront cancer and the affects it has on all the facets of your life.
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Breast Reconstruction Mentorship Program
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This peer-support program offers women with breast cancer who are planning or considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy the opportunity to talk 1-on-1 with another woman who has undergone similar treatment. This mentoring program is based on the idea that a diagnosis of cancer can seem overwhelming and receiving support from someone who has been through a similar experience can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Mentors are trained volunteers who provide emotional and informational support. For more information about the breast reconstruction mentorship program, contact the Kathy Lacey, NP or Evelyn Calip, RN at the
Cancer Resource Center at 310-517-4665.
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Torrance Memorial has developed printed information to assist patients and loved ones to understand breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer--click
here
to view the document.
- Surviving Cancer
Following successful treatment, the primary concern of most patients and physicians is to stay cancer-free and healthy. The Torrance Memorial Cancer Survivorship Program is one of three partners in the state with the UCLA LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence providing training and education on life after cancer.
With attention to medical monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and positive mental health, many cancer survivors not only beat the disease, but discover a new perspective and lease on life. The Torrance Memorial Cancer Survivorship Program also provides resources to help you organize your medical records and plan your future care needs.
On the Day of Surgery
One or both of the following procedures may or may not be part of you or your loved one's breast surgery. If you have any question about what type of surgery or procedures that are planned as part of your surgery to remove breast cancer, contact your breast surgeon or the
breast navigator RNs at the Breast Diagnostic Center or the Advance Practice Nurses at Torrance Memorial
Cancer Resource Center at 310-517-4665.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
Breast Localization