In Irvine, this summer Hoag will add a dedicated
breast MRI to not only see more patients, but to allow more patients to be seen.
Understanding the enormity of a
cancer diagnosis or an elevated lifetime risk of
breast cancer, Hoag is expanding its services with the intention of helping patients
regain their sense of control.
“There is so much loss of control with a diagnosis, and we have to
be sensitive to how much we ask people to do,” said
Heather Macdonald, M.D., breast surgical oncologist and medical director
of the Breast & Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program located at Hoag
Health Center Irvine. “By expanding services and improving access, we are communicating
to our patients that they are seen, cared for and a bit in control.
“This is just one of the investments that Hoag is making in the community
of Irvine, one of the ever-expanding examples of how we are building our
health care services for the community,” she said. “This MRI
will increase access to care for women who have a new diagnosis of breast
cancer and for women whose elevated risk of cancer necessitates additional
imaging beyond a mammogram.”
While breast MRI does not replace
mammography, it is a critical complement to standard imaging for high-risk women or
women with dense breast tissue. And specialists often recommend MRI for
women with newly diagnosed breast cancer to better determine the most
effective course of treatment.
“Having our own dedicated machine logistically allows us to be more
responsive to our newly diagnosed patients, who are often experiencing
high levels of anxiety,” Dr. Macdonald said. “It speaks to
the idea that every patient is important.”
The dedicated MRI will also support the
Hoag Early Risk Assessment (HERA) program, a philanthropically funded initiative that informs, educates and empowers
women about their breast cancer risk. MRI is recommended for women with
a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer.
MRI-guided biopsies are also necessary for women whose breast tumors are
not found on ultrasound or mammogram.
“For all their health care needs, people prefer the convenience of
staying in their local community,” Dr. Macdonald said. “For
women facing a new diagnosis of breast cancer, who are going to need intensive
treatment over several weeks or months, the ability to help lessen the
disruption to their lives is critical.”
For more information, call 888-219-9306.