Schools
Revlon/UCLA Breast Center Leads in Care
Located in Westwood Village, the center has a comprehensive system designed to keep women healthy.
In 2010, the American Cancer Society reported that approximately 1 out of 8 women would develop breast cancer in their lifetime. And although there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors within the United States, it still remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.
Located in Westwood Village, the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center is a leader in the field of comprehensive breast care. Established in 1992 as the UCLA Breast Center, the practice was all-inclusive, catering to a wide spectrum of patients. Whether a person was diagnosed as high risk or already living with the disease, the UCLA Breast Center was armed with specialized programs for almost anything thrown their way.
In 1996, the Revlon Foundation came into the mix after making a generous donation to the UCLA Breast Center. Known for providing exemplary care, the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center treats thousands of women in need of diagnoses, treatment and advice. The best candidates, in fact, are women who have a newly diagnosed breast cancer or relapse after initial treatment; have a breast lump or other breast concerns; have abnormal breast imaging studies; and/or have a history for breast and/or ovarian cancer.
Find out what's happening in Westwood-Century Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The director of the center, Dr. Helena Chang, says the program has become more integrated in recent years.
“The supportive and wellness care as well as the patient educational efforts have been incorporated into the patient’s routine care," says Chang. "A system to provide uniform quality care has been put into place. An integration of patient care and research are being implemented. We are also developing a data-driven pathway for outcome measurement and quality improvement.”
Find out what's happening in Westwood-Century Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While research is a significant part of the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center’s mandate, so is caring for and treating patients. “The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center is a place that devotes to women with compassion and cutting edge medicine," says Chang. "The humanity, service and leading science motivate all of us at The Breast Center to give our best efforts every day.”
The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center breaks up their services into five categories.
Diagnostic Clinic: Open daily with a breast surgeon and/or nurse practitioner on site. Treats breast-related issues, such as abnormal breast imaging study, self-detected breast concerns and recent breast cancer diagnoses. Patients seeking a second opinion will receive a pathology review. Breast radiologists are also available if needed. Patients are assessed of their situation and given facts and recommendations for next steps.
Multidisciplinary Program: Weekly clinic tailored especially for women who’ve been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, have had a history of failed treatment, or are experiencing a recurrence after a previous treatment. A multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists will evaluate the patient and discuss the scope of disease and treatment plan.
Follow Up Program: This program treats patients’ mind and body during treatment and recovery. Led by a team of specialists including a nurse practitioner, physical therapist and member of the psychosocial team.
High Risk Program: Weekly program designed for women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. A specialized team consults with patients regarding their risks, preventative options, specialized follow-up schedules and psychological support. This program is meant to empower women to create a structure for their own care.
Weekly Education Classes: Led by a nurse practitioner, this class is aimed at helping women who are surgery bound. Classes are tailored to help women understand their choices, surgical procedures and managing expectations before and after surgery. The class also provides psychosocial support.
Chang shares that the center is quite accessible to those who need it. “New patients in general get their appointment within a week of their inquiry,” she says. “Established patients get their appointments according to a fixed schedule (i.e. one month, three months, six months or yearly). Walk-in is available to women with urgent problems such as infection or treatment related adverse development. Postoperative visits usually occur between one and two weeks from the surgery day.”
Visit the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center website to learn more about the programs, and how you can donate and volunteer your time.
