Community Breast Center
Questions Answered by Personal Guide
St. Mary Community Breast Center provides a single point of contact for women in all areas of breast health, whether you have questions about how to perform breast self exams properly, need a mammogram or are coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.
You do not have to face breast issues with uncertainty or feel as if you are alone. The Breast Center nurse coordinator will work as your personal guide to help you navigate through your health care options and ensure you have all of the resources you need to make informed decisions. The services provided by the coordinator are free.
She will assist in coordinating your care, ensure all your questions are answered, work with your physicians, provide information, and ensure you receive test results as quickly as possible. The center also offers a support group where you can meet other women who may share your diagnosis.
Please contact:
Laurie Cochran, RN
Coordinator
St. Mary Community Breast Center
(509) 522-5831 or toll-free 1-800-692-2193
Breast Center Services
Women may contact the Community Breast Center themselves, or be referred by any health care professional. The Center offers:
- A coordinator who works closely with you, your doctor and other members of your medical team.
- Referral to a primary care physician if needed.
- Answers to questions about breast care, health and disease.
- Instruction on breast self exam.
- Resource library and Internet service.
- Coordination of prompt screening mammograms and other diagnostic tests.
- LIFESAVER FUND: financial assistance for uninsured/low income women is available for obtaining a screening mammogram. For more information, contact Laurie Cochran, RN at (509) 522-5831.
- Assistance in learning about breast cancer, diagnosis, surgery and treatment options.
- Emotional and educational support before, during and after a hospital inpatient stay.
- Access to genetic risk counseling and testing.
- Opportunities to participate in research studies.
- Support groups
- Peer support and visitation available through the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program.
- Networking with the St. Mary Regional Cancer and Women's Services.
Mammography: The first line of defense in screening for breast abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce images, is often used as the next step toward diagnosis.
Breast MRI with computer assisted diagnosis: The most advanced technology available for the diagnosis of breast abnormalities. The Breast MR is utilized with women who may have conditions that may make a tumor difficult to see on mammogram, have palpable lumps or a history of breast cancer.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: The status of a breast cancer patient's lymph nodes is the most powerful predictor for recurrence and survival. By removing the sentinel node, physicians can stage the cancer and usually avoid the complications caused by full axillary node dissection.
Clinical trials for new breast cancer treatments: Available through the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center.
Post Breast Surgery Program: Occupational, physical and other therapies focused on decreasing discomfort, regaining movement and managing swelling (lymphedema) that may be caused by the surgical removal of lymph nodes. The program also includes scar management.
Breast reconstruction: Surgical reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy, or many years later.
Breast reduction or augmentation: Surgical services are available to enlarge or reduce breasts.
Lactation services: A certified lactation consultant, classes and a breastfeeding support group are available to assist breastfeeding mothers.
