ORANGE, Calif., May 16, 2013 – Breastlink Medical Group (Breastlink), a network of comprehensive breast health centers that is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers, announced its laboratory has met all criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. COLA accreditation is given to laboratories that apply strict standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. Breastlink has earned COLA accreditation as a result of a long-term commitment to provide quality service to its patients. Breastlink provides laboratory testing for a range services, including:

• tumor marker tests, such as a cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) blood test to determine the range of CA 15-3 proteins with a patient; and
• clinical chemical analysis to identify a patient’s glucose, calcium and other levels.

“The Breastlink laboratory has received COLA accreditation for more than 10 years,” said Breastlink Medical Oncologist and Laboratory Director Wade Smith, M.D. “Due to the hard work of our staff we are able to quickly provide accurate information to our doctors and patients, empowering them to make informed breast cancer treatment decisions.”

COLA is a nonprofit, physician-directed organization promoting quality and excellence in medicine and patient care through programs of voluntary education, achievement and accreditation. COLA is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians – American Society of Internal Medicine.

About Breastlink

Breastlink is a network of comprehensive breast health centers offering full-service breast cancer treatment from initial screenings to the successful completion of treatment. Breastlink has a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, psychotherapists, researchers and patient advocates on staff to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

Breastlink has four locations in Southern California (Orange, Rancho Mirage, Saddleback and Temecula Valley). Breastlink is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers.

About RadNet, Inc.

RadNet, Inc. is the leading national provider of freestanding, fixed-site diagnostic imaging services in the United States based on the number of locations and annual imaging revenue. RadNet has a network of 248 owned and/or operated outpatient-imaging centers (inclusive of 23 facilities held in joint ventures). RadNet’s core markets include California, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technologists, RadNet has a total of approximately 6,300 employees.

Contact:

• Andrew Ausanka-Crues
• Communications Manager, Breastlink
• (805) 451-0931

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Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery

Lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the arm following the removal of the under arm (axillary) lymph nodes. Symptoms may become evident days, months or sometimes even years after a breast cancer surgery.

As Dr. Curcio explains in the video “the symptoms can be very subtle. Often, it is asymptomatic, swelling of the arm. It is often not noticed until a patient puts on a piece of clothing that perhaps feels a little bit tight compared to the other side.”

The primary types of procedures that may lead a patient to develop lymphedema after breast cancer surgery include:

• A simple mastectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
• A lumpectomy procedure completed in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
• A modified radical mastectomy (which includes removal of the breast and axillary lymph nodes).
• Cancer surgery combined with radiation therapy to a lymph node region.
• Radiation therapy to a lymph node region.

Dr. Lisa Curcio’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story

Dr. Lisa Curcio shared her life altering breast cancer survivor story with CBS and KCAL news in 2011. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just nine months after the birth of her first child and two year’s after her wedding. In the three and a half minute video clip Dr. Curcio explains: “all I could see was not the prospect of losing my breast – but my son. Who is going to raise him? Am I going to be there to see him graduate from 8^th grade? From high school? Will I see him get married one day?”

Dr. Curcio is a breast care specialist and surgeon at the Advanced Breast Care at Breastlink – Saddleback. A picture of Dr. Curcio, one of her patients and Lisa Sigell (CBS 2 & KCAL 9 reporter).

When she was diagnosed Dr. Curcio was a general oncology surgeon. Her experience as a breast cancer patient eventually led her to find her true professional calling in life. “My mission was to become a breast cancer surgeon – to put all of my energy towards diagnosing, treating and providing survivorship advice to patients that I touch.”

It has been more than 10 years since her diagnosis. Dr. Curcio shared “it took time for me to realize that my story could help women harness their strength for their own journey.”

If Dr. Curcio’s breast cancer survivor story has inspired you please consider adding your own story to our website’s patient stories corner. Contact us at patient.stories @ Breastlink (dot) com.

Dr. Janet Ihde, our surgical oncologist at the Chrysalis at Breastlink of Rancho Mirage, was recently interviewed about testing for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Karen Devine, news anchor for KESQ-TV (ABC’s Palm Springs affiliate), asked Dr. Ihde:

• Should patients with a history of breast cancer in their family consider testing for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation?
• What are the implications of receiving a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation result?
• Do patients feel empowered to learn whether they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation?

In addition to an interview with Dr. Ihde the four and a half minute segment features two inspirational stories from women who tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

It is also important to note that women who are carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have up to a 44 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer by the age of 70.

Facts about Testing for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutation

• Every human has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Only 1 in 400 to 600 women inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
• The test that determines if a patient has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation requires a blood or oral rinse sample.
• Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation account for roughly 5 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses.
• There is a 50 percent chance for a child of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carrier to inherit the disease.
• The cost to determine whether one has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation depends on the extent of an evaluation. The price range is from $300 to $4,000.
• The cost depends on whether a patient asks for a limited test or the full test.
• The limited test only evaluates a few areas of the gene.
• The full test examines hundreds of area on both genes.

Patients have different breast cancer risk factors. Genetic testing is not appropriate for all patients. It is important to talk to your medical provider to learn more about your risk of developing breast cancer.

Janet Ihde, M.D., David Conston, M.D., Ali Esmaili, M.D. And Wade Smith, M.D. to Discuss the New California Breast Density Notification Law.

PALM DESERT, Calif. and RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., April 29, 2013 – Breastlink of Rancho Mirage, a comprehensive breast health center operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers, announced it will provide a free, public seminar about the new California breast density notification law at Del Webb – Sun City on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 pm. The event is open to all residents of the Coachella Valley.

A new California breast density notification law took effect on April 1 requiring imaging centers in California to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, as classified by a radiologist. For more information on the new law please visit Breastlink of Rancho Mirage’s March 29, 2013 press release.

Coachella Valley California Breast Density Notification Talk Details:

WHAT: A free, public Coachella Valley breast density informational presentation covering how the law impacts women with dense breast tissue, the implications of having dense breast tissue and additional breast screening options, amongst related topics.

• Janet Ihde, M.D., Breast Surgical Oncologist
• David Conston, M.D., Breast Radiologist
• Ali Esmaili, M.D., Breast Radiologist
• Wade Smith, M.D., Medical Oncologist

WHEN: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

WHERE: Del Webb – Sun City, Mountain View Clubhouse, Ventana Room, 38180 Del Webb Blvd., Palm Desert, CA 92211.

RSVP: Scott Humpherys (760) 412-1450 or scott (d0t) humpherys at RadNet (dot) com. Bridget Lopez (760) 712-5127 or bridget (dot) lopez at breastlink (dot) com.

About Breastlink

Breastlink is a network of comprehensive breast health centers offering full-service breast cancer treatment from initial screenings to the successful completion of treatment. Breastlink utilizes a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, psychotherapists, researchers and patient advocates on staff to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

Breastlink has four locations in Southern California (Orange, Rancho Mirage, Saddleback and Temecula Valley). Breastlink is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers.

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Amy Bremner, M.D. and William Mansfield, M.D. will provide a breast density talk to Temecula Valley residents on Thursday, April 18 at Michelle’s Place. The Press-Enterprise recently published a brief about the event, which is a complimentary event open to the community.

Drs. Bremner and Mansfield will discuss the new California breast density notification law and related issues about breast density. As of April 1, 2013 approximately 50 percent of women in California will now receive notification that they have dense breast tissue, as classified by a radiologist on a screening mammogram.

Hawaii recently became the sixth state to pass a breast density notification law. Starting in 2014 breast density notification laws will impact more than 30 percent of the American public. Similar legislation on breast density notification is pending in Congress and in other states.

Breast Density Talk Details.

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2013. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

WHERE: Michelle’s Place. 27645 Jefferson Ave., #117. Temecula, CA. 92590.

WHO: Amy Bremner, M.D. – Breastlink of Temecula Valley Lead Surgeon. William Mansfield, M.D. – Breastlink of Temecula Valley Director of Breast Imaging.

RSVP: Michelle’s Place (951) 699-5455

Janet Ihde, M.D., David Conston, M.D., Ali Esmaili, M.D. and Wade Smith, M.D. to Discuss the New California Breast Density Notification Law

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. and RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., April 11, 2013 – Gilda’s Club Desert Cities, a nonprofit cancer support and education organization serving the Coachella Valley, announced it will host a free, public seminar on breast density on April 30, 2013, presented by four doctors from Breastlink of Rancho Mirage, a comprehensive breast health center.

A new California breast density notification law took effect on April 1 requiring all imaging centers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, as classified by a radiologist. For more information on the new law please visit Breastlink of Rancho Mirage’s March 29, 2013 press release.

Coachella Valley Breast Density Talk Details:

WHAT:           A free, public presentation covering how the law impacts women with dense breast tissue, the implications of having dense breast tissue and additional breast screening options, and related topics.

WHEN:           Tuesday, April 30, 2013 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

WHERE:         Gilda’s Club Desert Cities, 67-625 East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234

WHO:

• Janet Ihde, M.D., Breast Surgical Oncologist
• David Conston, M.D., Breast Radiologist
• Ali Esmaili, M.D., Breast Radiologist
• Wade Smith, M.D., Medical Oncologist

RSVP:            (760) 770-5678 – Gilda’s Club Desert Cities

About Breastlink

Breastlink is a network of comprehensive breast health centers offering full-service breast cancer treatment from initial screenings to the successful completion of treatment. Breastlink utilizes a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, psychotherapists, researchers and patient advocates on staff to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

Breastlink has four locations in Southern California (Orange, Rancho Mirage, Saddleback and Temecula Valley). Breastlink is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers. For more information please visit breastlink.com.

About Gilda’s Club Desert Cities

Gilda’s Club Desert Cities, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, is located at 67-625 East Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. 7A in Cathedral City. A full program of emotional, educational and social support is provided as an essential complement to medical care. The program is offered free of charge to cancer patients and survivors as well as to their caregivers, family members and friends. Cancer support groups, gentle exercise, nutrition and expressive arts classes, social activities and lectures are all available in the comfortable, home-like environment of Gilda’s Club. Many of the groups and classes are also offered at off-site locations throughout the Coachella Valley, and Spanish-language support groups are available in Cathedral City and Thermal. More information about Gilda’s Club is available by calling 760-770-5678, or at www.gildasclubdesertcities.org.

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MURRIETA, Calif. April 4, 2013 – Michelle’s Place, a nonprofit breast cancer resource center serving the Temecula Valley, announced it will host Amy Bremner, M.D. and William Mansfield, M.D. of Breastlink of Temecula Valley on April 18, 2013 for an educational talk about breast density.

A new California breast density notification law took effect on April 1 requiring all imaging centers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, as classified by a radiologist. For more information on the new law please visit our March 29, 2013 press release.

WHAT: A free, public Temecula breast density informational presentation covering how the law impacts women with dense breast tissue, the implications of having dense breast tissue and additional breast screening options, amongst related topics.

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2013      6:30 – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Michelle’s Place, 27645 Jefferson Ave., #117, Temecula, CA 92590

WHO: Amy Bremner, M.D. – Breastlink of Temecula Valley Lead Surgeon & William Mansfield, M.D. – Breastlink of Temecula Valley Director of Breast Imaging

RSVP: Michelle’s Place (951) 699-5455

About Breastlink Medical Group

Breastlink is a network of comprehensive breast health centers offering full-service breast cancer treatment from initial screenings to the successful completion of treatment. Breastlink utilizes a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, psychotherapists, researchers and patient advocates on staff to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

Breastlink has four locations in Southern California (Orange, Rancho Mirage, Saddleback and Temecula Valley). Breastlink is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers. For more information please visit breastlink.com.

About Michelle’s Place

Michelle’s Place is a local resource center for women and their families dealing with breast cancer. Michelle’s Place offers all of our services free to the community. We provide free wigs, prosthesis, bras, hats, scarves and support groups. We also have a lending library and a survivor telephone support system. The survivor network provides newly diagnosed women and their families with a source to answer their questions, find comfort and provide insight into their new diagnosis.

We offer free educational seminars monthly that are open to the public. These seminars offer information on nutrition, breast health, breast cancer prevention, exercise, stress relief and methods to help in the healing process.  Michelle’s Place also provides free weekly exercise classes, yoga, a support group for children and temporary financial assistance to women going through treatment.

Michelle’s Place is located at 27645 Jefferson Ave., Suite 117 in Temecula, CA. For more information please visit michellesplace.org.

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• Approximately 50 Percent of women to start receiving notification they have dense breast tissue after a screening mammogram.
• Breastlink at the Breast Care and Imaging Center of Orange County (Breastlink of Orange) to launch educational awareness campaign to help women understand how breast density affects their personal level of risk to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Breastlink of Orange recently acquired Orange County’s first somo•v automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) to improve early breast cancer detections.

ORANGE, Calif., April 3, 2013 – Breastlink at the Breast Care and Imaging Center of Orange County (Breastlink of Orange), a facility operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers, announced its effort to educate Orange County women about how the new California breast density notification law will impact them. All health centers that perform mammography in California will be required, starting April 1, to notify women they have dense breast tissue, as classified on a screening mammogram.

“While it may be confusing at first to learn you have dense breasts, notification will empower women to seek clarity on their risk of developing breast cancer,” said John West, M.D., medical director of surgery for Breastlink. “This is why we started breastdensityinfo.com, to help women learn the facts about this important health issue.”

Breastdensityinfo.com, drafted and compiled by Dr. West and June Chen, M.D., medical director of Breast Radiology at Breastlink of Orange, will provide facts and information about breast density and how it may impact one’s likelihood to develop breast cancer.Breastdensityinfo.com will also list upcoming free public speaking engagements. A list of public talks on breast density will also be available on breastlink.com.

Additionally, Breastlink of Orange recently acquired a GE Healthcare somo-v automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) unit. The new ultrasound device is FDA-cleared for screening in combination with mammography in women with dense breasts.

“Our breast density and risk assessment programs help women to understand their unique risks of developing breast cancer,” said Dr. Chen. “Dense breast tissue may make it more difficult to detect potentially cancerous lesions in their screening mammography imaging study. We expect our newsomo•v ABUS system will help us detect small breast cancers that cannot be seen on screening mammograms alone.”

California will join Connecticut, New York, Texas and Virginia with a breast density notification law. A woman’s breast density is largely inherited but may vary over time due to age, hormones, diet or selective estrogen receptor modulators (e.g. tamoxifen). Radiologists classify breast density into one of four types using the BI-RADS (American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) scoring methodology.

• Fatty (10 percent of women).
• Scattered fibroglandular densities (40 percent of women).
• Heterogeneously dense (40 percent of women).
• Extremely dense (10 percent of women).

Patients classified with either heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue will receive a letter with the following lay summary:

Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and to inform your conversations with your doctor. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your physician.

About Breastlink

Breastlink is a network of comprehensive breast health centers offering full-service breast cancer treatment from initial screenings to the successful completion of treatment. Breastlink utilizes a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, psychotherapists, researchers and patient advocates on staff to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

Breastlink has four locations in Southern California (Orange, Rancho Mirage, Saddleback and Temecula Valley). Breastlink is affiliated with RadNet, Inc., which manages a network of outpatient imaging and comprehensive cancer treatment centers. For more information please visit breastlink.com.

About RadNet, Inc.

RadNet, Inc. is the leading national provider of freestanding, fixed-site diagnostic imaging services in the United States based on the number of locations and annual imaging revenue. RadNet has a network of 246 owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers (inclusive of 23 facilities held in joint ventures). RadNet’s core markets include California, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technologists, RadNet has a total of approximately 6,000 employees. For more information, visit RadNet.com.

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