Renowned Breast Cancer Center Launches New Interactive Web Site.

Definitive Breast Cancer site features online chat with top breast cancer experts, patient discussion forums, articles and more.

September 2, 2004 -- One of the nations most renowned medical groups dedicated to fighting breast cancer has launched a new interactive Web site to help those facing the devastating disease obtain the newest information and support from leading physicians and fellow patients. Breastlink Medical Group in Los Angeles is recognized as one of the top multi-disciplinary breast cancer treatment groups in the United States, has introduced www.breastlink.com to create a definitive resource site for patients and those with family histories of the disease. The site features step-by-step guidelines for receiving optimal care, informative articles by Breastlinks team of breast cancer specialists, a user-friendly database of reference materials, links to key medical publications, and recommended courses of actions on a variety of topics including specific procedures and the importance of always seeking a second opinion.
   
After years of exploring how we could best use the powers of the Internet to serve those fighting breast cancer, we are pleased to announce the debut of our new interactive Breastlink Web site. This marks a new beginning for us in our quest to help those facing this disease receive optimal care, said John Link, M.D., founder and medical director of Breastlink Medical Group. Now, breast cancer patients as well as those concerned about the disease will have an all-inclusive resource for locating the information and assistance they need at any time -- day or night. Furthermore, we have created an online community where anyone may visit and communicate with others facing the same plight and enlist their support.
   
In addition, Breastlink will host a series of monthly chat sessions on the site whereby the groups team of breast cancer specialists will answer patient questions online and in real time. Anyone with Internet access, either dial-up or broadband, is encouraged to register on the site and participate. The schedule of topics includes:

Breast Cancer Surgery -- Led by Jane Kakkis, M.D., this session will be held on Tuesday, August 31 at 6 p.m.

Systemic Therapy -- Led by Jim Waisman, M.D., this session will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at 6 p.m.

The Role Of A Nurse In Treating Breast Cancer -- Led by MaryLynne Poulson, RN, this session will be held on Tuesday, October 26 at 6 p.m.

Whats New In Genetic Treatment Of Breast Cancer -- Led by Carey Cullinane, M.D., this session will be held on Tuesday, November 30 at 6 p.m.

Update From The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABSC) -- Led by Jim Waisman, M.D., this session will be held on Monday, January 31 at 6 p.m.

The Web site also features an interactive discussion forum, where concerned individuals may post questions about various treatment modalities, discover the latest news and reports about breast cancer and communicate with other patients for valuable insight on coping with ones plight. The forum is moderated by Breastlinks team of breast cancer specialists who will respond to questions, clarify misconceptions and dispel any myths one may have about the disease.

The effort to develop the new Web site was spearheaded by Link, who has earned international distinction for having authored the two definitive tomes about breast cancer -- The Breast Cancer Survival Manual and Take Charge Of Your Breast Cancer. In addition to actively practicing at Breastlink, he also conducts research and teaches at the prestigious USC School of Medicine. Link has been recognized by scores of professional organizations and womens groups for his work and his founding of the Breast Cancer Care and Research Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women achieve optimal care.

Link is joined at Breastlink by a renowned team of physicians and breast cancer specialists who include surgeon/cancer geneticist Carey Cullinane, M.D.; breast oncologist Jim Waisman, M.D.; breast cancer surgeon Jane Kakkis, M.D.; internist/endocrinologist Nancy Greep, M.D.; radiologist Stuart Saunders, M.D.; and psychotherapist Lisa Donley, M.A., M.F.T.

Established in 1995, Breastlink Medical Group is composed of the leading breast cancer specialists in the nation who combine forces to help patients receive Optimal Care, a customized approach that offers patients the best chance of being cured with the fewest side effects and disruption to their lives. Link estimates that 40 percent of breast cancer patients are receiving inadequate or inappropriate care. The Breastlink team has identified eight areas of service and expertise that constitute Optimal Care:

Integrated Research -- Breastlink participates in medical research so that patients being treated today can help all womankind;

Genetic Risk Assessment -- By understanding ones own genetic predisposition for developing breast cancer, patients can better determine their plans for prevention or treatment;

Imaging -- Thanks to the latest technology, patients benefit from early detection;

Pathology -- Biopsies are reviewed meticulously so that a specific course of treatment can be determined for each patient;

Medical Oncology -- Backed by a team possessing a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer, specialized innovative treatments are offered;

Surgery -- Using the latest surgical techniques, the aim is removing cancerous tissue while achieving an optimal cosmetic outcome;

Radiation -- Innovative radiation treatments prevent local occurrence;

Whole Woman -- Psychiatric, nutritional, spiritual and patient advocacy services are offered to treat the whole woman -- not merely the disease.

For more information about Breastlink Medical Group, visit http://www.breastlink.com

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