Ladies Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament Supports Breast Cancer Program

El Camino Health’s Breast Cancer Program helps provide the most supportive, comprehensive breast health care to patients.

El Camino Health’s Breast Cancer Program was the beneficiary of Los Altos Golf & Country Club’s Ladies Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament. On April 3, members of the 9-Hole Club and 18-Hole Club heard from breast cancer surgeon Dr. Tran Ho, who described El Camino Health’s commitment to build an entire continuum of caring for breast health from risk identification, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, survivorship and functional recovery, mental health, and navigation. “All these pieces are interconnected and address the patient, the human who is going through all this, not just the cancer,” she said.

Dr. Ho explained there is a one in eight chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. She encouraged the women to understand their genetic risks and to manage the risk factors they can control through healthy eating, exercise, regular screenings, and self-exams. She explained the three pillars of treatment: surgery, medications and radiation, noting that over time each has become more minimal and more precise. After that, “Survivorship brings its own set of challenges and opportunities from managing long-term side effects to addressing emotional and psychological wellbeing. It is during this phase that patients need continued support and guidance to truly thrive,” she added. Dr. Ho noted that El Camino Health recently launched a specialized breast cancer nurse navigation service so each patient receives personalized, timely education and support, care coordination, and resource assistance. She also mentioned the expanded mental health support El Camino Health offers to cancer patients, and future plans to extend it to family members, including children.

She thanked the women for supporting the development of El Camino Health’s Breast Cancer Program, “which will help us provide the most supportive, comprehensive breast health care to patients who entrust their health to us.”