While October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the world, the physicians and the team at Epic Care are dedicated to raising awareness and promoting whole-person wellness in our East Bay Communities year-round for over 40 years. At Epic Care, breast health is an integral part of their commitment to individualized care for every patient, not just during this month of awareness.
“We consider it our responsibility to provide the highest level of education to the community while focusing on the cost of care for cancer patients,” said Dr. Carmen Lam, DO. “Through health talks and educational handouts, we encourage individuals to engage in discussions with their doctors and get screened. Plus, by choosing an independent oncology center like Epic Care, patients can receive high-quality care at roughly 50% of the cost compared to hospital-based facilities, making a significant difference in their lives.”
Epic Care’s comprehensive approach to breast health inspires heartwarming confidence in patients by emphasizing quality of life, not just their medical conditions. A conversation about breast cancer with Epic Care’s newest breast surgeon may quite possibly draw more smiles and optimism than tears or fears.
Dr. Carmen Lam, a breast surgeon trained in hidden-scar and nipple-sparing surgeries, is inspired by the advances in breast cancer recovery and survival rates.
“I enjoy being able to remind breast cancer patients to be optimistic,” says Dr. Lam. “Although about one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their life, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer (cancer only in the breast) is 99%. The 5-year relative survival rate for regional breast cancer (cancer in the breast that has spread to nearby lymph nodes) is 86%, combined, the overall relative survival rate for breast cancer is about 90%.”
Dr. Lam returned to the Bay Area after completing her surgical fellowship and was honored to join Epic Care’s team. Born and raised in San Francisco, she feels privileged to provide care to patients across Epic Care’s 12 East Bay locations.
“I’m thrilled to work with a practice where I can help every patient who needs care,” she said. “We can see almost anyone, even those whose primary doctor or insurance is with another group. And for patients who are undocumented or uninsured, we can help arrange emergency Medi-Cal to ensure they get the care they need.”
Epic Care, independently owned and operated, has evolved beyond its origins as a solo physician practice founded in in 1979. At its core, Epic Care is about caring for all people, with a wide range of services to support their patients’ needs. With 12 locations in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, patients have the flexibility to see a physician at one location and receive treatment, such as radiation or infusion, at another location closer to home or work. This patient-centered approach is bolstered by Epic Care’s collaboration with medical teams from local hospitals and institutes.
When it comes to breast cancer, Dr. Lam reassures patients that with the screenings and treatments available today, breast cancer is often just a “bump in the road.”
“Even if surgery, radiation, or several months of chemotherapy are needed, it’s often just a bump in the road,” she said, emphasizing that men, who represent 1% of breast cancer cases, should also remain vigilant. “One of the reasons I chose to specialize in breast surgery and oncology is because I’ve seen how well patients can do after treatment.”
Dr. Lam stresses the importance of early screening, as most breast cancer patients show no symptoms initially.
“We can’t always prevent cancer, but if we detect it early, we can act quickly,” she said. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass that may feel firm or irregular, possibly fixed to surrounding tissue. Other signs include breast swelling, a rash, or unusual discharge.
Epic Care approaches cancer care as a team sport with the patient at the heart of the team. With several experienced specialists – all working together – they understand the anxiety a cancer diagnosis can cause. Along with advocating for screening, seeing the patient quickly – often within a couple of days and getting started on treatments fast is a prime focus at Epic Care. In addition to its highly respected breast health services and oncology care, Epic Care offers a wide range of services including primary care, surgery, imaging, lab and medical subspecialities. With locations in Antioch, Brentwood, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Hayward, Oakland (Chinatown), Pinole, Pleasant Hill, San Leandro, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek, Epic Care is committed to offering care that is high quality, lower cost and close to your home. Learn more about their services at epic-care.com.