Let’s turn awareness into action. 🩷 According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It’s a powerful reminder of why staying informed and proactive about our breast health matters. But awareness doesn’t have to mean living in fear. It can mean knowing your risk, understanding your body and taking the steps that are within your control. Mammograms play an important role in detecting breast cancer early, sometimes before there are any noticeable signs or symptoms. So this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s focus on action. If you’re due for your mammogram, consider this your reminder to schedule it. And if you’re not sure when you should begin screening, talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

In honor of Women in Medicine Month, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Lisa Guerra, a board-certified, breast-dedicated surgeon at Breastlink in Newport Beach. Dr. Guerra knew she wanted to become a physician from a young age, inspired by the impact a doctor had on her own health and encouraged by her grandmother, an Army nurse and breast cancer survivor. Today, Dr. Guerra specializes in breast surgical oncology, including oncoplastic surgery and the management of high-risk patients. What ultimately drew her to the specialty was not only her love of surgery, but the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships with her patients. Since beginning her surgical practice in 2008, Dr. Guerra has cared for women through many different stages of life, from young women navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and questions about their future to patients over 100 years old. She considers it a privilege to continue seeing some of the same patients she treated early in her career and getting to know their families over time. Her approach to care is also rooted in collaboration. Dr. Guerra describes the relationship between breast surgeons and breast radiologists as an “integral partnership,” alongside the medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, genetic counselors and others who contribute to a patient’s care. Nearly two decades into her career, the purpose that first drew Dr. Guerra to medicine remains the same: helping people through difficult moments and, whenever possible, helping them get better. This Women in Medicine Month, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Guerra and the women in medicine whose expertise, compassion and collaboration continue to make a difference in the lives of their patients.