Dignity Health Central Coast Hospitals Recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a month of general awareness, but breast health is important to consider all year long

CENTRAL COAST, CA – October 1, 2018 – Every year, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH), French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), and Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), which are Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals, recognize the significance of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and urge women to schedule their annual breast exams.   

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death for women in the United States. While most people are aware of breast cancer, Dignity Health Central Coast wants to emphasize the importance of women taking the necessary steps to detect this disease in its early stages, and inspiring others to do the same.  

October serves as a gentle reminder of an annual mammogram, but breast health is of great importance to us all year long. Early breast cancer usually does not have any symptoms.  It is important for women to understand the role of breast self-exams in helping each woman become more familiar with her breasts, which may help identify abnormalities or changes. It is also essential that women receive their regularly scheduled screening mammograms beginning at age 40 and continuing annually. If there is a family history of breast cancer, consulting a physician regarding the appropriate age to begin screenings could be life-saving. Dignity Health has partnered with many local organizations to offer free screening mammograms year round to those who may otherwise not afford them.  

“During the month of October, we take extra care to highlight the importance of breast screening and early breast cancer detection, and we encourage women to make it a priority to schedule their annual breast exam,” says Katherine Guthrie, Regional Director of Oncology, Dignity Health Central Coast. “We continue to see advancements in care, and are proud to offer the latest imaging capabilities and cancer treatments available for our Central Coast residents.”

Dignity Health Central Coast is at the forefront of breast cancer screening and offers the latest in breast imaging technology, GE’s SenoClaire Breast Tomosynthesis. This three-dimensional imaging detector delivers high-quality digital imagery at a low dose, delivering greater accuracy in determining the size, shape, and location of any breast abnormalities. This innovative breast imaging equipment captures multiple images of the entire breast, which allows our specialized radiologists to see through layers of breast tissue and examine the breast from all viewpoints. 

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast offers the area’s only Nurse Navigator program. When a patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis, it is vital to quickly coordinate all aspects of care. Our highly-skilled navigators guide patients and their families through a cancer journey, serving as an important source of information and support. Our qualified Nurse navigators are available at no cost to our patients and can:

• Help patients understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options
• Coordinate communication between patients and their health care team
• Inform patients and their families about financial counseling, clinical trials, genetic counseling and other services
• Help patients and their families connect with our many programs as well as community services

Mammograms catch up to 90 percent of breast cancers, even before symptoms appear, and breast cancers caught in their earliest stages have a 98 percent survival rate. Our Dignity Health Central Coast facilities offer renowned specialists in mammography, radiology, and breast cancer treatment to care for you this month, and every month.
A busy life should not get in the way of early detection. Schedule a mammogram today by calling the location nearest you:

AGCH Coastal Diagnostic Center - (805) 481-4705
FHMC Women’s Health and Imaging Center - (805) 597-6700
FHMC San Luis Diagnostic Center - (805) 542-9700
MRMC Breast Imaging Center at Mission Hope Cancer Center - (805) 346-3490

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Dignity Health Central Coast
Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of five hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services and comprehensive home health services. For more information, visit: www.dignityhealth.org/centralcoast. 

About Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, located in Arroyo Grande, California, is rated a top Joint Replacement Center by Blue Shield and is among the Top 10% in the nation for Joint Replacement. Arroyo has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the county and nationally recognized for superior patient satisfaction. The hospital also provides the only comprehensive hospital-based Acute Rehabilitation Center on the Central Coast. Arroyo is a Dignity Health member of the Central Coast which also includes French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, CA, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.