Dignity Health St. John’s 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

OXNARD, CA, October 2, 2018 – Every year, St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital (SJPVH), members of Dignity Health, 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 St. John’s Hospitals want 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. St. John’s Hospitals 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,” said Alicia Zaragoza, NP, Oncology Nurse Navigator of the St. John’s Integrated Breast Center. “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 St. John’s Hospitals are at the forefront of breast cancer screening and offers the latest in breast imaging technology, 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, St. John’s Hospitals are among the few in the county that offer the 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 87 percent of breast cancers, even before symptoms appear, and breast cancers caught in their earliest stages have a 93 percent survival rate. Our Dignity Health St. John’s 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: St. John’s Regional Imaging Center - (805) 983-0883.

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About Dignity Health St. John's Regional Medical Center

St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard is a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and rated among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care by Healthgrades. St. John’s Regional is a member of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Learn more here. 

About Dignity Health St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital 

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo is a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and rated among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for stroke and pulmonary care by Healthgrades. St. John’s Pleasant Valley is a member of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Learn more here.