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, 2019) – 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.  

Known as the most common cancer, breast cancer is 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.

“Early detection is key to fighting breast cancer, and one of the best methods of early detection is an annual mammogram,” said Lynn Jeffers, MD, Medical Director of the Integrated Breast Center at St. John’s. “According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer discovered early, and are less likely to need aggressive treatment.”

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 also offers a highly specialized multidisciplinary team of breast specialists, physicians, oncology nurses, and therapists, who provide integrated oncology care to the community through the Integrated Breast Center at St. John’s (IBC). The IBC is an NAPBC accredited and award-winning leader in cancer care, providing the latest innovative treatments. It is also a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, recipient of local and national grant awards including from the Avon Foundation, Plastic Surgery Foundation’s Breast Reconstruction Surgery Public Awareness Grant, and the Meadowlark Service League.  

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 Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members 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. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley and DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.