Engelstad R.E.D. Rose Program Reaches Out in October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Program makes free breast health services available for uninsured and underinsured 

LAS VEGAS, October 4, 2022 –  The Engelstad R.E.D. Rose Program emphasizes Responsible Early Detection of breast cancer throughout the year but shifts into high gear in October, raising awareness and educating southern Nevadans during Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Breast Cancer Lunch & Learn

Thursday, October 13 | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join the R.E.D. Rose Program for a free public seminar to hear expert panelists discuss the latest breast cancer preventive strategies, including lifestyle, dietary recommendations, mammogram screenings, and other risk factors. 

Dignity Health Wellness Center - North Las Vegas Campus
1550 West Craig Road, Suite 250
Call (702) 620-7858 to R.S.V.P

For more than 20 years, the R.E.D. Rose Program has provided access to life-saving diagnostic treatment for uninsured or underinsured patients facing breast health issues. Since its inception R.E.D Rose has provided free access to quality breast cancer treatment for more than 7,300 clients, with more than 4,300 mammograms, 3,700 ultrasound examinations, 860 biopsies, and more. 

Why it matters: “No one, regardless of their circumstances, should be without access to proper breast health care,” said Dignity Health Program Manager Luz Castro. “We approach the month of October as an opportunity to extend our mission and message to the community.  Breast cancer is detectable, treatable, and survivable. The key is early detection and access to quality care. That’s what we provide,” 

By the numbers:

• About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. 
• In 2022, more than 250,000 women in the U.S will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. 
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2022, it's estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
• About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. 

(Source: Breastcancer.org)

The survival rate for both women and men suffering from breast cancer is directly related to how early treatment is sought. 

It began with Sister Monica: The R.E.D Rose Program was started in the early 2000s when Sister Monica Stankus, an Adrian Dominican Sister working at St. Rose Dominican hospitals in Las Vegas, realized that many women going through breast cancer treatment couldn't work or lost their jobs. She created a financial support program to help women receive treatment, keep their homes with the power on and food for their children while they were going through chemotherapy or radiation.

In 2002 Sister Monica’s passion became the R.E.D. Rose program and its mission continues unchanged today.  

Why it matters: “Imagine being uninsured or undocumented and finding a lump in your breast,” said Holly Lyman, Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Director of Community Health & Outreach. “The fear, worry and stress is overwhelming. In the past, many of these women fell through the cracks or waited too long to be diagnosed and treated. We know that early detection is crucial to saving lives, which is why Sister Monica Stankus began this work which we carry on today. 

Sister Monica was born in Las Vegas and a member of the Las Vegas High School Class of 1954. She entered the Adrian Dominican Order in 1959 and founded the R.E.D. Rose program while serving as Vice President for Mission at St Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson. She remains the only Las Vegas native to enter the Adrian Dominican Order and return to serve at St. Rose Dominican hospitals in southern Nevada. 

For more information about the R.E.D. Rose Program visit our web page at StRoseHospitals.org/RedRose or call (702) 620-7858. Spanish-language staff is always at the same number and on the hazloporti.com web page. 

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About Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican:

Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican this year celebrates 75 years in southern Nevada, marking the anniversary of the arrival of the seven Adrian Dominican Sisters who founded Rose de Lima Hospital on June 27, 1947. As Nevada’s only not-for-profit, faith-based health system, St. Rose Dominican has been guided by the vision and core values of the Adrian Dominican Sisters in all its endeavors. As the Henderson and Las Vegas communities grow, the St. Rose Dominican health system and its nearly 4,000 employees continue the Sisters’ mission of serving people in need. Dignity Health currently operates three acute care hospitals in southern Nevada and is a member of the multi-state Dignity Health network of nearly 10,000 physicians, 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and 400-plus care centers, including hospitals, urgent and occupational care, imaging centers, and primary care clinics. For more information, visit our website at www.strosehospitals.org.