Breast cancer awareness

Inside
October overview of events..................................................2
Local rodeo efforts help valley women.................................2
Timeline for the detection, treatment of breast cancer.........4
Healthy lifestyle can help prevent cancer.............................4

Survivor: Positive
Saint Alphonsus in Nampa cares for patients, community......6
Mammogram screenings: Answers for the apprehensive......6
West Valley seeks increased comfort for patients.................8

work environment
made a difference
By Sharon Strauss • sstrauss@idahopress.com
© 2010 Idaho Press-Tribune

NAMPA — Julene Reed

was 45, healthy and happily
transitioned from working in
the private sector as a financial
planner to a new career in the non-
profit world as director of development
of a girls’ home. She had no family history
of breast cancer and she had never had a
mammogram, although medical officials recom-
mend women ages 40 and older get the screening
done every one to two years.
On Jan. 9, 2009, she was at work when she got
the call from her doctor’s office with biopsy results
from a lump she discovered protruding from her
upper chest.
“I told them they could call me at work because
I have a supportive work environment,” said Reed,
executive director of the Syringa House in Nampa.
“He said ‘You have invasive lobular carcinoma.’
I said, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘Cancer,’” Reed re-
called. “And I just started bawling.”
Reed immediately told the program director.
Then, still dazed by the phone call, she slipped
into a classroom where girls were brainstorming
what the Syringa House meant to them. The dis-
traction helped her calm down, regain her focus
and focus on the positive.
Her work environment may have made all
the difference to Reed’s recovery and is one of
the things the Treasure Valley native credits for
helping her through one of the most difficult
times of her life. Reed was lucky enough to have
the things not all working women battling breast
cancer have: caring coworkers, excellent health
insurance and a flexible schedule. Plus, “the work
gives me natural joy,” she said.
Breast cancer is a personal journey, Reed said,
but she got through it thanks to the support from
her work and family.
Now that she is in the recovery stage and in
the process of resconstructive surgery, Reed
acknowledges how lucky she is, not only that
doctors caught the cancer early but that her job
provided her with comfort and security.
With about 22 employees, “everyone is real
supportive of everyone,” Reed said.
“I think that employers need to offer health
Syringa House insurance in case it happens to one of their
Executive Director employees and give them a supportive work
Julene Reed on the environment, because they’re going through
patio area of the a lot,” she said. “I’m thankful I had really good
Nampa children’s insurance. You can’t go through this journey
home for girls. without good coverage,” Reed said.
Job flexibility meant she could leave work at
Greg Kreller/IPT 2:15 p.m. every afternoon for radiation treat-
ment. Caring coworkers gave her rides when
she was too ill to drive, prayed for her and com-
forted her. Syringa House’s chef made sure Reed
was nourished with her favorite comfort food
— tater tot casserole — after her mastectomy.
And although her hospital stays fell during the
busy fundraising season, community volun-
teers came together to help make her holiday
charity ball a success.
Now, Reed is finally able to start putting
the illness behind her. She has a new sense of
balance, she said.
“When you go through something like
this, it does change your perspective
about getting upset about the things
that are out of your control.”
 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 • Idaho Press-Tribune
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Local rodeo efforts help valley women
“Stampede for the Cure” in Nampa
- “Stampede for the Cure” (previously known as
“Tough Enough for Pink”) has provided funding for
mammography services to Treasure Valley women in
need since 2007.
- 100 percent of funds raised for “Stampede for
the Cure” are donated to provide mammography ser-
vices for women living in the Treasure Valley.
Mercy Medical Center (now Saint
Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa)
- In the fiscal years 2009 and 2010 Mercy Medical
Center served 223 women with free mammograms.
- In the fiscal year 2008, a total of 181 screening
mammograms were provided. In the past two years,
Mercy Medical Center has provided a total of 404
“Stampede for the Cure” mammograms.
- During the fiscal years 2008 to 2009, seven
breast cancers have been diagnosed in women whose
mammography services at Mercy Medical Center were
funded by “Stampede for the Cure.”
- Since the fiscal year 2008, the total dollar amount
funded to Mercy through the Snake River Stampede’s
“Stampede for the Cure” is $51,712.
St. Luke’s
- From 2007 to 2009, 310 women have received
mammography services at St. Luke’s as a result of
October overview
Mercy Foundation Care Bear visits
businesses that take pink pledge
In October of 2009, the Mercy Foundation
Care Bear went around and paid special visits
to local businesses promoting breast cancer
awareness. This year the Care Bear will be
out making her rounds to 10 local businesses
that have taken the pink pledge to promote
breast cancer awareness within their organi-
zation during October.
Businesses can view and take the pledge
by going to the Idaho Press-Tribune website
(www.idahopress.com). If your business is
chosen, you will receive cookies delivered
by the Care Bear to your employees, the op-
portunity for employees to sign up to win a
free mammogram, and have your business
featured in the Idaho Press-Tribune. Sign
up now and pledge to make a difference on
breast cancer in the Nampa community.
Nampa High students start breast
cancer awareness campaign
The Nampa High Leadership Class has
started a breast cancer awareness campaign
We
appre
c iate
and t
hank
our
partn
ers!
The Idaho Press-Tribune
proudly supports
BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS
and continues to help raise funds
in partnership with
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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funding provided by “Stampede For The Cure.” Cancer Incidence Breast Cancer Deaths
- St. Luke’s has provided 459 exams (including 2003-2007 2004 – 2008
99 screening mammograms, 196 diagnostic mam-
mograms and 164 breast ultrasounds) to Treasure All Sites/Types All Sites/Types
Valley women; all exams were funded by “Stampede State of Idaho 31,924 4,219 809
for the Cure.”
- From 2007 to 2009, 17 cases of breast cancer Elmore County 562 76 10
have been diagnosed in women whose mammogra- Ada County 7,516 1,067 172
phy services at St. Luke’s were funded by “Stampede
for the Cure.” Canyon County 3,416 395 86
- Since 2007, the total dollar amount funded Owyhee County 246 24 9
to St. Luke’s through the Snake River Stampede’s
“Stampede for the Cure” is $59,066. Payette County 546 74 15
Funding for this important program is currently Gem County 454 42 10
available through the generous contributions of the
Snake River Stampede and its foundation partners Washington County 322 34 12
(Albertsons, Wrangler, The Idaho Press-Tribune, KTVB,
St. Luke’s and Mercy Medical Center). This program Tough Enough for Pink at CNR get them at no cost if they meet eligibility requirements.
Tough Enough to for Pink plays out entirely on a local level
is open to all Treasure Valley women who qualify Tough Enough for Pink night is a feature of the Caldwell
under the eligibility guidelines set forth by the “The — the money is raised in the Treasure Valley and benefits
Night Rodeo.
Stampede for the Cure” Foundation. If you women in area communities. It also fills a gap that often
Fans wear pink that night to cheer on the rodeo stars,
or someone you know is in need of a isn’t available to women in the age group where early de-
who also show their support of breast cancer prevention by
mammogram, please take advantage of tection is so critical.
wearing pink shirts in the arena.
this important program — it’s free and Organizers say the fact that cowboys are the driving
Proceeds from the Caldwell Night Rodeo’s Tough Enough
it saves lives. Free mammograms under force for fundraising makes the effort fun and different.
for Pink night have helped hundreds of Treasure Valley
this program will be available until funds Sponsors in 2010 were the Idaho Press-Tribune, Saint
women get the free mammogram screenings they need to
are exhausted. Alphonsus Medical Center and West Valley Medical Cen-
rule out or detect breast cancer.
For more information, contact: St. The Caldwell Night Rodeo has also conducted a pub-
ter, and Intermountain Community Bank.
Luke’s at 381-2095 or Mercy Medical lic service campaign to bring awareness to local women
Center at 463-5980 about the need for annual screenings and where to go to z More information, page 8
titled “Have You Had the Talk with Mom?”
The students recognize the need for
breast cancer awareness promotion and de-
cided to reverse the roles of parent to child.
Parents always have the talk with teens
about drugs, sex, alcohol, etc. In turn, the
teens are having the talk with moms about
scheduling appointments to get their an-
nual mammograms.
Currently, Idaho ranks 50th in the nation
for the number of women receiving their
annual mammograms. One in eight wom-
en at some point in their lifetime will get
breast cancer. With October being Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, the students are
excited to partner with Mercy Foundation
and the Idaho Press-Tribune to inform stu-
dents on having the talk with mom about Cocoa and coffee in the morning, Caldwell Boulevard as a drive-through on
your way to work. Each driver will also re-
getting their annual mammogram and pro- and lemonade at lunch for a cure! ceive a goody bag of information on breast
moting breast cancer awareness. On Friday, the Mercy Foundation and cancer awareness for the month of October,
Nampa High students hosted a pink day Idaho Press-Tribune will be handing out free and every eighth driver will receive a special
on Sept. 29 and handed out information on cocoa and coffee in the morning from 7 to 9 treat in their goody bag promoting making a
breast cancer awareness, pink T-shirts, and a.m. and pink lemonade at lunch time in the difference. Come join in the fun and receive
giveaways during lunch. They also hosted a parking lot of Walgreens and the Idaho Press- free cocoa or coffee in the morning and lem-
“pinkout” at a Sept. 30 volleyball game. Tribune off of Midland Boulevard at Nampa- onade at lunch!
Voted Canyon County's Best Pharmacy
Supports
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month
• Prescription Headquarters
• Camera Supplies
• Large Selection of Gift Ware
CNR • Full Line of Cosmetics
Tough Enough • See Us for All of Your
for PINK Sporting Good Supplies
802 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, ID
Phone: 459-3691
1-800-621-9369
Open 7 Days a Week
Mon. thru Fri. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
307909
 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Idaho Press-Tribune • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010
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Early Detection
Saves Lives

Funds are now available to assist with

mammogram costs. Call (208) 381-2095.

Call today to schedule your mammogram at

one of St. Luke’s eight Breast Cancer Detection
Centers, including Caldwell and Meridian.
(208) 706-2055

Or call (208) 706-2055 to schedule an

appointment with St. Luke’s Mobile
Mammography Coach:
October 18: Walter Knox Hospital,
Emmett
October 20: Autumn Court Apartments,
Emmett
November 8: Kuna Health Clinic
November 23: Moxie Java, Homedale
 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 • Idaho Press-Tribune BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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Timeline for the detection and Healthy lifestyle can help prevent cancer
treatment of breast cancer But other factors, such control, according to the - Stop drinking alcohol - Shed any extra pounds,
By Tabitha Simenc fective treatment for breast Breast Cancer Prevention or limit consumption to no and keep those pounds off.
as genetics, age, also Fund. But a number of signifi- more than two alcoholic - If you have already had
tsimenc@idahopress.com cancer within their local
communities. contribute to risk cant risk factors can be elimi- drinks per week (cutting breast cancer, avoid taking
© 2010 Idaho Press-Tribune Gem State Radiology nated to reduce your risk of down on alcohol increases estrogen-like products such
TREASURE VALLEY works with West Valley Med- By Mike Butts breast cancer: your liver’s ability to regulate as menopausal hormone
— For many women, the ical Center in Caldwell, and mbutts@idahopress.com - Stop smoking. blood estrogen levels). therapy and DHEA (or dehy-
treatment that follows the the Saint Alphonsus medical - Exercise on a regular - Restrict red meat and droepiandrosterone).
© 2010 Idaho Press-Tribune other sources of animal fat - If circumstances allow,
detection of breast cancer is centers in Boise and Nampa, BOISE — Exercise and basis, aiming for three to four
somewhat unknown. hours a week. (this includes dairy fat in consider having children
which allows for compre- limitations on alcohol use cheese, milk, and ice cream)
Here in the Treasure Val- hensive and cohesive radi- - Any activity to relieve sooner rather than later in
are two top ways to help pre- as they may contain stored life.
ley, there are various places ology care throughout the vent breast cancer. A healthy stress and to enhance your hormones or pesticides.
where women can seek ef- Treasure Valley. diet rich in fruits, vegetables comfort, satisfaction, and joy - Try to stick to a mostly n Source: Breast Cancer Preven-
and whole grains may also will have a major effect on vegetarian diet. tion Fund
help prevent the disease, but your quality of life.
Timeline for treatment research in diet and breast - So-called “mindful mea-
- A patient who presents with a problem, or thinks that they need to cancer is not as exact as sures” (such as meditation,
be screened, receives a standard mammogram. with other cancers, St. Luke’s yoga, visualization exercises
- If the standard mammogram shows a problem, additional mam- Mountain States Tumor In- and prayer) are valuable addi-
mogram images and/or ultrasound images are taken. stitute patient navigator Jill tions to your daily or weekly
- If needed, the patient is then given a biopsy, either a stereotactic Winschell said. routine.
biopsy or an ultrasound guided biopsy. These are both types of needle “The exercise and the al- - Making some or all of
cohol, those are pretty solid” these lifestyle changes will
biopsies that allow for a diagnosis through a less invasive procedure. improve your overall health
prevention strategies, Win-
The biopsy can help diagnose a malignant or benign process and, if schell said. “The food they and possibly also reduce your
surgery is determined to be needed, can help the surgeon better plan have research on but not risk of breast cancer.
the type of surgery, Dr. Loreli Smith, a radiologist with Gem State Radiol- necessarily specific to breast You can minimize or
ogy, said. cancer.” eliminate sources of extra
- If the biopsy results are positive, then the next step is usually Keeping a healthy body estrogen from your diet or
surgery. A multidisciplinary panel, or tumor board, which includes ra- weight and not having more environment with the follow-
diologists, pathologists, surgeons, oncologists and often the referring than one drink of alcohol a ing steps:
physician, is set up to determine the further course of appropriate treat- day can help prevent breast
ment for the patient. This process tailors treatment to the individual. cancer. But some women
- Often a nurse navigator is assigned to guide the patient through may have higher risks for
the process. breast cancer even if they
- Although treatment varies case to case, usually an excisional bi- make healthy lifestyle
opsy to remove the whole tumor is required. choices.
- A lumpectomy, to remove just the tumor, or a mastectomy, to A family history of
breast cancer can add to a
remove the entire breast, are the surgical options and the type and
woman’s risk of getting the
progression of the cancer can help determine if only a lumpectomy disease. Also, older women
is needed. are more likely to develop
- Usually a patient will follow up with radiation therapy or chemo- breast cancer. But with
therapy to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. Smith said most patients older women breast cancer

idaho bag ladies

who have a lumpectomy need to follow up with is more likely to be less ag-
radiation therapy as part of the treatment. She gressive in its growth.
said this has proven to be as effective as Still, a large percentage
mastectomy in terms of low recurrence rates. of breast cancer patients
- If the cancer does come back then ad- have no family history of
ditional surgeries may be required. However,
Smith said the goal is to avoid multiple sur-
geries.
the illness and 65 percent
have no known risk for can-
cer, Winschell said.
Strap Shoes
“The ultimate treatments plan is to hope-
And while the mortality
rate for breast cancer has Where it all began.
fully have a definitive surgery,” she said. gone down over the de- The original SwitchFlop just keeps
The earlier breast cancer is detected, cades, the number of cases
the less severe the treatments are, so getting better, including our new Ida breast
has increased. Experts are
both Smith and Debbie Sager, coordina- not sure why the number cancer flop. . .all for a good cause.
tor of the Women’s Imaging Center at St. of cases has gone up, Win- 25% of the purchase
Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa recom- schell said. price will be donated
mend all women at risk get screened. Once
cancer spreads to other areas of the body, To Young Survival Coalition and
Breast cancer
treatment becomes more difficult and ex- The Mammography Voucher Program
tensive. prevention strategies
“Early detection is the key,” Sager said. Some risk factors for
breast cancer are beyond 345 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa, ID 83651
308119
208.442.2987

October is
National
Breast Cancer
Awareness
Month Dedicated to caring for you
Share the name of a mother,
daughter, sister or friend
We Celebrate. 1 in 8 women experience
– so the community will know
of the brave and poweful
We Remember. breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection and screening are the key.
women who have been touched by
breast cancer. These special recognition
messages will appear on a page in our Schedule your annual
Sunday, October 24th edition. exam and mammogram today!
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Caldwell Night
Rodeo Tough Enough for Pink and Stampede for the Cure.
0HILLIP!GRUSA -$s3COTT!RMSTRONG-$s*ENNI"RADLEY-$
Dear Mom,
$AVID"RADSHAW-$s4HEODORE#OLWELL-$s*OHN$UFURRENA-$
You are my
hero and my Two Inch ,EE0ARSONS-$s-ICHAEL2OBINSON-$s(ARMONY3CHROEDER-$
inspiration! Large ad includes *ILL$AWSON#2.0s!MY%NGLISH#2.0s2OBIN&OX#2.0-.
Love, Jenn your message,
*EN.EWMAN#2.0-3.s*ULIE3TEVENS#2.0
your photo and
One Inch To My Wife, Pink Ribbon
Small ad includes your You show incredible graphic. The cost
short message and a
courage and strength is $30 (50% will
Pink Ribbon graphic. The be donated)
cost is $15. (50% will be
in everything you do!
donated) Love, John

Deadline Thursday, October 21, 5 pm

Size: Amount:
Message:

Name: Phone:
Address:
City/State: Zip:
Call Today for an Appointment
CA LDWELL EAGLE MERIDIAN
Mail to: PO Box 9399 Nampa, Id 83862
454.2035 938.2220 888.0909
Drop off at 1618 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa
Classifieds Call: 208-467-9253 • Fax: 208-475-2338 w w w. o b g y n i d a h o . c o m
307533 307573
 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Idaho Press-Tribune • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010
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A Pretty
Pink Ribbon...
Isn’t it just like a woman to choose such
a beautiful symbol to signify her hope,
her courage and her resilience...
Breast cancer will strike one in eight women
Daughters and Mothers, Aunts and Sisters, Grand-
mothers and Girlfriends. Women are our caregivers
and nurturers. They are strong, beautiful people full of
endurance, tolerance and hope. They will endure the
challenge, tolerate the set backs, but never give up
hope. They will confront this deadly threat to their fam-
ilies. They will tirelessly work to eradicate this disease,

And they will wrap

Shannon Borchert
Marketing & Admissions Director
880-9985
their war in a
beautiful pink bow.
Self exams and mammograms can lead to early
detection which is critical to identify the disease
at an early stage and improve prognosis and sur-
vival. Give the gift of early detection to yourself,
and remind others to do the same.

Trinity Mission Health & Rehab

®
of Holly LLC of Midland LLC
2105 12th Ave. Rd., Nampa 46 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa
296706
 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 • Idaho Press-Tribune BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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Saint Alphonsus in Nampa cares for patients, community

At the Women’s Imaging Center South at Saint Alphonsus
Medical Center Nampa and Women’s Imaging Center North
at Saint Alphonsus Nampa Health Plaza (formerly Mercy
Medical Center and Mercy North Health Center), we know Saint Alphonsus Medical
what our patients want and expect when it comes to breast Center Nampa Women’s
care: convenience, state-of-the art technology and personal- Imaging Center Coordina-
ized care. tor of Mammography
The Women’s Imaging Centers feature private, comfort- Services Debbie Sager,
able suites with all-female accredited staffs to assist you in left, and registrar Kathie
addressing and monitoring your mammography concerns. Townsend, right, demon-
strate the mammography
The Women’s Imaging Centers offer a full range of screen- procedure at the Nampa
ing and educational services, as well as same-day diagnos- center.
tic care including diagnostic mammograms and breast
ultrasounds.  Stereotactic breast biopsies and ultrasound Greg Kreller/IPT
guided biopsies are also available as an alternative to a more
invasive breast biopsy.
Debbie Sager, coordinator of Women’s Imaging, states:
“The staff at both facilities’ main interest is in the patient.
They are caring, sympathetic and go above and beyond to
provide quality care. Our radiologists in reading the results
are experienced, skilled and have the utmost compassion for
the patient.”
Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa has chosen Gem
State Radiology as the exclusive provider for all medical imag-
ing services. Gem State Radiology is comprised of 21 fellow-
ship-trained radiologists. With our number of radiologists we
have the ability to turn around mammography results more
efficiently to physicians.
In recent years there has been increased awareness of
breast care and the importance of regular screening mam- The Women’s Imaging
mograms. Shuttle of Excellence,
Saint Alphonsus Nampa Women’s Imaging Centers have or WISE Van, is used to
partnered with several organizations to eliminate obstacles transport women to and
for women receiving their mammograms. Patients who are from appointments for
uninsured or underinsured can be qualified to receive a free mammogram screen-
screening mammogram through the Snake River Stampede’s ings and breast cancer
“Stampede for the Cure” Endowment. With funding from the treatments at Saint
endowment the Imaging Centers have given more than 250 Alphonsus — Nampa.
mammograms this year to women in need.
Charlie Litchfield/IPT
With the support of Susan G. Komen Boise, the Founda-
tion of Saint Alphonsus Nampa has provided women with
additional diagnostic services after their initial screening
mammogram. Additionally, the WISE Van (Women’s Imag-
ing Shuttle of Excellence) continues to visit local businesses,
scheduling women remotely for their yearly mammograms
and providing free rides to patient appointments, if needed.
One out of eight women in the United States will develop
breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is key to the
successful treatment of breast cancer. If you or a woman you
know is in need of a mammogram or would like to be quali-
fied for a “Stampede for the Cure” mammogram, contact the
Women’s Imaging Center at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center
Nampa (12th Avenue) or Saint Alphonsus Nampa Health Pla-
za (Garrity) at 288-4630.
n Submitted by Saint Alphonsus Nampa

Mammogram screenings: Answers for the apprehensive

Compiled by Jon Meyer
jmeyer@idahopress.com
Fear and cost are two of the factors that a Treasure Val-
ley health care professional identified as reasons that some
women are inconsistent about having regular mammogram
screenings.
Jill Winschell, a breast cancer patient navigator for the St.
Luke’s Regional Medical Center Mountain States Tumor Insti-
tute, said that women also mistakenly think they are not at
risk for breast cancer if they don’t have a family history of it.
“In fact, 75 percent of women who are diagnosed with
breast cancer have no family history of the disease and yet
they get breast cancer. The two strongest risk factors for breast
cancer are being a woman and getting older,” Winschell said.
She added that the amount of confusing information out
there — on the television, Internet, and in print — makes it
so women don’t know what to believe and do.
“The main cancer organizations have not changed their
recommendations and I think that is a key piece to remember.
The information that these organizations (American Cancer
Society, National Institute, etc.) have is based on several medi-
cal specialties that have come to a consensus after reviewing
all the information and not just a certain set of statistics,” she
said.
Here are Winschell’s responses to several other questions
from the Idaho Press-Tribune.
Q: What is the recommended schedule that women
should follow for getting mammograms?
A: “According to the American Cancer Society, women
should get their first mammogram at age 40 and then yearly.
If they have a family history of breast cancer, they should visit
with their doctor to get their recommendation for when to
start and how often to get their mammogram.”
Q: There was some controversy last year over the
recommended age at which women should start getting
regular screenings. What is your opinion?
A: “The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force study was not
thorough in the research that they used to come to their con-
clusions. Many studies that were valid were ignored and oth-
ers that had shaky data were included.
“The first and most controversial issue is whether women
aged 40 to 49 should be getting regular mammograms. One
in five breast cancers occur in women age 40-49 and research
from the Gothenburg Breast Cancer Screening Trials and
others have shown a 30 to 44 percent reduction in mortality
for women less than 50 years of age when they are getting a
yearly mammogram in their 40s.
“Breast cancer tends to be more aggressive in younger
women so it is even more important to find it as early as we
can with a mammogram to give them the best chance at long
term survival.
“The second controversy is whether women should get a
mammogram every year at age 50 and above or to go two
years inbetween screening exams. Research has shown that
even skipping one year can decrease the number of cancers
found by 30 percent. Death rates from breast cancer have
dropped at amazing rates over the past 20 years because of
women getting a screening mammogram every year. Those
amazing rates will no longer be present if women go back to
delaying their mammogram for even one year.
“The American College of Radiology, the Society for
Breast Imaging and the American Society of Breast Diseases
(the top experts on breast cancer detection) have created a
website and program called “Mammography Saves Lives” ...
mammographysaveslives.org/Facts.aspx. This website con-
tains a lot of information and research that you can look at to
help clear up the issue of when to get your mammogram.”
Q: Do the majority of the women that you see follow
a strict schedule for getting their mammograms?
A: “No.”
Q: Why do you think that is?
A: “I think there are several reasons why women are in-
consistent in getting their mammograms. … Fear is also a fac-
tor in women avoiding their mammograms. Not only are they
afraid of finding out that they have breast cancer, they are
also fearful that the mammogram will be painful. For some
St. Luke’s Breast Cancer
Detection Center registered
nurses Jill Winschell, left, and
Nancy Rahr, right, demon-
strate a technique they use
in teaching women how to
administer a self-examination
at the hospital’s Meadow
Lake location.
Greg Kreller/IPT
women, cost is a key reason why they are not getting their to perform a breast exam at home. Once the breast exam is
mammograms. They may have lost their jobs or insurance completed, a mammogram will be performed — compres-
and it can come down to a decision between a mammogram sion is applied to the breasts to hold them steady and prevent
and the necessities of life.” movement. This is very important to get a clear picture for
Q: What kind of risks do women face when they the radiologist to read. The breast is looked at by an x-ray from
don’t get regular mammograms? two different angles so they get two x-rays on each breast.”
A: “The biggest risk that they face is that we will detect Q: What advice would you give to women regarding
and diagnose the breast cancer at a later stage. The result is mammograms?
more extensive surgery, more difficult treatment, and poorer A: “Breast cancer has become one of the most curable
long-term survival. The key to survival of breast cancer is to cancers — mostly because we have developed a screening
catch it early before it has spread to other parts of the body.” test that will allow us to find it at an early stage when it
Q: What are the factors that you see that most affect is still curable. The screening test is only effective though
women’s choices to get a mammogram? when you actually use it — get your mammogram for you
A: “Research has shown that the most effective en- and for your family.”
couragement for women to get a mammogram is the
recommendation of the patients health care
provider. If their doctor or other health care
provider urges them to get their mammo-
gram, they are 2 1/2 times more likely to
actually call to get an appointment.”
Q: What resources are out there
for women who may have
trouble affording the ex-
ams?
A: “Here in the southern
part of Idaho all of the mam-
mography facilities have a
variety of grants and access to
state programs that can assist un-
insured and under-insured low-in-
come women get their mammograms.
Just call your local facility and ask what
they have available for help in getting
your mammogram.”
Q: How long will the exam take
and what can women expect?
A: “The mammogram appointment
will take about an hour. Depending on which
facility you schedule your mammogram with,
you may receive a clinical breast exam where the
breast is checked for abnormal changes in the skin
or the textures of the breast (such as a lump or a
redness of the skin) along with education on how
 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Idaho Press-Tribune • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010
C M
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 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 • Idaho Press-Tribune BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
8E C M
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West Valley seeks increased comfort for breast care patients

Women’s Imaging Center, new nurse “From start to finish, we want our patients to have
as much peace of mind as possible,” Davis said.
navigator position improve process “A significant contributor to their comfort is
CALDWELL — From its comfort-fo- helping them understand and navigate the
cused Women’s Imaging Center with dig- complex health care environment.”
ital mammography to a new position From the first abnormal mammo-
that supports and educates women gram finding, the nurse navigator con-
through the diagnosis and treatment More about Women’s nects with the patient to guide and
process, West Valley Medical Center Imaging Center educate through the challenges of
is emphasizing increased comfort diagnosis and treatment. Davis pro-
and support of breast cancer pa- The Women’s Imaging Center is located vides support, information and ser-
tients. next to the OB/GYN Associates clinic vices — along with answers to the
“We take great pride in the ad- on the third floor of the Family Medical many questions that often arise.
vancements we have made in our Center — 315 E. Elm St. – in Caldwell. The nurse navigator guides
breast cancer screening programs,” The Family Medical Center is adjacent breast cancer patients through the
said Janet Drake, the hospital’s mam- to West Valley Medical Center. entire care process by:
mography coordinator. “Our goal is For more information: 455-3905. - Directing them to those who
to set a new standard of care that our On the Web: www.westvalleymedctr.com can help answer their questions about
community can rely on.” insurance and payment options.
- Exploring available financial re-
sources for those without insurance.
Women’s Imaging Center - Collaborating with primary care pro-
Soothing music. Comfort-focused re- viders, surgeons and other health care team
freshments, décor, design and technology. members.
Privacy as a No. 1 goal. - Providing ongoing information regarding
From the reception desk to the exam rooms, treatment plans.
West Valley Women’s Imaging Center, which has - Informing patients and their families about
been open for about a year, has a spa atmosphere local support services — minimizing the need to
aimed at enhancing the patient experience. travel out of the community for such aid.
The Women’s Imaging Center’s digital - Helping patients schedule their ap-
mammography machine uses a selenium- pointments.
based direct-capture technology, which Beyond logistical support, most patients
eliminates light diffusion completely, pro- also want to clearly understand how their
ducing perfect clarity and exquisite image qual- care is being handled. The nurse navigator
ity. helps explain:
“We’re extremely excited about West Valley’s image qual- - The diagnosis.
ity, reduced exam times and better patient flow,” said Scott - Each step in the treatment plan.
Davis, the hospital’s CFO and COO. - The procedures and studies that may be necessary
This unit incorporates Hologic’s patented HTC grid tech- during one’s care and treatment.
nology that delivers higher-quality images and significantly - What to expect during hospitalization and recovery
reduces excess radiation to the breast. To decrease discom- at home.
fort caused by compression, the machine’s smart paddles
n Submitted by West Valley Medical Center
conform to the breast.
West Valley Medical Center also has 3-D/4-D ultrasound
imaging capabilities, meaning it can produce still images in Nurse navigator services
a 3-D presentation, such as a baby’s face, and moving 3-D For more information about nurse navigator services at West Valley Medical
images. Center, call Jennifer Davis at 455-3904.
Further, the hospital’s Lunar Prodigy Bone Densitometry
System enables it to scan both hips as well as the spine for
most routine patients, providing improved measurement ac- Program offers free screenings
curacy. This system significantly reduces the testing time for Local women may qualify for a free mammogram screening at West Valley
patients. Medical Center through the Tough Enough for Pink program.
Funds are available for women between the ages of 40 and 65 to receive
screening mammograms and for women of any age with breast symptoms
Nurse navigator to receive diagnostic mammograms.
This summer the hospital implemented its free nurse Women 40 to 65 years old are encouraged to seek free screenings if
navigator service, hiring registered nurse Jennifer Davis to they:
provide personal support for each breast cancer patient. The - Have no insurance.
program is available to any patient with a suspicion of or di- - Have insurance with a deductible of $2,000 or more.
agnosis of breast cancer. - Meet income criteria.
When patients and their families hear the word “cancer,” The Caldwell Night Rodeo raises money for this program annually at Tough
often they are overwhelmed by the emotions and decisions Enough for Pink Night, where rodeo participants and attendees are encour-
surrounding the diagnosis. The nurse navigator is just one aged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.
tool by which WVMC takes action on its dedication to serv- To apply for aid, visit the Tough Enough for Pink page at www.caldwell-
ing patients with compassion and kindness during a very dif- nightrodeo.com, where you’ll find an enrollment form, or call West Valley
ficult time. Medical Center at 455-3905. Photos by Chad Case

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 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Idaho Press-Tribune • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010
C M
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E9

“It was practically

a day at the spa.”
“Going in for my annual mammogram has never been much
fun, but this year I was happily surprised. The difference was the
new Women’s Imaging Center at West Valley Medical Center. It’s
an absolutely beautiful and relaxing atmosphere that makes you
feel pampered. Add to that a caring, professional staff and it won’t
take you long to figure out where I’m headed next year!”
- Mona, actual Women’s Imaging Center patient

Family Medical Center

is located at 315 East
Elm Street, Suite 330, on
the corner of Elm and
Arlington in Caldwell.

Call for more information

208-455-3905
or visit WestValleyIsBetter.com

Not Bigger. Just Better.

Not Bigger. Just Better.
 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 • Idaho Press-Tribune BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
10 E C M
Y K

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