News Seton Celebrates Breast Cancer Detection, Treatment and Awareness Programs

Launch of New Program Enhances Collaborative Approach to Cancer Care Planning

AUSTIN, Texas - (Oct. 4, 2011) - Seton Healthcare Family is recognizing October National Breast Cancer Awareness month by offering community activities throughout the network including health classes, mammography screenings and education forums.

The activities highlight Seton's comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and awareness programs as well as the expansion of these services for Central Texans.

"In October, Seton celebrates our ongoing work to improve early breast cancer detection and steps that will set new standards of care for breast cancer care and recovery," said Dr. Richard Declan Fleming, surgical oncologist and co-network oncology medical director for Seton Healthcare Family.

Seton Medical Center Austin recently launched a new collaborative approach to cancer care planning. Weekly multi-disciplinary breast cancer conferences bring together physicians and staff from a wide range of specialties, such as surgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, plastic surgery, and nutrition. The team reviews cases referred by treating physicians and provides information on treatment options to the doctors caring for those patients.

The conferences are part of a broader strategy to improve what can be a fragmented and frustrating experience for breast cancer patients. Seton's new cancer care program includes the development of the Seton Breast Cancer Center at the hospital on 38th street. The center, to open in 2013, will bring together the best medical technology, care and services in one convenient location, specially designed with the needs of the patient in mind.

Despite progress in treatment and recovery, according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women; the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 35. This rate varies across ethnic groups and is significantly higher in areas where medical care is less accessible. The good news is that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or locations outside the breast) is 98%.

Seton provides specialized breast cancer care to all women, including low-income and uninsured, a reflection of Seton's commitment to meet the medical needs of all Central Texans. Seton's mobile mammography program, with support from the Austin affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, brings screening mammography, breast health education and clinical exams by specially trained nurses to convenient locations across the region.

"The single most important factor for breast cancer survivorship is early detection," commented Diana Phillips, Seton director of network oncology services. "By partnering with respected Central Texas community organizations to offer culturally appropriate, free breast services, Seton is making early detection services accessible to all women."

From April 2010 to March 2011, nearly 1,830 women were screened at 121 sites in seven medically underserved counties. Of those screened, 203 women had an abnormal result and all were navigated to a definitive diagnosis.

In addition to screening mammography, Seton offers a full range of breast diagnostic services at select locations including: diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and stereotactic breast biopsies. To make a mammography appointment or to ask about locations for our other women's imaging services call 512-324-1199.

Seton Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities

• Seton Mobile Mammography Van site visits throughout October. Appointments are required. For information about the Seton Cancer Screening mobile mammography services, call 512-505-5523 or 866-294-4923
  • Oct 3 -5: Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, 927 Main St. Bastrop, Texas 78602
  • Oct 10: St. Peter UMC 4509 Springdale, Austin, Texas 78723
  • Oct 12-13: El Buen Samaritano, 7000 Woodhue, Austin, Texas 78745
  • Oct 17-18: First United Methodist Church, 401 East University Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78626
  • Oct 19: First United Methodist Church 313, W San Antonio, Lockhart, Texas 78644
  • Oct 27: Communicare Clinic 2810 Dacy Lane Kyle, Texas 78640
  • Oct 31: Austin Cancer Center 2600 East 19th St., Austin, Texas 78702
    
• Texas Governor's Commission for Women hosts 15th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day Event on October 12. The breakfast, hosted at El Buen Samaritano on 7000 Woodhue, Austin Texas 78745, will support breast cancer awareness and education as a celebration of survivorship including a presentation on Seton's breast cancer screening programs.
  
• Breast Health Luncheon presented by Ignite Women's Health on October 19 at Seton Medical Center Williamson. The chef prepared luncheon includes a Women's Breast Health presentation from Dr. Nancy Marquez, surgeon at Seton Medical Center Williamson, and breast health cooking demonstrations. The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. To RSVP or find out more information, contact Diane Plas at (512) 324-4804 or dlplas@seton.org.
  
• Pink Spa Day at Seton Southwest Healthcare Center on October 19. Join Seton Southwest for their annual Pink Day! Festivities will include breast cancer education sessions, food and mammograms. No appointment necessary for mammogram services. Complimentary spa services will be offered for those receiving mammograms. Get screened and pampered! For more information visit, sctaylor@seton.org.
  
• Seton Medical Center Hays Free Community Health Fair on October 22. In addition to general health and wellness information and screenings, the fair will offer breast cancer health and prevention resources. Open to the community from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  
• Ecumenical Hope & Healing Service: A Celebration of Remembrance & Survivorship on October 27 at Seton Medical Center Austin. The public event is open to patients, survivors, or family and friends touched by breast cancer. The service will being at 10:00 a.m. in the hospital chapel on the first floor. No reservation required.
  
• Seton Annual Pink Ball on October 23. The 34th Annual Seton Development Board Gala, "The Pink Ball", will benefit the development of the new Breast Cancer Center at Seton Medical Center Austin, the Sister Gertrude Levy Endowment to benefit the poor and vulnerable, and the Seton Nurse Scholarship Endowment. For more information visit, www.setonfund.org.

Seton Healthcare Family is a National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program site. The NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) is designed to create a community-based cancer center network to support cancer research and enhance access to and increase the quality of care at community hospitals.

For more information about the Seton Mobile Mammography Van and oncology services, contact Krystal Gilliam at klgilliam@seton.org of (512) 507-7604.